Car Insurance in Colorado

Here's what you need to know when driving in Colorado

The average cost of car insurance in Colorado is $1,687 per year — 10% more than the national average. Your car insurance premiums are impacted by more than just where you live. Underwriters generate auto insurance rates based on a number of factors, including age, driving history, marital status and credit score. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Colorado car insurance rates for each of the most common rating factors to help you find a policy that fits your needs.

Read on to discover how much auto insurance costs in Colorado, or submit your ZIP code above to receive car insurance quotes personalized to your driving profile.

The best car insurance companies in Colorado

The cheapest car insurance companies in Colorado

Check out Colorado's cheapest carriers in a variety of scenarios.

Colorado auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, and Colorado is no exception. For the legal minimum coverage level in Colorado, expect to pay about $508 per year. This is more affordable than the national average by 6%. Have a look at the coverage levels required for all Colorado drivers as well as optional coverage types offered by most insurers.

State minimum coverage

In Colorado, the state minimum requirement is liability coverage, with limits of:

• Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
• Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage $15,000 per accident

If you choose a higher level of car insurance coverage, you can purchase a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against damages caused by car-vs.-car crashes, theft, or weather incidents. It's worth noting that better auto insurance coverage comes at a cost: in Colorado, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,512, 198% more than basic liability-only coverage. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, you can expect to pay 266% more than for a basic liability-only policy.

Colorado car insurance premiums by rating factor

As mentioned above, car insurance rates are based on many different factors. This can include your driving history, age, and your credit score. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a ballpark idea of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Colorado.

Cheap auto insurance in Colorado for minimum coverage

Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In Colorado, the average cost for minimum coverage is $42 per month, or $508 yearly — a savings of $1,352 compared to full coverage.

Cheap auto insurance in Colorado with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Colorado drivers with poor credit pay 52% more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Colorado

Young drivers (those between the ages of 16 and 25) pay extraordinarily high auto insurance rates, with those aged 16-19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teens pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Colorado, the typical teen driver pays $5,609 annually — approximately 10% more than the national average for teens, and more than three times more than the average Colorado driver.

Colorado auto insurance rate by violation

If you have a clean driving record in Colorado — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably pay less for car insurance. If you receive a ticket, your auto insurance costs will probably go up. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance risks and regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.

Colorado DUI laws

In Colorado, a DUI violation can boost your annual car insurance cost by an average of $663. Finding affordable auto coverage after a DUI isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI conviction often causes a larger premium increase than any other road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Colorado

If you're convicted of a DUI violation in Colorado, it’s important to consider your insurance choices carefully. Car insurance premiums after a DUI can vary substantially from one carrier to another. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Colorado, State Farm, advertises annual rates 2% more than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Colorado is Progressive, while the priciest company is GEICO, with prices 101% above average.

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Colorado SR-22 insurance

How to get an SR-22 in Colorado

An SR-22 is often required for drivers with serious violations on their driving record, most often related to drinking and driving offenses. The SR-22 is a form issued by your insurance company that must be filed with the state of Colorado as proof of continued insurance coverage. Below you'll find the steps to getting this coverage. 

Already insured

With an active insurance policy, requesting an SR-22 might be easy. Just call your insurance company and request they file an SR-22 request on your behalf. If your current insurer declines to request a certificate, you should shop around for a new insurance company.

Currently uninsured?

When filing for car insurance, you'll be billed extra to cover the cost of the SR-22 request form and your high-risk driving profile. An SR-22 requirement may disqualify you from buying insurance from some carriers, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

For drivers without a vehicle

Not having a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If this is the case, you should buy a non-owners car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. A non-owners policy is typically less expensive than a standard policy since it won’t provide protection for physical damage sustained by your vehicle.

Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Redlands, Colorado, and the most expensive in Fort Lyon, Colorado.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Colorado's biggest cities.

Auto insurance pricing trends in Colorado

In Colorado, average annual auto insurance costs decreased by just $11 in the past year. A typical Colorado driver pays an average of $1,687 per year.

The year-over-year trend in Colorado leans toward pricier auto insurance costs compared to the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2019 to 2020, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. Car insurance rates are decreasing in recent years in Colorado. 

YEARLY CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS IN COLORADO

If your policy pricing trend doesn't align with the above, the best step to take is to shop around.

Colorado car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Colorado auto insurance.