Auto Insurance in Norwalk, CT

Your Guide to Applying for Auto Insurance in Norwalk, CT

Fairfield County's harbor town of Norwalk, Connecticut, dates to 1649. Known for tourist attractions such as the Maritime Aquarium and the Sheffield Island Lighthouse, the city also has many jobs in manufacturing, healthcare, and the arts. Whether you're buying insurance for the first time or exploring new providers, here's your step-by-step guide to getting auto insurance in Norwalk CT.

1. Understand the Requirements

Connecticut requires you to have car insurance and carry proof of it whenever you're driving, whether you're on a major road such as Governor John Davis Lodge Turnpike or a smaller street such as Salt Box Lane. You must have both liability and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. The first kind covers damages or injuries you cause to other drivers; the second protects you if you get hit by someone who doesn't have insurance. 

For liability insurance in Connecticut, your policy must cover $25,000 in property damage and $50,000 in medical expenses for each accident. For uninsured motorist insurance, you must have at least $50,000 of coverage for each accident and $25,000 of coverage for each person. You can have higher limits if you're worried about accidents and you're able to afford higher premiums. Also, if you want more of either kind of insurance than your provider offers, you can purchase excess liability insurance.

2. Learn About More Types of Coverage

There are many types of auto insurance in Norwalk, CT besides these two required ones. Basic reparations insurance, which used to be required and is sometimes called medical payments insurance, helps cover accident-related medical bills for you and other members of your household. If you live in a high-crime neighborhood and you're worried about vandalism or theft, comprehensive coverage helps with these problems. Collision coverage provides extra help paying for repairs after you get hit by a car or collide with an obstacle. 

3. Think About Your Driving History

When you meet with an insurance broker to discuss your plan for auto insurance in Norwalk, CT, he or she will probably ask for your driver's license number. That way, your provider can look up your driving history and see if you have a history of moving violations or other infractions. If you've been found guilty of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence, you may have a hard time getting coverage. At the same time, if you have a history of violations but you've gone to driver improvement school and have maintained a clean record since then, it's easier to sign up for a policy.

Even if you think you know what your driving history looks like, contact your Department of Motor Vehicles to view it before meeting with your insurance broker. If there's a reason behind your poor record, be ready to discuss it and offer solutions to reassure your provider.

4. Work with a Broker

When you're ready to purchase auto insurance in Norwalk CT, talk to an insurance broker. Bring your driver's license and vehicle registration, and ask in advance if you need other supporting documents:

• Social Security card
• Home address
• Bank account information
• Birth certificate

Prepare to answer questions about your credit history, marital status, and household members so that your broker can assess your potential risk.

This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.