Best Car Insurance in Colorado for 2025 [See the Top 10 Companies]

Geico, Farmers, and State Farm offer the best car insurance in Colorado. Geico has the cheapest car insurance rates in Colorado, starting at $28 per month for minimum coverage.

These companies excel due to their competitive car insurance rates by state, robust coverage options, and efficient customer service. This article discusses their features, prices, and advantages, making it easier to choose the best provider for your needs.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Best Car Insurance in Colorado

Get the best Colorado car insurance by entering your ZIP code into our free tool to get instant quotes from the top local companies.

#1 – Geico: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• High Bundling Discount: Save up to 25% on multiple insurance plans across Colorado. Read our Geico car insurance review for more information.
• Nationwide Availability: Consistent insurance services are available in Denver and other cities.
• Safe Driver Program: Insurance savings for drivers with clean records in many Colorado cities.

Cons

• Limited Coverage Options: Fewer customizable insurance plans are available in smaller Colorado cities.
• Unclear Local Support: Some areas in Colorado lack personalized insurance agent services.

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#2 – Farmers: Best for Family Plans

Pros

• Family-Focused Coverage: Tailored insurance for families in Colorado cities.
• Accident Forgiveness: A unique insurance feature protects rates in Colorado locations.
• Customizable Policies: Wide array of insurance options to fit Colorado family needs. Uncover additional insights in our Farmers car insurance review.

Cons

• Higher Rates for Young Drivers: Insurance premiums for younger family members in Denver may be more expensive.
• Limited Digital Discounts: Fewer insurance savings for online policies in smaller Colorado areas.

#3 – State Farm: Best for Cheap Rates

Pros

• Consistently Low Premiums: Affordable insurance rates in major Colorado cities.
• Extensive Agent Network: Access to local insurance agents throughout Denver and beyond.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Broad insurance protection options across Colorado cities.

Cons

• Fewer Special Programs: Lacks insurance incentives like vanishing deductibles in Colorado. Learn more in this State Farm car insurance review.
• Essential Online Tools: The insurance management platform could improve in Denver and other areas.

#4 – Progressive: Best for Online Management

Pros

• Streamlined Online Services: Manage insurance easily in Denver and other cities.
• Snapshot Program: Insurance rewards for safe driving in many Colorado cities.
• Unique Coverage Add-Ons: Includes insurance options like pet protection across Colorado.

Cons

• Less Personal Interaction: Limited insurance support in smaller Colorado cities. Get further insights in our Progressive car insurance review.
• Discounts Limited to Certain States: Some insurance savings are unavailable in Denver.

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#5 – Nationwide: Best for Commercial Insurance

Pros

• Specialized Business Insurance: Ideal for commercial vehicle insurance in Denver. Access more details in this Nationwide car insurance review.
• Vanishing Deductible Program: Lowers insurance deductibles with safe driving in Colorado cities.
• SmartRide Program: Usage-based insurance savings for businesses in Colorado urban areas.

Cons

• Complex Policy Terms: Business insurance policies may require clarity in Denver areas.
• Limited Availability for Some Coverage: Not all insurance options are available in every city in Colorado.

#6 – American Family: Best for Young Volunteers

Pros

• Volunteer-Driven Discounts: Offers insurance savings for young drivers in Colorado cities.
• Local Office Accessibility: Many local insurance agents are available in Denver and nearby.
• DreamSecure Program: Unique insurance options, including retirement, for Colorado drivers.

Cons

• Strict Eligibility for Discounts: Insurance savings for volunteers in Colorado may be limited.
• Limited Online Features: Fewer insurance tools are available for drivers in Colorado cities. Our American Family car insurance review will help you understand more.

#7 – USAA: Best for Military Drivers

Pros

• Exclusive Military Benefits: Insurance plans for military personnel in Colorado.
• Deployment Discounts: Special insurance savings for deployed military in Colorado cities. Look at our USAA car insurance review for more insights.
• Excellent Customer Service: Known for great insurance support for veterans in Colorado.

Cons

• Restricted Eligibility: Insurance is only for the military and their families in Colorado cities.
• No Local Offices for Civilians: Minimal in-person insurance support in Denver for non-military.

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#8 – Travelers: Best for Coverage Options

Pros

• Robust Coverage Variety: Insurance policies fit diverse needs across Colorado cities.
• Green Discount Program: Insurance savings for hybrid/electric vehicles in Denver and other cities.
• Premier New Car Replacement: Replaces totaled vehicles in Colorado with the same model.

Cons

• Higher Premiums for Non-Bundle Customers: Insurance rates may rise in Colorado if not bundled.
• Fewer Local Agents: Insurance assistance may be limited in smaller Colorado cities. Read more in this Travelers car insurance review.

#9 – Allstate: Best for Agent Network

Pros

• Exceptional Local Agent Support: Insurance agents available across Colorado cities.
• Drivewise Program: Insurance savings for safe drivers in Denver and other Colorado cities.
• Claim Satisfaction Guarantee: Ensures positive insurance claim experiences in most Colorado cities.

Cons

• High Base Premiums: Colorado insurance rates may be higher than those of other providers. Our Allstate car insurance review has more details.
• Discounts Tied to Loyalty: Long-term insurance customers in Colorado get better savings.

#10 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Business Vehicles

Pros

• Specialized Fleet Coverage: Comprehensive business insurance in Colorado cities.
• Better Car Replacement: Insurance replaces totaled business vehicles in Denver with better ones.
• 24/7 Claims Support: Round-the-clock insurance claims assistance is available across Colorado.

Cons

• Higher Premiums for Non-Fleet Vehicles: Individual insurance rates are higher in Denver. Get more details in our Liberty Mutual car insurance review.
• Lengthy Claims Processing: Insurance claim reviews can take longer for businesses in Colorado.

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Top Auto Insurance Discounts in Colorado

When choosing the best car insurance in Colorado, knowing which discounts are available can help you save on premiums. Many top providers offer unique discounts for a variety of drivers and situations. Here’s a look at the discounts you can expect from the leading insurance companies in Colorado:

Auto Insurance Discounts From the Top Providers in Colorado

Colorado Auto Insurance Rates: Comparing Minimum and Full Coverage

When comparing auto insurance providers in Colorado, rates vary based on the Coverage you select. USAA offers the lowest minimum Coverage at $23 per month, while Geico, Liberty Mutual, and State Farm follow closely at $28 per month.

Colorado Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Coverage Level

USAA offers the most affordable full coverage rates at $78 per month, with Geico and State Farm at $94 per month, and Liberty Mutual at $92 per month. Comparing the different types of car insurance coverage ensures you find the best option for your needs.

Auto Insurance Insights for Denver Drivers

According to DataUSA, 74.9 percent of Denver drivers prefer to commute alone. Auto insurance rates are regulated by “open competition,” but the State’s Insurance Commissioner must approve any rate changes.

The Commissioner ensures drivers can meet the state’s required mCoverageoverage. For self‑insurance details, contact the state’s Division of Insurance. Colorado requires minimum liability limits of 25/50/15. This includes $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the insured vehicle’s owner.

Understanding Colorado car insurance laws is crucial, especially when considering America’s safest driving cities. We’ll cover minimum requirements, rates, and ways to reduce costs. As auto insurance costs rise across Colorado, taking a driving course like AARP’s can help lower your rates.

Comparing car insurance quotes from multiple providers is another key way to secure the best rate coverage for your needs.

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Average Colorado Car Insurance Rates

Car insurance is necessary, but it can be challenging to know how and where to choose coverage from the best car insurance companies.

The good news is we have made it our business to ease your burden regarding the need for car insurance in your state. We will provide you with statistical and anecdotal medicine to alleviate any anxiety you may be feeling over the rising costs of auto insurance premiums.

This chart shows the average cost of auto insurance in Colorado and rates by state across the country.

We’ll help you discover what the law requires, what you may want or need, and where you can get it at the best rates possible for your circumstances. We’ll also provide the average cost of car insurance per month in Colorado and other helpful information.

Colorado Car Insurance Requirements

Colorado is a “fault” state. You must pay all the resulting damages if you are at fault in an accident. MCoverageoverage is meant to cover your liability if you’re at fault. So, it covers the other party’s property damage and bodily injury liability.

The state of Colorado requires all motorists to carry the minimum liability limits of 25/50/15 to satisfy “basic coverage.” This means that car owners must carry the following Colorado car insurance requirements, with minimum levels of liability insurance:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the owner of the insured vehicle
• $50,000 for total bodily injury or death in an accident caused by the owner of the insured vehicle
• $15,000 for property damage per accident caused by the owner of the insured vehicle

Take a look at this table for specific minimum coverage requirements in Colorado.

Colorado Minimum Car Insurance Coverage Requirements & Limits

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UUM) coverage must be rejected in writing, while MedPay can be rejected in writing or through the same method you use to purchase insurance. If UUM coverage is not dismissed, it will automatically be included in a basic policy. Check out this video for more details on UUM coverage.

Look at this chart to see mandatory minimum coverage requirements for every state in the country.

Any motorist or business with 25 or more vehicles registered in the state has the option of self-insurance.

The Insurance Commissioner must ensure that individuals can afford the coverage required by the state, including cheap rideshare auto insurance options. For more information on self-insurance, contact the state’s Division of Insurance within the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Required Coverage With Insurance Providers in Colorado

Will opting for just the bare Colorado car insurance minimums meet all your insurance needs? That all depends on whether you have substantial assets (present or future) to protect. Are you willing to open yourself up to potential litigation in the event of an accident?

If not, consider increasing your liability limits. The experts at the Wall Street Journal advise limits of 100/300/50, offering the following recommendation.

Ensure you’re covered for an amount equal to the total value of your assets (add up the dollar values of your house, car, savings, and investments).

Next, we will examine factors that affect the price of car insurance for the average Colorado driver. The exact amount you will pay may vary slightly, but this data provides a useful reference. With telematics programs and new discounts available, even your initial rate may not be entirely accurate.

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Car Insurance Rates as a Percentage of Income in Colorado

Arthur Godfrey, the late great radio and television broadcaster and entertainer, once quipped, “I am proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is I could be just as proud for half of the money.”

This humorous quote underlies the principle of disposable personal income (DPI), the amount of money you retain after paying the government its cut-through taxes. Please look at this table, where we compare monthly Colorado car insurance rates to the state’s average DPI.

Percentage of Income Spent on Auto Insurance in Colorado

Basic liability coverage is required by law. What is considered full coverage auto insurance in Colorado? It includes liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance. We’ll break down the average cost of each.

Monthly Rates for Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, and Full Coverage Auto Insurance in Colorado

So, what are Colorado’s average monthly car insurance rates for these coverage types? Take a look.

• Average monthly liability rate: $43.34
• Average monthly collision rate: $24
• Average monthly comprehensive rate: $14.55
• Average monthly full coverage rate: $81.80

We’ve reviewed some stats on what Colorado car insurance costs the average Colorado. Next, we’ll explore where you can get cheap full-coverage car insurance, along with other relevant statistics about insurance companies in the state.

Loss Ratio Explained

The insurance loss ratio is the dollar amount of losses compared to the amount of earned premiums expressed as a percentage. A high loss ratio means an insurance company has too many customers filing claims, increasing future consumer premiums.

For example, if an auto insurer collects $100,000 of premiums in a given year and pays out $42,000 in claims, the company’s loss ratio is 42 percent ($42,000 incurred losses/$100,000 earned premiums).

Small insurers offset the risk of distracted driving by avoiding high-risk drivers. They offer low rates, but only if you have a clean driving record and a high credit score. Larger insurance companies have a higher tolerance due to economies of scale, allowing companies like Geico and Progressive to cover higher-risk drivers while keeping rates affordable.

Car Insurance Add-Ons, Endorsements, and Riders Available in Colorado

There are several additional coverage options that you can learn more about to decide if they’re a good choice for your situation. We’ll look at those right here:

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-Owner Car Insurance
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Classic Car Insurance

The Colorado Department of Insurance released the Consumer’s Guide to Auto Insurance, a quick and helpful summary of all the enhancements available in the Centennial State.

Just over 13 percent of drivers in Colorado don’t have insurance, which ranks the state as the 19th highest percentage in the nation, which is why it’s a good idea to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

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Medical Payments are another coverage included in a basic Colorado policy. Still, they can be rejected in writing or in the form where the policy was purchased (e.g., internet or phone). Despite the increasing popularity of pay-by-the-mile auto insurance plans offered by companies like Metromile, they are currently unavailable in Colorado.

Other Usage-Based Insurance programs (UBI) are active and available to drivers in Colorado. Programs like SmartRide from Nationwide, Drive Safe & Save from State Farm, or Drivewise from Allstate offer discounts to drivers based on their driving proficiency.

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Gender and Age Affect Car Insurance in Colorado

Country music legend Reba McEntire once sang a ballad lamenting not knowing what to get the girl who has everything. Our response to that query is to raise a suspicious eyebrow and question whether the girl indeed did have everything. Namely, did she have more favorable car insurance premiums than her male counterparts?

The only way to find out is to consult the data. Take a look.

Colorado Insurance Monthly Rates by Age and Gender

Look at average premium rates for the Most Expensive Demographics in the Rocky Mountain State.

Insurance Monthly Rates by Age and Gender, Ranked from Highest to Lowest Rates

You may be in good hands with Allstate, but as a 17-year-old single male, you’ll pay on average three and a half times more to be secured by those good hands than his 25-year-old single brother.

Choose the insurance company that best meets your needs. Focus on yourself. There’s no need to apologize.

This chart compares the average differences in rates between males and females in Colorado.

A married 60-year-old female will pay $2,069.94 on average with Geico, compared to $3,056.13 she would pay with Allstate. That is a difference of a whopping $986.19. It pays to shop around.

In another example, if you’re looking for car insurance for a 35-year-old male, Geico may be your best option, with an average rate of $2,140.86. Understanding the common risks faced by teen drivers can also help guide decisions if you’re insuring a younger family member.

The Cheapest Car Insurance Rates by ZIP Code in Colorado

Let’s look at the cheapest and most expensive ZIP codes in Colorado. Here are charts with the average annual premiums in Colorado by ZIP code:

25 Cheapest ZIP Codes for Car Insurance in Colorado

ZIP codes affect auto insurance because of factors like traffic and crime rates. Check out this state chart to learn how your ZIP code stacks up in Colorado.

Six of the cheapest ZIP codes in Colorado can be found in Grand Junction.

25 Most Expensive ZIP Codes for Car Insurance in Colorado

Colorado’s most expensive ZIP codes are in Denver and Aurora.

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates by City in Colorado

Will you get more affordable car insurance coverage living closer to the Colorado River, the Rocky Mountains, or Golden Gate Canyon State Park? Take a look at this table to find out.

25 Cheapest Cities in Colorado for Car Insurance

As you can see, if you’re looking for Coverageoverage from Geico in Grand Junction, CO, you’ll find some of the most affordable rates, with an average of $2,179.02.

Where does your city of residence rank for car insurance rates? Search this table to learn more.

25 Most Expensive Cities in Colorado for Car Insurance

You can compare car insurance rates by city to find the cheapest and most expensive options in the cities listed above, helping you see where your policy ranks.

The Best Colorado Car Insurance Companies

What are the best car insurance companies in Colorado? Choosing the best car insurance company is an important decision that could cost or save you hundreds of dollars annually.

The task can become even more stressful when you consider the hundreds of different companies from which to choose and all their various rates, discount programs, and ever-changing protocols. How can you decide with any modicum of confidence? There isn’t enough time to do substantial research on each insurer. Who’s going to give you the best rates?

Who has the best customer service? Do you qualify for any discounts or upgrades? Mulling over all these options without the proper guidance can lead to many sleepless nights in America. Don’t be anxious. We will provide you with the most meaningful data you’ll need when deciding on the best car insurance company for you.

The reputation and perception of any company you’re considering for car insurance should be a key factor in your decision. Keep reading to learn how car insurance works and explore Colorado insurance ratings to find the best companies, including top options in Colorado Springs and other cities.

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Financial Ratings of the Largest Car Insurance Companies in Colorado

A.M. Best is a credit rating agency that evaluates insurance companies and gives them a grade based on their financial stability. The table below shows Colorado’s 10 largest insurance companies by market share and A.M. Best rating.

A.M. Best Credit Ratings for Top 10 Car Insurance Companies in Colorado

Any company with a rating of A- or better has a stable financial outlook, so you’re in good shape with any of these top-rated auto insurance companies in Colorado.

J.D. Power Insurance Ratings is a trusted, third-party source for auto insurance ratings. These ratings are based on the opinions of a representative sample of customers who have used or purchased the product or service being rated and, therefore, resent a typical buying experience. We’ll start with the major insurance companies in Colorado and their average rates compared to the average insurance rates in the state.

As you can see, State Farm Colorado car insurance rates are 19 percent lower than the state’s average. When considering how the states rank on uninsured drivers, it’s helpful to review J.D. Power’s auto insurance reviews for Colorado companies, which compare customer service ratings to other companies in the Southwest region.

J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index Rating for Insurance Companies in the Southwest

J.D. Power often evaluates companies based on region rather than state, so we’ve listed the insurance companies’ ratings for the Southwest region for this discussion.

This information can help you determine Colorado’s best home and auto insurance companies.

Car Insurance Companies With the Most Complaints in Colorado

Honesty, loyalty, trust, and open communication are all key elements for successful relationships characterized by long-term satisfaction. However, in some cases, longevity is impossible, and dissatisfaction is inevitable. The relationship is on life support, and there’s nothing anyone can do to save it.

How many complaints does a company receive per one million dollars of business? The answer is the complaint ratio. If you wish to file a complaint against a car insurance company in Colorado, use this online form.

Here’s how the most prominent companies by market share compare for complaint ratios.

Complaint Ratio Data for Colorado Car Insurance Companies

As you can see, some of Colorado’s best car insurance companies have very low complaint ratio numbers (anything below one means below average), which is good news for you.

The Number of Car Insurance Companies Available in Colorado

Nearly 900 auto insurance companies are registered in Colorado (858, to be exact). Ten are domestic (incorporated in the state), and 848 are foreign (incorporated outside Colorado). Look at this chart to see the market share of the major companies in Colorado.

Comparing quotes will help you know where to get started. Once you find the company that offers you the best rates, research their financial rating, customer satisfaction rating, and complaint ratios. Then, you can confidently choose your insurer.

Another way to maintain low insurance rates is to be a good driver. In addition to knowing and following the rules of the road, it’s important to stay prepared for unexpected situations, like when you need roadside assistance. We’ll review the laws of the Rocky Mountain State to help you keep a rock-solid driving record.

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Colorado Car Insurance Rates by Company

Now, we will compare and contrast the top car insurance companies to see which gives the best rates on average in Colorado.

My Commute Affects My Car Insurance Rates in Colorado

Commute distance can sometimes affect your rates because the more time you spend on the road, the higher the risk of an accident. This table shows how insurance companies in Colorado handle commutes when adjusting rates.

Colorado Car Insurance Rates Based on Commute

Not all companies in Colorado factor in commuting when buying a car. However, State Farm, Geico, USAA, and American Family do make minor rate adjustments based on commute distance.

Coverage Level Can Change My Car Insurance Rate With Companies in Colorado

The more coverage you purchase, the higher the cost, right? Look at this table to see how much coverage level can affect your rates.

Colorado Monthly Rates by Coverage Level Types

Higher coverage levels do mean higher rates, but not by as much as you might think. For example, if you’re asking, “Do you need insurance to buy a car?” the average low coverage rate for American families is $3,546.22, with a 7 percent increase for coverage overage and less than a 1 percent increase from medium to high coverage.

How My Credit History Affects My Car Insurance Rates With Companies in Colorado

Have you ever wondered how your credit history influences the quotes you receive from car insurance companies? Consumer Reports conducted a study for Colorado analyzing the effect of credit history on rates. Look at this table for average car insurance rates based on credit score.

Colorado Insurance Monthly Rates by Credit Score

Insurance companies often consider credit scores a reflection of an individual’s overall responsibility, which can also impact situations like whether you can insure a car that is not in your name. More responsible individuals are seen as lower-risk drivers and qualify for lower insurance rates, while a lower credit score can lead to significantly higher premiums, sometimes as much as 100 percent higher.

How Driving Record Changes Rates With Car Insurance Companies in Colorado

Traffic violations can cause your car insurance rates to rise a mile high. How adversely they will be affected will differ from company to company. Each insurance company has its underwriting criteria and procedures. This chart provides averages for how heavily different factors can affect your insurance rates.

Here is a quick look at how top car insurance companies in the Mile High State price various driving infractions:

Colorado Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record

Filing a car insurance claim after an accident can raise your rates, especially if the accident involved a serious driving infraction. Typically, a DUI results in much higher insurance rate increases than a minor speeding violation.

What You Need to Know About Colorado Laws

It would take a long time to memorize every law in Colorado. Following these rules is essential, but the details can get foggy. We’ll help clear the haze by listing some of the driving laws that are most important to know.

Car Insurance Laws in Colorado

Colorado insurance companies don’t have free rein to set rates however they want. While they have some leeway, they are regulated. That said if you don’t follow safe driving tips and the rules of the road, your insurance rates may increase. Keep reading to learn what you need to know before driving in Colorado.

Car Insurance Rate-Setting Regulations

While rates are regulated by “open competition,” car insurance brokers help consumers understand how rate increases and decreases, which generally need approval from the state’s insurance commissioner, can affect their policies.

Windshield Coverage

Some insurance companies may offer windshield replacement with comprehensive Coverage, but no laws require insurers to cover windows.

High-Risk Insurance

If your license has been revoked or suspended, you may need to file an SR-22 to reinstate your license. The SR-22 form is available from your insurance company but is not part of your insurance policy.

The form is just an assurance that you will have car insurance coverage. If your policy is canceled, the form ensures that the insurer will notify the DMV of the cancellation; at this point, your license will be suspended.

Your license may be suspended for any of the following:

• A DUI conviction
• Driving without insurance
• Repeat traffic offenses

You can change insurance companies while you’re required to file an SR-22, but you must get a new one with the latest company before the old one expires.

Automobile Insurance Fraud in Colorado

Insurance fraud is the second-largest economic crime in America. To combat fraud, insurance companies raise rates dramatically and pass them on to consumers.

There are two classifications of fraud: hard and soft.

• Complex Fraud – A purposefully fabricated claim or accident
• Soft Fraud – A misrepresentation of information to the insurance company

Soft fraud is more common than complex fraud. Twenty to forty percent of consumers admitted to lying to their insurer about one of the following:

• Number of annual miles driven
• Number of drivers in the household
• How the vehicle would be used

Insurance fraud is a crime, no matter how you slice it. Even the “little white lie” you tell to get a lower rate can have harmful consequences. That kind of willful misrepresentation of facts is known as “rate evasion” and is a $16 billion annual expense to auto insurers.

Misrepresentation to an insurance company is considered a misdemeanor, and falsifying claims is a class 5 felony.

Colorado has employed an Insurance Fraud Unit to investigate fraudulent activity throughout the state. According to the Attorney General’s Office,

They are working to eliminate insurance fraud in the state.

Committing insurance fraud is a crime, no matter your justification. If you suspect insurance fraud or have been a victim of insurance fraud, you can fill out and turn in a form provided on their website.

Statute of Limitations

Colorado’s statute of limitations for filing a claim is three years for personal injury and property damage.

Vehicle Licensing Laws in Colorado

These are essential laws to familiarize yourself with. Your car must be registered and insured to be on the road. If not, you’ll pay.

REAL ID

The Rocky Mountain State complies with the REAL ID Act passed by Congress and is enforced by Homeland Security. Look at this news clip from when the REAL ID Act requirements were announced in Colorado.

This means that a Colorado-issued driver’s license or state ID is an acceptable form of identification at federal facilities, airports, and nuclear power plants.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

The Colorado car insurance database called the Motorist Insurance Information Database (MIIDB) program, allows the police and DMV to access insurance details, with registration data updated daily and insurance information updated weekly or more. To understand what car insurance covers and what happens when you’re caught driving uninsured, review this table

Penalties for Driving Without License Insurance in Colorado

As you can see, driving without insurance can be expensive. There is no Colorado car insurance grace period, and it’s not worth the risk.

Proof of Insurance

The following forms of proof of insurance are accepted in Colorado

• Electronic – picture of a current insurance card or pdf fCoverageoverage on a phone, tablet, or another electronic device
• Insurance Card
• Declaration Page
• Letter/Binder – from the insurance company on their letterhead

Without at least one form of proof of insurance, like knowing what a policy number on an insurance card is, you may be penalized for driving without insurance, even if you are insured.

Affidavit of Non-Use

The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles states, “Colorado residents who wish to register vehicles that will not be operated for a period of time or are temporarily residing out of state with valid out-of-state insurance may complete the Affidavit of Non-Use and submit it to their county motor vehicle office.” If you’re asking does car insurance cover an unregistered vehicle, check with your insurer as coverage varies.

Teen Driver Laws

Adopted in 2002, the Graduated Driver Licensing laws have succeeded wildly. Teen motor vehicle fatalities have dropped an astounding 67 percent since the program’s inception.

Teen Graduated Drivers License Requirements and Laws in Colorado

As you can see, with this process, teen drivers and texting laws are taken into account, and the youngest driver who can be fully licensed is 17.

Older Driver’s License Renewal

Some states maintain different license renewal rules for older drivers, and Colorado is no exception.

Older drivers must get their licenses renewed every five years, which is the exact requirement for the general population. The only difference is how they can renew. The exceptions to getting a license renewed in person are as follows:

• General population – limited to two consecutive renewals online before having to go in person or every other renewal by mail
• Over 66 years old – every other renewal may be by mail

There are no differences between general and older drivers regarding license renewal. However, if you’re asking, do you need a driver’s license to buy a car, a valid license is usually required for driving but not necessarily for purchasing a vehicle.

New Resident Licensing

If you’ve recently moved to Colorado, you may be curious about when you’re required to get a Colorado license. The Colorado DMV website says you need a Colorado license within 30 days of residency. The residency requirements are as follows:

• Own or operate a business in Colorado, OR
• Are gainfully employed in Colorado, OR
• Reside in Colorado for 90 consecutive days

Your valid driver’s license from your previous state of residence should be enough for you not to have to take a driving or written exam. When you go to the DMV to get a Colorado license, be prepared with the following documentation:

• A valid driver’s license from the previous state of residence
• Proof of your social security number
• Two proofs of current Colorado address
• Proof of lawful presence
• Money for fees

License Renewal

Driver licenses must be renewed every five years. You should not wait until your license expires.

Renewals may be completed online, in person, or by mail. There are restrictions on renewing online or by mail:

• May renew by mail only every other renewal
• Limited to two times in a row renewing online
• Those 66 years old and older are limited to renewing by mail every other renewal at most

Don’t miss your license renewal, as driving with an expired license can result in fines and penalties. How much is a ticket for driving without a license? It’s important to avoid these costly violations by renewing on time.

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Rules of the Road in Colorado

Colorado is a fault state, which means that the person at fault in an accident must pay for the damages done to the other party. A fault state is also known as a tort state.

Seat Belt & Car Seat Laws

Colorado laws mandate that motorists and front-seat passengers 16 years old and older must wear a seat belt. A violation is a secondary offense. By itself, you cannot be pulled over for failure to wear a seat belt. However, if stopped for another offense while failing to wear your seat belt, you can receive a ticket for the initial offense and not having a seat belt. The minimum fine is $65.

Passengers under 16 must wear seat belts at all times, and failure to do so is a primary offense for which you can be pulled over.

Riding in the cargo section of a pickup truck is prohibited unless the cargo area is wholly or partially enclosed on all four sides.

Colorado has specific car seat laws for children as well.

• Any child younger than a year old and weighing less than 20 pounds must be buckled in a rear-facing child restraint.
• Any child between the ages of one and three and weighing between 20 and 40 pounds must be buckled in a child restraint.
• Any child between the ages of four and seven must be in a booster seat
• Any child between the ages of eight and 15 is subject to adult seat belt requirements

Child safety seat laws have become stricter as cars have gotten safer in the past 40 years. Violating these laws can result in a $65 fine and a six-dollar surcharge.

Keep Right and Move Over Laws

When driving, you must keep right when traveling slower than the average traffic speed around you. The left lane is reserved for passing on roads with a speed limit of over 65 mph.

When stationary vehicles with emergency lights are present, drivers must vacate the lane nearest those vehicles if safe to do so, or they must slow down.

Colorado has increased penalties for motorists who fail to move over and recklessly endanger the lives of law enforcement, first responders, and road safety workers. In the “Citation vs Ticket” debate, these increased penalties aim to differentiate and enforce stricter consequences for violating the “move over” law, helping prevent tragedies like that of fallen state trooper Cody Donahue.

Speed Limits

Look at this table to see speed limit maximums for different road types in Colorado.

Speed Limits by Road Type in Colorado

Speed limits on these types of roads cannot exceed the maximums in this table but can be set lower depending on road safety, which highlights why you need car insurance to stay protected in varying traffic conditions.

Ridesharing

The following insurance companies for ridesharing services:

• Farmers
• USAA
• Geico
• Allstate
• SafeCo
• State Farm
• MetLife
• American Family

The Coverage available for ridesharing varies. Some companies won’t pCoverageoverage while a customer is in the car, others will with a surcharge, but none of these companies will drop you for offering ridesharing services.

Colorado was the first to pass a regulatory bill for ridesharing companies in 2014.

Automation on the Road

Red Light Cameras

Colorado does have red-light cameras installed across the state. Take a look at this table for the details.

Colorado Red Light Cameras

Red light cameras are common in Colorado. The fine for running a red light and being caught on camera is $75, with no points added to your license. If stopped by law enforcement in person, the fine is $110, and four points are added. Car insurance with telematics can help track driving behavior and reduce rate increases.

Speed Enforcement Cameras

Colorado also has speed enforcement cameras installed across the state. Take a look at this table for the details.

Colorado Automated Speed Enforcement Cameras

Speed enforcement cameras are also used in Colorado. Again, if you are stopped in person by an officer, four points will be added to your license, and a heftier fine to pay to the tune of $151.

Puffing Laws

Puffing a joint in Colorado may be legal; however, puffing your vehicle is not. You may be asking, “What is exactly puffing your vehicle?”

When it’s cold outside, and you start your vehicle to warm it up while you go back inside, that’s called “puffing,” which is illegal in Colorado. The law is in place to supposedly prevent auto theft.

Note: The exception is if you use a remote starter and lock your vehicle without the keys inserted into the ignition.

Safety Laws in Colorado

All traffic laws aim to encourage safety and eliminate catastrophes. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has created an online portal with resources promoting helpful safety tips and guides.

In 2014, Colorado developed the “Moving Toward Zero Deaths” Highway Safety Plan as a driver resource, per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to promote safer driving habits. This plan also addresses questions like “Do I need full coverage on a financed car?” to ensure better vehicle protection.

DUI Laws

The first three DUI offenses are classified as misdemeanors. The fourth and following offenses are class 4 felonies. There is no official look-back period so that any DUI can be considered in your sentence, no matter how far in the past.

Colorado has two levels of intoxicated driving offenses:

• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Blood alcohol content 0.08 percent or higher
• Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI): Blood alcohol content 0.05 percent to 0.07 percent

Colorado DUI Penalties

A law went into effect recently that eliminated a loophole and mandated that all persons with felony DUI convictions spend time behind bars.

Marijuana-Impaired Driving Laws

Driving under the influence of drugs is illegal and is subject to the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Distracted Driving Laws

Like most states, Colorado has distracted driving laws restricting cellphone usage to keep drivers safe.

Colorado Cellphone and Texting Laws

If you’re caught violating the distracted driving laws in Colorado, the penalties are as follows:

Colorado Penalties for Cellphone Use While Driving

Follow the cellphone and texting laws in Colorado. It’s not just about the penalties; driving while distracted is dangerous.

Points System

Like many states, Colorado has a points system for tracking driving infractions. Accruing too many points in a specific time frame can suspend your driver’s license. Colorado also has different thresholds for different driver types.

Look at this table for an overview of the points system structure for drivers under 18.

Colorado Points System for Drivers Under the Age of 18

This table summarizes the points system structure for drivers between the ages of 18 and 21.

Colorado Points System for Drivers Ages 18 to 21

Look at this table for the points system structure for drivers 21 and older.

Colorado Points System for Drivers 21 and Older

Regardless of age, it’s essential to follow the rules of the road to avoid having your driver’s license suspended.

Some Colorado Can’t-Miss Facts

Next, we’ll examine some interesting facts about Colorado. You won’t need to go to the Colorado car insurance Reddit page when we’re done.

Vehicle Theft in Colorado

Even in the safest cities and states, you must remain cautious of potential vehicle thefts, especially in the 20 most dangerous U.S. cities for cyclists, where higher traffic and risk factors may increase vulnerability.

Top Make and Model for Theft

Sedans manufactured by Honda and full-size pickup trucks are the top targets for thievery by burglars in Colorado.

Vehicle Theft by City

Now, we’ll look at the number of thefts in each city.

Top 10 Cities in Colorado for Vehicle Theft

As you might expect, cities like Denver, with a higher population density, have higher vehicle theft rates.

Common Road Dangers in Colorado

Several factors, including the impact of daylight saving time in the 10 worst states for fatal crashes, may affect your safety behind the wheel. Read through the following sections to learn more.

Fatality Rates by County

We’ve collected NHTSA accident fatality data from every county in Colorado over five years. Take a look.

NHTSA Colorado Traffic Fatalities by County

El Paso and Denver counties are in the top three most fatal counties for all five years.

Fatality Rates Rural Vs. Urban

We also looked at fatalities based on urban versus rural roads.

NHTSA Colorado Traffic Fatalities on Urban and Rural Roads

Urban and rural fatalities vary from year to year, with some years having higher rates for urban roads, while other years, the fatality rate is higher for rural roads.

Fatalities by Person Type

Take a look at this table to see fatalities by person type.

NHTSA Colorado Traffic Fatalities by Person Type

Car passengers face the highest fatality rates in California.

Fatalities by Crash Type

Crash type is also an indicator of fatality type. This table summarizes data from Colorado over five years.

NHTSA Colorado Fatalities by Crash Type

Single vehicles are the most fatal accidents in Colorado, with factors like rollovers and roadway departures being some of the most significant contributors.

Fatalities Involving Speeding by County

To see which counties face the most fatalities due to speeding, look at this table.

NHTSA Colorado Fatalities by County Involving Speeding

The top counties for fatalities are again El Paso and Denver counties.

Fatalities in Crashes Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver by County

To see which counties face the most fatalities due to alcohol-impaired drivers, take a look at this table.

NHTSA Colorado Fatalities by County Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver

Weld, El Paso, and Denver counties were the three most fatal.

EMS Response Time in Colorado

Look at this table to see what EMS response times are like in Colorado.

Rural vs. Urban EMS Response Time in Colorado

Unsurprisingly, urban response times are significantly faster than rural ones. Rural emergency response often covers a much larger territory, causing delays. Additionally, inconsistent road quality can slow response times further. In such areas, you might wonder, should I use insurance to replace my windshield? due to increased road hazards.

Transportation in Colorado

How does the commute look for Colorado residents? How many own a car? How do they get to work? We’ll answer those questions next.

Car Ownership

We used DataUSA information to determine the average car ownership rate per householder in Colorado. Take a look.

• One vehicle: 18 percent in Colorado versus 20.2 percent nationally
• Two cars: 40.9 percent in Colorado versus 40.3 percent nationally
• Three cars: 23.7 percent in Colorado versus 21.5 percent nationally
• Four vehicles: 10.1 percent in Colorado versus 9.23 percent nationally
• Five or more vehicles:5.22 percent in Colorado versus 4.56 percent nationally

Colorado’s vehicle ownership rates are higher for two, three, four, and five or more vehicles, while the national average is higher for households with one vehicle.

Commute Time

Colorado drivers are fortunate that their average commute of 23.7 minutes is lower than the national average of 25.7 minutes by about 8 percent.

Commuter Transportation

Residents of the mile-high city prefer to drive alone. According to DataUSA, 74.9 percent of drivers commute alone, followed by 8.56 percent who work at home and 8.55 percent who carpool.

Traffic Congestion in Colorado

Denver ranks 27th in North America and 136th globally for traffic congestion in major cities.

To enjoy all the wonderful activities across the state, you will have to travel through a diversity of roads, landscapes, and terrains. Whether you choose to navigate the state in a pickup truck, RV, or ATV, you will want to ensure that you have the proper insurance for your vehicle and specific needs.

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Selecting the Right Car Insurance Coverage in Colorado

Choosing the most appropriate car insurance in Colorado is necessary based on various factors, such as coverage needs, discounts provided, monthly payments, and car maintenance expenses. Top providers like Geico, Farmers, and State Farm offer competitive rates. However, the best policy will still vary depending on your circumstances, such as driving history, vehicle usage, location, and how much you spend on car maintenance.

Knowing the insurance laws of Colorado and shopping around for quotes from various companies will help you get the best protection at a low cost.

Ready to buy Colorado car insurance? Find the best Colorado car insurance company by entering your ZIP code below and comparing quotes from top-rated insurers in Colorado side-by-side for free. This will be especially helpful with the increase in the Colorado auto insurance rate that’s been occurring over the past few years.