Short answer: Colorado requires 25/50/15 liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $15,000 for property damage. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and $5,000 of medical payments coverage are added to Colorado policies unless you reject them in writing. Colorado bars recovery if you're 50% or more at fault.
The required coverage
The Colorado Division of Insurance lists Colorado's minimum liability coverage:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 per accident |
Colorado was a no-fault state until 2003. It has been an at-fault state since then, so personal injury protection is no longer part of the required package.
Opt-out coverages: UM/UIM and MedPay
Two coverages show up on a Colorado policy automatically unless you sign them away:
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM). Under Colorado law, insurers must include UM/UIM at your liability limits unless you reject it in writing. Colorado UIM is added on top of what the at-fault driver's insurance pays, rather than reduced by it, so it can make a real difference after a serious crash.
Medical payments (MedPay). Policies include $5,000 of MedPay unless you decline it in writing. It pays medical bills for you and your passengers regardless of fault, and it can help with health insurance deductibles.
Fault: the 50% bar
Under C.R.S. §13-21-111, your damages are reduced in proportion to your negligence, and you can't recover if your negligence is as great as or greater than the other party's. In a two-driver crash, 49% at fault still allows recovery; 50% doesn't.
Proof and penalties
Keep proof of insurance in your vehicle. Colorado verifies coverage electronically, and driving uninsured can result in fines, points and license suspension, with steeper penalties for repeat offenses.
Colorado risks beyond the minimum
- Hail. The Front Range sees frequent hail. Damage to your car is covered only by comprehensive. Homeowners should read Colorado hail damage insurance claims.
- Wildlife. Deer and elk collisions on mountain and rural roads fall under comprehensive in most policies.
- Winter driving. I-70 closures and icy grades lead to multi-car crashes that can exceed the $50,000 per-accident limit.
- Property damage costs. $15,000 doesn't go far after a collision with a newer truck or SUV.
How much to consider
Drivers with homes or savings often choose 100/300/100 or higher, keep UM/UIM at matching limits and keep MedPay. If you carry an umbrella, the umbrella insurer will set minimum auto limits. See how much umbrella insurance do I need.
Common scenarios
A driver with 25/50 coverage causes a crash that injures you badly. Because Colorado UIM adds on, your UIM limit is available on top of their $25,000.
Hail dents your car in a Denver parking lot. Comprehensive pays, minus your deductible.
You hit an elk near Evergreen. Usually a comprehensive claim, not collision.
You declined MedPay to save money. Your passengers' medical bills would fall to their health insurance or a claim against the at-fault driver.
Key terms
- Opt-out coverage: included automatically unless you reject it in writing.
- Added-on UIM: pays in addition to the at-fault driver's liability coverage.
- MedPay: pays medical bills regardless of fault, up to the limit.
- 50% bar: you can't recover if you're as much at fault as the other party.
Questions to ask your broker
- Did I reject UM/UIM or MedPay at some point?
- Are my UM/UIM limits equal to my liability limits?
- What's my comprehensive deductible, and is a separate hail deductible involved?
- What would 100/300/100 cost?
Bottom line
Colorado's minimum is legal, but the best protection on a Colorado policy is often the coverage you're offered automatically: UM/UIM and MedPay. Keep them unless you have a strong reason not to, review them at every renewal, and add comprehensive for hail and wildlife. Compare states in our car insurance minimums by state table.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Colorado and auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Colorado?
25/50/15 liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $15,000 for property damage.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Colorado?
It's included at your liability limits unless you reject it in writing.
Is MedPay required in Colorado?
$5,000 of MedPay is included unless you decline it in writing.
How does fault work in Colorado?
Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault, and you can't recover if you're 50% or more at fault in a two-party crash.
Does Colorado minimum insurance cover hail damage?
No. Hail damage to your car is covered by comprehensive.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.