Connecticut FTA License Suspension & Reinstatement

Connecticut suspends driving privileges immediately when you miss a court date for a traffic citation. A bench warrant may be issued, creating arrest risk. You must clear the Failure-to-Appear hold through the court before the DMV will process reinstatement—typically $175 reinstatement fee after court resolution.

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Non-Standard Auto · SR-22 · Senior · Teen Drivers

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Updated May 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Connecticut

Connecticut operates under a tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver's insurance pays for injuries and damage. The state requires continuous proof of insurance—any lapse triggers an automatic suspension separate from the FTA hold. If you missed court for an uninsured-driving citation, you face two distinct suspensions: the FTA hold and a lapse suspension once the ticket is adjudicated.

Connecticut cityscape and street view
25/50
Bodily Injury Liability
Connecticut requires $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability. This minimum covers less than the average emergency room visit for a serious injury. If the FTA citation you missed was for uninsured driving, the court will typically require proof of current coverage at your appearance—bring your insurance ID card and policy declaration page.
$25,000
Property Damage Liability
Connecticut mandates $25,000 property damage liability minimum. The average repair cost for a mid-size sedan totaled in a collision exceeds $30,000, leaving you personally liable for the difference. Connecticut law allows injured parties to file a civil suit directly against you for amounts exceeding your policy limit.
25/50
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Connecticut requires uninsured motorist coverage matching your liability limits unless you reject it in writing at policy inception. Roughly 12% of Connecticut drivers are uninsured. If you're cleared from the FTA hold and purchasing new coverage, the carrier will present the rejection form—verbal rejection does not count and the coverage is added automatically if unsigned.
Underlying citation dependent
SR-22 Certificate (Conditional)
Connecticut does not require SR-22 for FTA holds alone. If the citation you missed court for was uninsured driving, reckless driving, or driving under suspension, the court or DMV may require SR-22 filing for 3 years after conviction. The SR-22 is not insurance—it's a certificate your carrier files electronically with the DMV proving you maintain continuous coverage. Most standard carriers file SR-22; expect a $25–$50 annual filing fee.
State-Mandated Minimum Coverage · Connecticut

Connecticut Minimum Coverage

CoverageMinimum
Bodily Injury (per person)$25,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)$50,000
Property Damage$25,000

License Reinstatement Fee$175

Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your Connecticut quote.

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How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Connecticut?

Connecticut insurance rates reflect the state's high population density, elevated repair costs, and no-fault medical payment requirements. FTA holds themselves don't increase premiums—but the underlying conviction often does, and if SR-22 filing is required, expect a 20–40% rate increase for 3 years.

What Affects Your Rate

  • FTA convictions themselves rarely appear on insurance underwriting reports—but the underlying citation conviction does, typically adding 15–30% to base rates.
  • SR-22 filing requirement adds $25–$50 annually in filing fees plus 20–40% premium increase for high-risk classification.
  • Connecticut ZIP codes in Bridgeport, Hartford, and New Haven show average rates 30–50% higher than rural Litchfield County due to theft and accident frequency.
  • Drivers with a suspended license history pay 40–60% higher premiums for 3 years after reinstatement, even without new violations.
  • Lapse in coverage—common after FTA suspension—creates a rate penalty of 25–50% when purchasing new policies.
Minimum Coverage
$95–$145/mo
State minimum 25/50/25 liability with uninsured motorist. Adequate for clearing the FTA hold and meeting DMV proof requirements, but insufficient for most accident scenarios.
Standard Coverage
$140–$210/mo
100/300/100 liability limits with collision and comprehensive on financed vehicles. Covers most moderate accidents without personal liability exposure.
Full Coverage
$200–$310/mo
250/500/100 liability with $500 deductibles and medical payments coverage. Protects assets and covers serious multi-vehicle accidents common on I-95 and Route 15 corridors.

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