The Problem with Connecticut's "Minimum Limits"

To understand why UM/UIM coverage is so important, you first have to understand the law. The State of Connecticut only requires drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability.

While $25,000 sounds like a lot of money, it disappears instantly in a serious crash. A single ambulance ride, an emergency room visit, and a few months of missed work can easily exceed that limit.

If the at-fault driver has no assets or savings, you cannot simply sue them for the difference. They are what lawyers call "judgment proof." You cannot get blood from a stone. This is why your own auto policy is your most important financial safety net

What is UM/UIM Coverage

When you buy car insurance, you are not just protecting other people from your mistakes. You are also paying to protect yourself. UM/UIM coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver fails to cover your damages.

Uninsured Motorist (UM)

This coverage applies if the driver who hit you has zero insurance. It also applies in "Hit and Run" cases where the other driver flees the scene and cannot be identified. In these situations, your insurance company steps in and acts as if they were the insurer for the missing driver.

Underinsured Motorist (UIM)

This coverage applies when the driver who hit you has insurance, but their policy limit is too low to pay for all your injuries. Once you collect the full amount from the other driver’s insurance, you can open a claim against your own UIM policy to cover the remaining balance.

The Hidden Math: Standard vs. Conversion Coverage

This is the most confusing part of Connecticut insurance law. Most people assume that if they have $100,000 in coverage, they can stack that on top of the other driver’s insurance. That is often incorrect.

Standard Coverage (The Offset)

Most policies in Connecticut are written as "Standard" coverage. Under this rule, your insurance company gets a credit for whatever the other driver pays you.

Example:

• You have $50,000 in UIM coverage.
• The driver who hit you pays you their limit of $25,000.
• Your insurance company subtracts that payment from your limit ($50,000 minus $25,000).
• Result: You can only collect $25,000 from your own policy.



Conversion Coverage (The Better Option)

If you purchased "Conversion" coverage, the rules change in your favor. This type of policy allows you to stack your full coverage on top of the at-fault driver's payment.

Example:

• You have $50,000 in Conversion UIM coverage.
• The driver who hit you pays you their limit of $25,000.
• Your insurance company does not get a credit.
• Result: You can collect the full $50,000 from your own policy, for a total of $75,000.

Why Your Own Insurance Company Becomes the Adversary

Many clients believe that because they have paid their premiums on time for years, their insurance company will treat them fairly. Unfortunately, this changes the moment you file a UM/UIM claim.

When you ask your own insurer for money under this policy, their role shifts. They effectively step into the shoes of the driver who hit you. Their financial goal is now to prove that your injuries are not that serious or that the accident was partially your fault.



You are no longer their customer in this transaction. You are a liability. This is why it is dangerous to negotiate a UM/UIM claim without an attorney. The adjuster on the phone is trained to save the company money, not to ensure you are fully compensated.

Don't Leave Money on the Table

If you were hit by a driver with little or no insurance, do not assume you are out of luck. You may have substantial coverage available under your own policy that you don't even know about.

At Walker Injury Law, we review every possible avenue of compensation. We will analyze your policy, determine if you have Conversion coverage, and fight to ensure your own insurance company holds up their end of the bargain. Contact our Enfield, CT office today at (860) 789-1000 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Common Questions About UM/UIM Claims