Colorado Car Insurance Minimums

Car insurance is required in Colorado to ensure that all motor vehicle drivers have the ability to pay for car accidents they may cause. Driving without at least the minimum required amounts of automobile insurance in  Colorado is against the law.

If you are involved in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver, a Fort Collins car accident lawyer can guide you through the process of seeking compensation, whether through your own insurance policy or by pursuing legal action against the at-fault driver.

Is Colorado a Fault or No-Fault State?

Fault-based car insurance states allow injured accident victims to bring claims against those responsible for causing the crash. To recover benefits from another person’s car insurance policy, the victim must prove fault. In no-fault states, all drivers seek financial compensation from their own car insurance policies, regardless of fault. 

Like most states, Colorado uses an at-fault insurance law. Because of this, all drivers are required to carry minimum amounts of liability automobile insurance. This guarantees that the policyholder has the financial ability to pay for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages and other losses caused to others in an at-fault car accident.

What Are the Minimum Required Amounts of Auto Insurance in Colorado? 

Before a licensed driver can legally register or operate a motor vehicle, he or she must show proof of insurance to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles. Proof of insurance is also required to be shown upon request during traffic stops and automobile accidents.  

The minimum required amounts of car insurance in Colorado are:

• Bodily injury liability insurance: pays for injuries or deaths caused to other people in a car accident. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and funeral and burial costs. The required amounts in Colorado are $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more people in an accident.
• Property damage liability insurance: pays for damage caused to someone else’s motor vehicle or property in a car accident. This can include the price of motor vehicle repairs or the pre-crash value of a vehicle if it is deemed a “total loss,” meaning it will cost more to repair than the vehicle is worth. The required amount of property damage insurance is $15,000 per accident.

While opting for higher limits and additional coverage can protect drivers more after car accidents, only these minimum amounts are legally required. If a driver does not have adequate automobile insurance, he or she could face a fine and driver’s license suspension.

Other Types of Car Insurance Available in Colorado 

The mandatory types of insurance for Colorado drivers will only pay for damage caused to others; it will not pay for the policyholder’s own losses or expenses. For this reason, it is a good idea to opt for additional types of coverage, such as:  

• Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance 
• Collision coverage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Medical payment coverage
• Personal injury protection
• Gap insurance
• Rental reimbursement
• Roadside assistance

It is also an option to pay for more than the minimum required amounts of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. This can protect the policyholder from having to pay out of pocket if a victim’s damages exceed policy limits. 

Do You Need a Fort Collins Car Accident Attorney When Filing a Car Insurance Claim?

The answer to this question depends on the claim. If a car accident case involves complex legal issues, such as severe injuries, deaths, significant damages, a liability dispute or insurance bad faith, it is likely in your best interest to hire a lawyer to help you navigate the claims process.

An attorney with experience handling insurance claims will know how to deal with carriers to maximize your financial outcome. If necessary, your attorney can bring the at-fault party’s insurance company to court in pursuit of fair compensation. To consult with a local car accident lawyer in Fort Collins about a specific car accident claim in Colorado, contact Cannon Law to schedule a free case review.

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