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    Colorado car insurance coverage

    Nationwide works hard to help you choose the Colorado auto insurance coverage that's right for your needs, goals and budget.

    Car insurance laws in Colorado

    As a resident of Colorado, you are required to carry car insurance and purchase coverage before you register your vehicle. Insurance coverage and cost may also vary from city to city. Before you get started, here are some important factors to keep in mind:

    Colorado teen driving laws

    Young drivers are eager to get out on the road and experience that kind of freedom for the first time in their lives. To ensure safety on the road for everyone, it’s important to become familiar with the laws for new drivers in Colorado.

    At age 16, teenagers are eligible to apply for a minor driver’s license and can apply for their full license once they turn 18. You can learn more about the rules associated with new drivers receiving their driver’s licenses in Colorado here.

    Minimum insurance requirements for Colorado

    The minimum amount of Colorado auto insurance coverage is $25,000/$50,000/$15,000. In the event of a covered accident, your limits for bodily injury are $25,000 per person, with a total maximum of $50,000 per incident. It also covers up to $15,000 for damage to another person’s property.

    Colorado auto liability coverage

    Two types of liability coverage are available and required by law in the state of Colorado:

    • Property damage, which safeguards your assets if you are found legally accountable for a covered accident, including property damage sustained by the other party.
    • Bodily injury, which safeguards your assets if you’re found legally accountable for a covered accident, including certain expenses associated with bodily harm sustained by the other party.

    Liability coverage also provides for your legal defense if a lawsuit is brought against you as a result of a covered accident.

    Optional Colorado insurance coverages

    It’s often a good idea to add the following coverages to your policy so you can enjoy the security of being protected on the road:

    Comprehensive

    This type of Colorado auto insurance coverage is used to repair your vehicle when physical damage occurs from non-collision related incidents (subject to deductible). Such incidents include theft, fire, vandalism, glass breakage, and contact with animals.

    Collision

    Collision coverage is used to repair your vehicle when physical damage occurs from collision with another vehicle or object (subject to deductible).

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist

    Protects you in the event of an accident where the other party is at-fault and either doesn’t carry insurance or is underinsured.

    • Property damage helps pay for property damage to your vehicle that you are legally entitled to from another driver who is not insured or underinsured.
    • Bodily injury helps pay for damages due to bodily injury that you and other passengers of your vehicle are legally entitled to from another driver who is not insured or is underinsured.

    Medical benefits

    This insurance may cover reasonable and necessary medical expenses or funerals for you and others who are covered under your policy in an accident, regardless of who is at fault, up to the amount you choose.

    Tailor your policy with these options

    Accident Forgiveness

    With this optional coverage, Nationwide will not raise your auto insurance rates following your first at-fault automobile accident. Learn more about Accident Forgiveness.

    Roadside Assistance

    Nationwide Roadside Assistance coverage is available in two different levels, Basic and Plus, so you can choose the one that works best with your budget. Get covered for fuel delivery, lockout service, jump-starts and more.

    Good as new vehicle replacement

    This feature has various options that offer greater coverage for your new vehicle.

    Loss of use/rental car expense

    If you can’t drive your car due to a covered loss, this coverage helps pay for a rental car or other transportation expenses so you can get back on the road.

    What factors affect your car insurance rate?

    Some car insurance rating factors, such as your driving record, can significantly impact your insurance costs. Below are the most common rating factors used to determine a low or high risk driver.

    1. Your vehicle

    The type of car you own can affect your car insurance rate. This will include car safety features, year and make, age of the vehicle, vehicle ownership and cost of repairing the vehicle.

    2. Where you live

    Car insurance rates vary by state and zip code. Each state has their own regulations and insurance coverage requirements.

    3. Your characteristics

    Your demographics such as age, gender, marital status, credit score and profession can impact your rate.

    4. Driving history

    Your driving history would include your driving record, how much you drive and years of driving experience.

    What can increase my car insurance rate?

    Once you find the right coverage, be sure to keep in mind the factors that can increase your rate.

    1. Traffic violations

    Traffic violations include minor and major violations such as speeding tickets, careless driving and DUIs.

    2. At-fault accidents

    At-fault accidents that result in large insurance claims may affect your premium.

    3. Adding a driver to your policy

    If someone else drives your car you should add them to your policy. Their driving record and driving history may increase your insurance rate.

    4. Lapse in insurance

    A lapse in car insurance is when you have a registered car but no car insurance. Going without car insurance in many states can make you a high-risk driver when purchasing car insurance.

    What are the consequences of driving without car insurance?

    Driving uninsured can result in varying penalties and is against the law in most states. The consequences of driving without insurance outweigh the monthly insurance premium and may result in the following penalties.

    1. Fines

    Fines vary by state and can add up to thousands of dollars if you are involved in an accident.

    2. License suspension

    Some states revoke or suspend your license if you are caught driving without insurance.

    3. Vehicle impounded

    In some states your vehicle may be towed and you will not be able to claim your car until you submit proof of insurance. Getting your car back will require additional impound and reinstatement fees.

    4. Vehicle repair and medical costs

    If you are uninsured and involved in an accident you have to pay out-of-pocket for damages and, depending on the severity of the accident, the costs can be very high. You could even be sued for bodily injury or property damage.

    5. Increase in car insurance premium

    Driving uninsured will make you a high-risk driver and this can increase your premium. Some states require an SR-22 document to prove you can meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. Having an SR-22 will reflect poorly on your driving record.

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    The information included here is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and their employees make no warranties about the information nor guarantee of results, and they assume no liability in connection with the information provided.