Introduction

Imagine this: you're driving home on I-95 or Route 8 when another car slams into you. You're left with hospital bills, time out of work, and maybe even permanent injuries. Then you learn the other driver either has no insurance—or barely enough to cover a fraction of your costs.

Unfortunately, this is not rare. Connecticut drivers face real risks from uninsured and underinsured motorists (UM/UIM). One of the smartest ways to protect yourself and your family is by raising your auto insurance limits.

1. The Problem: Too Many Drivers Are Uninsured or Underinsured • Uninsured drivers: Despite laws requiring insurance, many drivers in Connecticut take the road without coverage.

• Underinsured drivers: Others only carry the state minimum limits ($25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident), which is nowhere near enough if you suffer serious injuries in a crash.

That means you could be left paying out-of-pocket for medical care, lost wages, or long-term rehabilitation—unless you have strong UM/UIM coverage.

2. What UM/UIM Coverage Actually Does

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage steps in when:

• The at-fault driver has no insurance.

• The at-fault driver's insurance is too low to cover your damages.

• You're hit as a pedestrian or cyclist by an uninsured driver.

• You're involved in a hit-and-run accident.

In these situations, your own policy acts like the other driver's insurance, providing compensation for your injuries, lost income, and other damages.

3. Why Higher Limits Matter

• Medical costs add up quickly: A single hospital stay or surgery can easily exceed the $25,000 state minimum.

• Lost wages: If you miss weeks or months of work, low-limit policies won't even come close to covering your losses.

• Long-term care: Traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, or chronic pain conditions may require years of treatment.

Without higher limits, you risk exhausting the coverage quickly and being left with uncovered bills.

4. How Much Coverage Should You Have?

While the right number depends on your income, assets, and family needs, many Connecticut injury attorneys recommend carrying at least:

• $100,000 / $300,000 (per person / per accident) in UM/UIM coverage.

• Higher if you can afford it, especially if you have dependents or limited health insurance.

The difference in premium costs is often much smaller than people expect—yet the protection can be life-changing.

5. A Real-World Example

Let's say you're seriously injured in a crash caused by a driver with the state minimum of $25,000 coverage. Your hospital bills alone total $75,000. Without higher UM/UIM limits, you could be responsible for the $50,000 gap.

But if you carry $250,000 UM/UIM coverage, your own policy will step in to make up the difference, ensuring you aren't left financially devastated.

6. Legal Tip: Connecticut Law Protects Your Right to UM/UIM

Connecticut requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage equal to your liability limits. If you want less, you must sign a waiver. That means if you raise your liability limits, your UM/UIM protection usually increases as well.

This is one of the strongest consumer protections in the country—but only if you take advantage of it.

Conclusion

Being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Connecticut can turn your life upside down. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to review your auto insurance policy now and raise your UM/UIM limits before an accident happens.

At Winer Beck Injury Law, we've seen firsthand how underinsured drivers can leave accident victims struggling. We help clients recover the full compensation they deserve—but having higher UM/UIM limits makes a world of difference.

📞 If you've been injured in a crash, call us today for a free consultation.