Colorado, like most states, requires drivers and bikers to carry a minimum level of insurance coverage for vehicle repairs, medical costs, and property damage after a crash. However, many people don’t understand just how important this insurance coverage is or the consequences of not having it.
Here, we’ll cover each Colorado minimum insurance requirement for bikers and motorists. We’ll also explain what can happen if you don’t carry insurance or get into a crash with an uninsured driver:
List of Minimum Insurance Requirements in Colorado
In Colorado, you are required to carry a level of insurance that can cover the costs of a severe accident. Although minimum coverage may not pay for every accident, the state has established this requirement to cover the costs of most crashes.
Here’s a quick overview of the minimum insurance requirements in Colorado:
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily injury liability insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for all involved parties. In Colorado, every driver must have a policy that covers up to:
- $25,000 for injury or death to one person in an accident
- $50,000 for injury or death to multiple people in an accident
Property Damage Liability
Property damage liability insurance is used to cover the repair cost for any property damaged in a crash. The minimum required coverage for property damage liability in Colorado is $15,000.
Minimum Insurance Requirements for Motorcyclists
Motorcycle insurance requirements are identical to auto insurance requirements. However, it’s worth noting that motorcycle insurance rates tend to be lower for bikers since motorcycles are generally less valuable than cars.
Supplementary Insurance Coverage Options for Vehicles
While Colorado’s minimum insurance requirements are a good starting point, they may not provide enough coverage to protect your finances after a serious crash. For this reason, many drivers add coverage to their policy. Here are some additional coverage options you might consider:
Comprehensive Coverage
This covers non-collision damage to your vehicle, such as theft, vandalism, or weather-related damage. If you’re financing or leasing a vehicle, your lender may require this coverage.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle after a crash, regardless of who was at fault. This is a popular option for people with new or valuable vehicles.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is a type of no-fault insurance that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs for you and your passengers.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
Medical payment coverage helps pay for accident-related medical expenses for you and your passengers, even if the accident was your fault. It is often used to supplement PIP coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This insurance protects you if the at-fault driver either doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover all damages.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance
Driving without insurance in Colorado is illegal and can lead to severe penalties. If you don’t have coverage and are pulled over, you could face the following consequences:
- Up to 4 points on your driving record
- Possible license suspension (to be restored upon meeting minimum coverage requirements)
- Up to 40 hours of community service
- A fine of $500 (raised to $1000 for repeat offenses)
Those aren’t the only penalties, either. Once you’ve been documented as driving without insurance, your insurance premiums will likely increase. Additionally, if you’re involved in a crash while uninsured, you could be held responsible for all the costs of the accident. That outcome is particularly likely if you were at fault for the crash.
What to Do if You Get Into an Accident With an Uninsured Driver
Sadly, Colorado has the ninth-highest percentage of uninsured drivers in the country. In 2022, a study from the Insurance Information Institute showed that 17.5% of motorists in Colorado were uninsured. If you get into a crash with an uninsured driver, here’s what to do:
- Contact law enforcement to report the accident.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, contact info, and vehicle details.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident, and let them know the other driver was uninsured.
- File an uninsured motorist coverage claim if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or if their coverage is insufficient.
- Contact an attorney if you were injured during the crash.
By following these steps, you ensure that you’ll receive the compensation you need, either from the other party or from your own insurance company.
Injured in a Crash? Call McDivitt Law for Help
If you’ve been seriously injured in an accident, you should speak with a personal injury attorney, regardless of the other party’s insurance status. The dedicated car accident attorneys at McDivitt Law can make sure you get the money you need for your care.
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