Connecticut law requires that all registered motor vehicles have liability insurance. Insurance must be maintained at all times when there is an active registration entitling the vehicle to be operated on the public highway. Information concerning the minimum amounts of insurance and other questions relating to automobile insurance may be directed to the State of Connecticut Insurance Department at 860-297-3800.

How are insurance violators identified?

Connecticut mandatory insurance reporting law protects all of us by requiring insurance companies to report records of uninsured vehicles. Following a matching process of other active insurance and registration records, vehicles in violation are reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for administrative action.

What is Connecticut's Registration Certificate?

When you register or renew a vehicle registration, you must certify insurance coverage. Your signature attests that minimum vehicle liability insurance will be maintained throughout the registration period and the vehicle will not be driven without insurance. Action must be taken by the DMV if this statement is not honored.

What will happen if I drop insurance on a vehicle or have a lapse of coverage?

Whenever insurance coverage is cancelled, the DMV is notified by the insurance company and the registrant is mailed a Warning Notice offering the opportunity to enter into a consent agreement, obtain insurance, and pay a fine of $200. By doing so, no further action will be taken against the registrant as long as insurance is maintained.

What if I don't respond to the notice?

Failure to comply with the warning notice will result in the mailing of a Suspension Notice. At that time, a hearing may be requested. An adverse decision following an administrative hearing will result in:

• Suspension of registration
• Loss of all privileges to renew or register ANY motor vehicle

How do I keep from being reported to the DMV?

Maintain liability insurance if you intend to operate your vehicle and have active registration plates. If you do not intend to operate your vehicle, return your marker plates and either cancel them or place them on hold.

What if I am not using my seasonal vehicle and wish to retain my marker plates?

Request in writing through your insurance carrier "suspension of liability." Be sure to keep comprehensive coverage during that time which reduces your insurance rate and keeps your vehicle from being reported. While doing this, you must NOT operate your vehicle.

What if I don't want to pay insurance while my car is inoperable or being stored?

You may turn your marker plates into any DMV and request that they be placed on "hold." At that time, you may then drop all insurance coverage on the vehicle. You may also cancel your plates and request a refund if a year or more remains unused.

What do I do with my plates when I move out of state?

Fill out a change of address card for both your license and registration(s), then return your marker plates to the DMV and obtain a receipt. This will keep you from being reported as an insurance violator and also stop taxes from accruing.

What if my plates were lost or stolen?

Complete an Marker Plate Notice (form E-159), available online or at any DMV branch office. Be sure to obtain a receipt.

How do I cancel my registration if my plates were turned into the state to which I moved?

Your marker plates are not returned to Connecticut from your new state; therefore, you must provide a letter requesting your registration(s) be cancelled and address be updated for all DMV records.

How do I notify the DMV that a registrant is deceased?

Notify the DMV by providing a copy of the death certificate or obituary and a letter of request to send all future correspondence to the party responsible for the estate.

If I am selling my vehicle and wish to keep my marker plates, what do I do?

Prior to the sale of the vehicle, you may request "suspension of liability", keeping comprehensive coverage on the vehicle. By doing so, you may keep the plates on the car until it is sold and remain in compliance with the law.

Following the sale of your vehicle, you must bring your plates in and either place them on "hold" until you are ready to use them again or cancel them. Should you have more than a year left of the registration, you may request a one-year refund. This must be done prior to the dropping of insurance on that vehicle.

When must I provide proof of insurance to the DMV?

• When your previous insurer informs the DMV that your policy has been cancelled and the DMV notifies you that proof of insurance is necessary. Depending on when you change your insurance carrier, your new insurance provider may be unable to provide information to show coverage prior to your being mailed a warning letter.
• If you are randomly selected and your insurer on record with the DMV cannot verify that you are currently insured.

How do I provide proof of insurance?

When you are requested to provide proof of insurance coverage, a declaration page or valid permanent insurance card identifying the vehicle(s) in question are the only acceptable forms of verification.  Temporary insurance cards, bills, or binders are not acceptable.

How do I rectify my insurance case once my registration has been suspended?

• Pay an uninsured motorist penalty for each lapse of insurance of $200.00.
  
• Provide proof of insurance.
  
  Upon receipt of the above, your registration suspension will be rescinded and your current registration will then be valid.

Avoid Penalties!

Be sure to return your marker plates and registration immediately to any DMV office and obtain a receipt when you cancel your insurance or sell or transfer ownership of your vehicle.

How do I contact the DMV Insurance Compliance Unit?

Department of Motor Vehicles
Insurance Compliance Unit
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161-4020
Phone: 1-800-842-8222 within the Hartford area or 860-263-5700.