does a no insurance ticket have to be paid before my claim can be paid ?

I am a lawyer in CT and pracrtice in this area of the law. Just because the defendant fails to show up for the ticket does not make your case better.  Nor is the other driver at fault becasue he was not insured.  His failure to show up will affect his license as it could be suspended for failing to apear.  You should get an estimate of the damages and file a claim against this driver.  Although the police did not find anyone at fault, you can argue to the judge that the other driver is at fault.  if the damages exceed the amount you can get in small claims court, you shoudl hire a lawyer to sue the driver in the superior court.