Living in Westport means you've got the best of both worlds: a charming Gold Coast town with beach access and an easy commute to New York City. But with that coastal lifestyle comes unique insurance considerations you won't find inland. Whether you're protecting a waterfront home near Compo Beach, insuring your vehicles on Post Road, or making sure your family's assets are properly covered, understanding your insurance options is essential.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about insurance in Westport, from state requirements to local considerations specific to Fairfield County. We'll cover auto, home, flood, and umbrella coverage—and help you understand what makes sense for your situation.
Auto Insurance Requirements in Connecticut
Connecticut law requires every driver to carry minimum liability coverage, and the state hasn't changed these requirements for 2025. You need at least 25/50/25 coverage, which breaks down to $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. On top of that, Connecticut mandates uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at the same 25/50 limits.
Here's the thing, though: those minimums rarely make sense in a town like Westport. If you're at fault in an accident involving another driver's luxury vehicle—which is common around here—$25,000 in property damage coverage might not even cover their repairs. And medical bills from a serious injury can easily exceed $50,000. Most insurance professionals recommend at least 100/300/100 coverage, and many Westport residents carry significantly higher limits given the local demographics.
If you drive without insurance in Connecticut, you're looking at at least a $100 fine and a one-month license suspension for your first offense. Second violations bump that suspension to six months. Connecticut operates under a fault-based system, meaning whoever causes the accident is responsible for damages—which makes having solid coverage even more important.
Home Insurance and Coastal Considerations
Homeowners insurance in Westport needs to reflect the value of your property, and in this market, that's substantial. Your standard policy should cover your dwelling, personal property, liability protection, and additional living expenses if you're displaced by a covered loss. But there's a critical gap in most homeowners policies that catches people off guard: flood damage isn't covered.
Given Westport's location on Long Island Sound, flood insurance isn't optional—it's essential. FEMA has actually proposed revisions to Westport's Flood Insurance Rate Maps, which could change special flood hazard areas and base flood elevations throughout town. If you have a mortgage and live in a high-risk flood zone, your lender will require flood coverage. But even if you're in a moderate-risk area, consider this: according to FEMA, one in three flood insurance claims come from moderate to low-risk zones.
The average Connecticut homeowner with federal flood insurance pays about $1,426 annually for roughly $273,000 in coverage. Coastal properties like those in Westport typically pay more, but that cost is minimal compared to the potential loss from a major storm. Keep in mind there's a 30-day waiting period for flood policies to take effect, so don't wait until hurricane season to get coverage.
Umbrella Policies: Extra Protection for Your Assets
If you own significant assets—which many Westport residents do—an umbrella policy provides an extra layer of liability protection beyond your auto and home policies. Let's say you cause a serious car accident and the damages exceed your auto liability limits. Without an umbrella policy, your personal assets, including your home, savings, and investments, could be at risk in a lawsuit.
Umbrella policies typically start at $1 million in coverage and are surprisingly affordable—often just a few hundred dollars annually. They kick in after your underlying auto or home liability limits are exhausted, and they also cover certain claims that your primary policies might not, like libel or slander. For families with substantial net worth or anyone concerned about protecting what they've built, umbrella coverage is worth serious consideration.
Working with Local Westport Insurance Agents
Westport is home to six established local insurance agencies, many with deep roots in the community. Agencies like Benson/Quinlan have been serving Westport since 1926, bringing nearly a century of local expertise. Cross Private Client Insurance (formerly Daigle & Travers) specializes in high-net-worth clients throughout Fairfield County, understanding the unique needs of affluent families. AssuredPartners also maintains a Westport office focused on personal insurance for clients with significant assets.
Working with a local independent agent has real advantages. They understand Westport's specific risks—from coastal flooding to the high value of homes in neighborhoods near downtown Westport or along the shoreline. Independent agents can compare policies from multiple carriers to find you the best combination of coverage and price, rather than being limited to a single company's products. And when you need to file a claim, having someone local who knows your property and situation can make the process much smoother.
National carriers like State Farm and Nationwide also have agents in Westport if you prefer working with a familiar brand. The key is choosing an agent who takes time to understand your specific situation rather than just selling you a one-size-fits-all policy.
Getting Started: Your Next Steps
Start by reviewing your current coverage to see if you're meeting Connecticut's minimum requirements and whether those limits actually protect your assets. If you're carrying just the state minimums, it's time for an upgrade. Pull out your home and auto policies and look at your liability limits, deductibles, and any gaps in coverage.
Next, assess your flood risk. Check FEMA's flood maps to see where your property stands. If you're anywhere near the coast or in a flood-prone area, get quotes for flood insurance. Don't assume your homeowners policy has you covered—it doesn't.
Finally, reach out to a local independent agent for a comprehensive insurance review. They can identify gaps you might have missed and package your auto, home, flood, and umbrella coverage in a way that makes sense for your family. Many agencies can bundle policies to save you money while ensuring you're properly protected. Living in Westport means enjoying an exceptional quality of life—make sure your insurance keeps pace with what you've built.
