Connecticut Hardship License Insurance & SR-22 Filing
Connecticut requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Connecticut at a Glance
25/50/25
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
$175
State license reinstatement fee, about 10 days to process
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Connecticut
Connecticut operates under a traditional tort system, meaning the at-fault driver's liability coverage pays for damages. The state requires continuous proof of financial responsibility, enforced through random verification checks by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles. Suspended drivers applying for hardship relief must demonstrate SR-22 filing before a conditional license is granted.
Liability Coverage
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
What Drivers Pay in Connecticut
$351–$602/mo
Typical monthly rate in Connecticut, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Get Insured for the Drive to Work
Keep Driving to WorkIf your license is suspended
Special Use Permit (Special Operators Permit) for suspended drivers
application fee $100, about 10 days to process.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state acts on a lapse after 14 days.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hardship license in Connecticut and who qualifies?
A hardship license in Connecticut is a conditional driving privilege granted by the court during a suspension period, allowing work-related driving only. You qualify if you can prove employment requires driving, no alternative transportation exists, and you maintain SR-22 filing. The court sets approved hours, routes, and purposes at the hardship hearing.
How long does the Connecticut SR-22 requirement last for a hardship license?
Connecticut requires 3 years of continuous SR-22 filing after a DUI or major suspension. The 3-year period begins on the date of conviction, not the date you obtain the hardship license. Any lapse in SR-22 coverage triggers automatic re-suspension and restarts the 3-year clock from day one.
What happens if my SR-22 insurance lapses during my hardship license period?
The carrier notifies the Connecticut DMV within 10 days of cancellation. Your hardship license is immediately suspended, and the 3-year SR-22 requirement restarts from zero once you refile. You must reapply for hardship relief through a new court hearing and pay reinstatement fees again.
What driving is allowed under a Connecticut hardship license?
Connecticut hardship licenses restrict driving to employment-related purposes during court-approved hours and routes. Most orders allow direct travel to and from work, plus work-related errands during employment hours. Personal errands, social driving, and detours are prohibited. Violation triggers immediate revocation and extends the underlying suspension.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Connecticut DMV. Required for 3 years after DUI, excessive points, or driving while suspended.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability-only SR-22 policy for drivers who do not own a vehicle but need proof of financial responsibility to maintain a hardship license.
Liability Insurance
Covers injury and property damage you cause to others. Connecticut requires 25/50/25 minimums, which are insufficient for most multi-car accidents.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and lost wages when hit by a driver with no insurance or a hit-and-run driver.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
High-risk coverage for drivers with DUI convictions, suspended licenses, or hardship license restrictions. Written by specialized carriers who accept SR-22 filings.