Colorado Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements (2024)
Colorado requires a minimum of 25/50/15 for bodily injury and property damage coverage. The average rate of auto insurance is around $43.33/mo.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
UPDATED: May 21, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: May 21, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Colorado drivers are required to meet the state’s legal requirement for car insurance, and some drivers may also have auto lender requirements for car insurance
- Many Colorado drivers opt to purchase more than the minimum amount of car insurance that is required to take advantage of the financial benefits that it provides
- Requesting auto insurance rate quotes online is a fast and convenient way to shop for new car insurance rates in Colorado
If you plan to drive in Colorado, you need to be aware of what the Colorado minimum insurance requirements are. You also need to review your current coverage to ensure that you are in compliance with Colorado minimum car insurance requirements.
Colorado is one of many states that has passed financial responsibility laws for motorists.
Colorado car insurance laws state that drivers must take financial responsibility for any damages they cause to others while they are driving.
However, the cost of even a moderate car accident can be eye-boggling, and Colorado has created liability insurance requirements to ensure that all motorists can at least pay for a certain amount of the damages that they cause to others while they are driving throughout the state.
Learning more about Colorado auto insurance requirements and exploring the need to purchase more than Colorado car insurance minimums can help you to be a more informed consumer.
Compare quotes and coverage options using our free tool above. Enter your ZIP code to get started.
How to Read Colorado Car Insurance Requirements
Buying car insurance in Colorado can seem confusing or complicated, and you may be baffled about how to read the insurance requirements. Be aware that the Colorado state minimum auto insurance requirements are listed in terms of coverage type and coverage amount.
The coverage amount is the minimum amount of that specific type of insurance that you are required to buy, and it is also the maximum amount of money that the insurance company will pay out per claim.
These are a few of the more common auto insurance types that you may run across as you look for new Colorado car insurance coverage:
- Bodily Injury Liability – In the event that you cause injuries to another person while you are driving, bodily injury liability insurance will pay for their medical expenses up to the coverage limits. This is a type of required car insurance in Colorado.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) /Medical Payments – Bodily injury liability insurance does not pay for your own medical expenses, but PIP does. This is an optional type of coverage, so you must specifically ask for it to be added to your coverage if you want this benefit.
- Property Damage Liability – This type of car insurance pays for the vehicle repairs for the other party in an accident if you cause the damage. This is a required car insurance type in Colorado.
- Collision – Collision car insurance pays for your own vehicle’s repairs or for a full replacement only if the car is damaged in a car accident. This is optional coverage.
- Comprehensive – Comprehensive car insurance pays for your own vehicle’s repairs or for a full replacement if the car is damaged or lost via theft, vandalism, bad weather conditions, an accident, and many other damaging events. This is optional coverage in Colorado.
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage – This coverage is required in some states, but it is optional for Colorado drivers. It pays for your repairs and medical bills in the event that you are affected by a hit and run accident or an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Liability insurance is required by state law in Colorado, but some drivers must also purchase optional coverage types as a term of their car loan.
A good example of this law is auto lenders who require drivers to purchase comprehensive insurance. This requirement would be in addition to the state’s liability insurance requirement.
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Colorado Minimum Car Insurance Coverage
You may be wondering exactly how much insurance you need to buy to comply with Colorado insurance laws. The minimum auto insurance limits in Colorado are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage liability per accident
These Colorado insurance minimums are for the typical use of a private vehicle.
If you use your car for business purposes, if it is a classic car that is not driven, or if other special situations apply for your vehicle, research the car insurance requirements in Colorado that pertain to you before you spend time shopping around for new quotes.
Read More: Cheapest Teen Driver Auto Insurance in Colorado
The Penalties for Being Uninsured
Colorado strictly enforces the minimum auto insurance requirement, and it uses automated measures to identify those who are not in compliance with this requirement.
If you fail to comply with Colorado state minimum car insurance requirements, you may face penalties that include:
- A $500 minimum fine
- Four points added to your driving record
- A license suspension
- Community service
Minimum Car Insurance in Colorado vs. Recommended Coverage
If you are thinking about updating your auto insurance in Colorado, you may be wondering if you should think about buying more than the state minimum car insurance in Colorado.
Be aware that you are financially responsible for all damages you cause while driving, and this includes damages that exceed the limits of your coverage.
If you want to reduce the risk of having to pay high out-of-pocket expenses related to an accident or another event, it makes sense to consider getting a quote for more than the minimum amount of coverage required.
You may also benefit from purchasing optional auto coverage types. For example, you can add towing coverage or rental car reimbursement to your coverage to enjoy the extra benefits that these coverages can provide to you in specific situations.
You need your Colorado auto coverage to be affordable, but you also need it to be protective of your needs.
You can use car insurance discounts, adjustments to your deductible, and other strategies to save money on the type and amount of car insurance coverage that you really need.
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How to Get Car Insurance in Colorado
Many Colorado drivers will benefit from shopping around for new rates every six months. Rates and terms can change periodically, and shopping around helps you to identify potential savings.
You can get Colorado car insurance quotes the fast and easy way when you shop online. Look for providers who offer competitive rates as well as friendly service, and pay attention to their financial strength to make the best buying decision possible.
Compare car insurance quotes side by side by using our free rate tool below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum auto insurance required in Colorado?
So, what car insurance is required in Colorado? Colorado auto insurance minimums are as follows:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $15,000 per accident
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
Are the minimum coverage limits in Colorado sufficient?
While the minimum coverage limits meet the legal requirements in Colorado, they may not provide adequate protection in more serious accidents. It’s often recommended to consider higher coverage limits to ensure you have enough financial protection in case of an accident.
Are there any additional auto insurance requirements in Colorado?
Yes, in addition to the minimum coverage requirements, Colorado auto insurance laws also require all drivers to carry proof of insurance in their vehicles and present it when requested by law enforcement officers. Failure to provide proof of insurance may result in penalties or fines.
How much insurance do I need Colorado?
Colorado requires drivers to have minimum liability insurance coverage.
What are the requirements for car insurance in Denver?
As Denver is a city in Colorado, the car insurance requirements are the same as the state minimums.
What is the liability limit in Colorado?
The liability limits in Colorado are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
What is the cheapest car insurance in Colorado?
Companies such as Geico, State Farm, and USAA offer the cheapest car insurance in Colorado.
Is Colorado a no-fault state?
Colorado follows a traditional tort system where the at-fault driver is responsible for damages and injuries caused in an accident.
Does Colorado require proof of insurance?
Yes, drivers in Colorado must carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times and provide it upon request by law enforcement.
What is considered full coverage car insurance in Colorado?
Full coverage insurance in Colorado typically includes the state’s minimum liability coverage as well as collision and comprehensive coverage.
What is Colorado compliant insurance?
It means having an auto insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum liability requirements.
What is the average cost of auto insurance in Colorado?
So, how much is the average car insurance per month in Colorado? Colorado auto insurance rates average $108 to $140 for full coverage, while minimum coverage averages around $33 to $58 per month.
Can you insure a car you don’t own in Colorado?
Yes, you can insure a car you don’t own in Colorado. You will need to be listed as the primary driver on the insurance policy, and you may need permission from the vehicle owner.
Is Colorado a strict liability state?
Colorado is not a strict liability state for auto insurance. It follows a fault-based system.
How much is liability insurance in Colorado?
On average, minimum liability coverage can cost between $25 and $58 per month, depending on various factors such as the driver’s age, driving history, and location.
What is 100/300/50 liability limits?
This means your policy will include:
- $100,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $300,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
- $50,000 for property damage
What types of insurance are not required by Colorado law?
The following insurance types are not required by Colorado law:
- Collision Coverage
- Comprehensive Coverage
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
- Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Is it illegal to drive without insurance in Colorado?
Yes, it is illegal to drive without insurance in Colorado. Penalties include fines, license suspension, and potentially jail time.
Does Colorado have high car insurance rates?
Colorado has relatively high car insurance rates compared to some other states.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Colorado?
Colorado laws don’t require uninsured motorist coverage. However, you do need uninsured motorist coverage in Colorado to keep yourself protected.
Uninsured motorist coverage in Colorado will protect you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or a hit-and-run driver.
Do you have to have car insurance in Colorado?
Yes, the Colorado law requires you to have evidence of liability insurance to be able to legally drive.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.