Connecticut Home Insurance

If you own a home in Connecticut, you may want to protect it with homeowners insurance. Homeowners insurance is not required by law in Connecticut, but it may be required by your mortgage lender or your condo association. Homeowners insurance can cover the cost of repairing or replacing your home and personal property if they are damaged by certain perils, such as fire, windstorm, hail, lightning, theft, or vandalism. It can also cover your liability if you are sued for causing injury or property damage to others.

Homeowners insurance policies vary in terms of what they cover and how much they cost. You can customize your policy to suit your needs and budget by choosing the coverage limits, deductibles, and optional endorsements that work for you. Some of the common coverage options for homeowners insurance in Connecticut are:

- Dwelling coverage: This covers the structure of your home and any attached structures, such as a garage or a deck. It also covers built-in appliances, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. You should have enough dwelling coverage to rebuild your home in case of a total loss.

- Other structures coverage: This covers detached structures on your property, such as a fence, a shed, or a gazebo. It is usually 10% of your dwelling coverage limit, but you can increase it if needed.

- Personal property coverage: This covers your personal belongings, such as furniture, clothing, electronics, and jewelry. It is usually 50% to 70% of your dwelling coverage limit, but you can increase it if needed. You may also need special coverage for high-value items, such as art, antiques, or collectibles.

- Loss of use coverage: This covers your additional living expenses if you have to move out of your home temporarily due to a covered loss. It can pay for hotel bills, restaurant meals, and other costs. It is usually 20% to 30% of your dwelling coverage limit.

- Personal liability coverage: This covers your legal responsibility if you or a member of your household cause bodily injury or property damage to someone else. It can pay for medical bills, legal fees, and court judgments. It usually starts at $100,000 per occurrence, but you can increase it if needed. You may also need an umbrella policy for extra liability protection.

- Medical payments coverage: This covers minor medical expenses for guests who are injured on your property, regardless of who is at fault. It usually ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 per person.

Homeowners insurance policies in Connecticut typically exclude damage caused by flooding, earthquakes, mold, wear and tear, and intentional acts. You may need to buy separate policies or endorsements for these risks.

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Connecticut was $1,479 per year in 2017, according to the Insurance Information Institute. This was higher than the national average of $1,211 per year. The cost of homeowners insurance depends on many factors, such as the location, age, size, and condition of your home; the coverage options and limits you choose; the deductible you pay; and your credit score and claims history.

The Connecticut homeowners insurance market is highly competitive and dominated by national carriers. You can compare quotes from different insurers online or through an agent to find the best deal for your situation. You can also look for discounts that may lower your premium, such as bundling your home and auto policies with the same insurer; installing protective devices such as smoke alarms and security systems; being a non-smoker; and having a good credit score.

Connecticut homeowners insurance laws and regulations are overseen by the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID). The CID regulates the licensing and conduct of insurers and agents in the state; monitors the financial solvency and market conduct of insurers; reviews and approves rates and forms; investigates complaints and fraud; and provides consumer education and assistance. You can contact the CID if you have any questions or issues regarding your homeowners insurance policy or claim.