Colorado became the 38th state in 1876. This beautiful state is dominated by the Rocky Mountains and other dramatic natural scenery, and has a long cultural history with both Native Americans and U.S. adventurers alike. Coloradans are known for their enthusiasm for the great outdoors and have some of the healthiest lifestyles in the country. However, prices for car insurance in Colorado are in the top ten of the most expensive states in the country.
Colorado Driving Hazards
Colorado in winter is beautiful, but it is also when the majority of car accidents happen. The state receives anywhere between 15-300 inches of snow per year, depending on whether the location is on the northeastern plains or in the heart of the Rockies. Snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain and hail are common occurrences, and in the mountain passes, blizzards cause whiteouts, which make driving extremely dangerous.
Colorado Drivers
Drivers in Colorado have the same problems many other states have, although the weather conditions cause fewer accidents than would be expected, as long-term residents are accustomed to driving in the snow and ice. The biggest driver-centered factors in accidents in Colorado are aggressive driving, following too closely, inattention to the road, speeding, failure to yield, and, most importantly, the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving.
Colorado Facts and Figures
- 27,213 vehicle accidents in 2008, with 290 fatalities. (CO Highway Patrol)
- Ranks number 40 on the list of auto insurance premium prices by state, meaning it is in the top ten most-expensive states to insurance a vehicle. Colorado car insurance cost an average of $771 for a liability-only policy for six months. (InsWeb)
- Colorado drivers are prohibited from texting or using a mobile phone while driving unless they use a hands-free accessory. (Colorado DOT)
- Teenage and other inexperienced drivers in Colorado must go through a GDL (Graduated Driver’s License) program, where they start out with restrictions on driving at night and are not allowed to have a mobile phone in the car, and may not have other teens riding with them. Eventually, the driver graduates up levels until they receive an un-restricted license, and qualify for discounts on their Colorado car insurance. (Colorado DOT)
Mandatory Coverage
Just like most other U.S. states, Colorado has a mandatory auto insurance law. Every driver in the state must maintain basic auto liability coverage. Liability insurance with pay for medical bills and any repair costs that are caused by an accident that is deemed the fault of the insured driver. The state coverage minimums are 25/50.15. This means that in any given incident, the bodily injury portion of the coverage will pay out $25,000 for an injured individual, will pay out $50,000 total bodily injury costs, and will cover $15,000 in property damages.
Why Get More Coverage?
Maintaining only minimum coverage leaves the driver vulnerable in the event any bills generated by an at-fault accident exceed the maximum. Increasing those minimums will protect them from potential lawsuits and financial disaster. It is also advised to get other kinds of Colorado car insurance, such as collision and comprehensive coverage, to pay for the driver’s medical and/or repair costs in the event of an at-fault accident or non-vehicle damage such as theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
Getting Cheaper Colorado Car Insurance
Considering the high average cost of Colorado car insurance, the smart driver must learn to save money on monthly premiums by taking advantage of discounts. If possible, buy a vehicle that has good crash-performance ratings and lots of safety features such as proximity alerts and anti-lock brakes. Install a car alarm to reduce the likelihood of theft. Bundle all insurance policies with the same company to get multi-policy discounts. Take safe-driving courses, which will almost always guarantee a discount. Especially for teen car insurance. Also, increase the collision/comprehensive deductible to at least $500 to lower monthly payments.
Getting cheap Colorado car insurance is not impossible, but it takes some work and research. The Colorado State insurance Commission recommends that one of the best ways to get competitive prices on auto insurance is to get multiple quotes from several different cheap auto insurance quotes online companies. Let us help you to find the best coverage at the lowest price with our comparison service.
