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The average cost of basic liability car insurance in Colorado is $1,969 per year. Opting for full-coverage car insurance in Colorado will leave you with an average cost of $2,899 per year. In comparison, the national average is $1,627 per year to buy basic liability car insurance and $2,297 per year to buy full-coverage car insurance.
The average cost of basic liability car insurance in Colorado is $1,969 per year. Opting for full-coverage car insurance in Colorado will leave you with an average cost of $2,899 per year. In comparison, the national average is $1,627 per year to buy basic liability car insurance and $2,297 per year to buy full-coverage car insurance.
Compare best car insurance quotes in Colorado
What exactly affects your auto insurance rate in Colorado? A number of factors, from your ZIP code to your driving record, determine the premium you pay for minimum or full coverage.
Here are some real quotes and savings from customers in Colorado who switched with Jerry:
| Quote Date | Car | Before Jerry | After Jerry | City | Name | Age | Carrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 31, 2023 | Subaru Crosstrek Limited | $440/mo. | $169/mo. | Denver | Jeremiah G. | 38 | Progressive |
| January 30, 2023 | Nissan Pathfinder S | $255/mo. | $155/mo. | Thornton | Aaron C. | 44 | Bristol West |
| January 24, 2023 | Nissan Altima Base | $201/mo. | $85/mo. | Denver | Marc C. | 28 | Progressive |
| January 17, 2023 | Dodge Journey SE | $371/mo. | $158/mo. | Englewood | Verna G. | 46 | Bristol West |
| January 14, 2023 | Chevrolet Impala LT | $169/mo. | $105/mo. | Lakewood | Sophia A. | 30 | Dairyland |
Best car insurance companies in Colorado
The fact is, there are tons of providers offering competitive rates on car insurance for drivers in Colorado. That’s because auto insurance companies all use slightly different algorithms to calculate your car insurance premium.
So Allstate has the best rates on car insurance for drivers in Colorado. But before you rush to sign up for an Allstate policy, you should know—USAA also has the best rates on Colorado auto insurance. So does Progressive. And so does Nationwide.
Here are quotes from the best car insurance companies in Colorado:
| Insurance Company | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| National General | $3,196 | $1,376 | |
| Dairyland | $3,139 | $1,024 | |
| Allstate | $3,121 | $948 | |
| Kemper | $2,617 | $869 | |
| Progressive | $2,657 | $834 | |
| Safeco | $2,942 | $812 | |
| Travelers | $2,799 | $739 | |
| State Auto | $2,614 | $718 | |
| Nationwide | $2,558 | $694 | |
| Clearcover | $2,160 | $688 | |
| Compare Prices | |||
Colorado car insurance FAQs
Is insurance expensive in Colorado?
Colorado has a high overall cost of living—and unfortunately, car insurance is no exception. Dangerous winter weather and densely populated urban centers both drive up the cost of insurance.
Is car insurance cheaper once you are 25?
Yes. While insurance rates will drop gradually from ages 16 to 25—with major drops after your 18th and 21st birthdays—the biggest decrease comes at age 25. After that, you should see your rates stabilize (as long as you keep a clean driving record).
How much does car insurance cost in Colorado?
From Mount Elbert to Pike’s Peak, plenty of things are high in Colorado—and car insurance rates are no exception.
What makes Colorado car insurance rates so high? First of all, rapid growth in recent years has put more cars on the roads, particularly in urban areas. More cars means a higher rate of accidents—as well as above-average auto theft rates. If you live in Colorado Springs, Denver, or the Fort Collins area, your Rocky-Mountain-high premium might be one of the growing pains of urban expansion.
Outside of Colorado’s cities, drivers in the Centennial State face unusual challenges from Mother Nature. From summer cloudbursts and wildfires to winter blizzards, Colorado’s extreme weather can pose a threat to your vehicle—and insurance companies see that threat as an added cost to them.
Here’s a rundown of what you need to know about car insurance in Colorado.
Colorado car insurance requirements
A minimum coverage policy in Colorado includes $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $15,000 per accident in property damage liability. But so-called "full-coverage" policies go beyond Colorado’s liability-only minimum car insurance requirements to include collision insurance and comprehensive coverage.
How much insurance do I need in Colorado?
In Colorado, drivers need $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 of bodily injury liability for each accident, and $15,000 of property liability for each accident. These requirements are known as the 25/50/15 rule.
What do you need if you’re pulled over?
If you get pulled over, you are required to show your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and registration. Thankfully, digital insurance ID cards are accepted by police and the DMV so you will always have your stored proof of insurance available 24/7 in the Jerry app.
Is Colorado a no-fault state?
No, Colorado is an at-fault state This means the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay for the not-at-fault driver’s and passengers' injuries, once the at-fault driver’s insurance company accepts liability and confirms that there is enough coverage.
If you’re only carrying liability coverage, you’re protected against legal responsibility for other drivers’ bills if you’re in an at-fault accident. But with collision and comprehensive coverage, your own vehicle is protected from perils like car accidents, vandalism, auto theft, severe weather, and more. Tree fell on your car during that April blizzard? You’re good. Rear-ended by a moose on Trail Ridge Road? You’re covered.
But full-coverage insurance is significantly more expensive than a liability-only policy. Take a look at the graph below to understand how much you’ll pay for each.
Best auto insurance in Colorado with a DUI or speeding ticket
So far, we’ve been talking about average rates for Colorado car insurance—but what if you’re not an average driver?
You probably already know that driving violations or points on your driver’s license can drive up your insurance policy. In fact, something as minor as a speeding ticket could raise your rate anywhere from 21% to 29%. But a history of repeated violations or a single serious charge—think reckless driving or DUI—could get you labeled as a high-risk driver by your insurance company.
If your record’s less than spotless, finding the cheapest rates on Colorado auto insurance might feel impossible. But that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to overpaying. You can still find savings by comparison shopping.
Take a look at the kind of savings Jerry could find you based on your driving record.
| Driving Violation | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Record | $2,296 | $696 |
| Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $3,080 | $1,091 |
| Improper Passing | $3,176 | $1,063 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $2,550 | $891 |
| Speeding under 15 | $2,697 | $866 |
| Defective Equipment | $2,558 | $853 |
| DUI | $2,679 | $850 |
| Careless Driving | $2,620 | $820 |
| Driving on Sus. License | $2,111 | $797 |
| Suspension | $2,799 | $758 |
Insurance Cost With a DUI in Colorado
If you get a DUI in Colorado, you can expect your car insurance to increase by an average of $3,000 annually.
Read More
Insurance Cost With a Reckless Driving Citation in Colorado
If you have a reckless driving citation, you should expect your insurance to increase to an average of $725 per month.
Read More
Average cost of car insurance in Colorado by age
Let’s face facts: teen drivers pay some of the highest car insurance premiums in Colorado. That’s because drivers under age 25 lack experience, making them a high risk for insurance companies to take on.
What young drivers in Colorado need to know:
- Drivers between the ages of 20 and 25 are involved in the highest number of fatal crashes, and the risk is much higher for men
- Colorado ranks 35th in teen driver safety, making it a more expensive state for young drivers
If you’re trying to find cheap auto insurance in Colorado as a young driver, you’re fighting against statistics and stereotypes—but it’s not impossible to win that battle! Even though you’re likely to pay more per month than an older driver, you can still find savings on insurance by comparison shopping.
How can young drivers save money on car insurance in Colorado?
- Young drivers are considered high-risk by default—but you can still earn discounts by maintaining a clean driving record
- Most auto insurance companies offer discounts to students who maintain good grades (e.g. a B average or better)
- Young drivers are considered high-risk by default—but you can still earn discounts by maintaining a clean driving record
- Most auto insurance companies offer discounts to students who maintain good grades (e.g. a B average or better)
Average Colorado auto insurance rates by city
Across the state, Colorado drivers pay insurance premiums above the national average—but rates can still vary depending on your ZIP code.
Let’s take an example: Denver car insurance costs are some of the highest in the state, thanks to the city’s congested roads and high accident rates. Head up I-25 to Fort Collins, and you’ll see similar rates. But in the suburb of Loveland, in between the two cities, drivers can find significant savings due to lower population density.
Here are some rates we’ve found for Jerry customers who live in Colorado:
| City | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Arvada | $2,268 | $769 |
| Aurora | $2,325 | $768 |
| Colorado Springs | $2,156 | $699 |
| Denver | $2,184 | $731 |
| Fort Collins | $1,912 | $650 |
| Grand Junction | $1,930 | $693 |
| Lakewood | $2,256 | $737 |
| Littleton | $2,261 | $671 |
| Pueblo | $2,079 | $747 |
| Thornton | $2,445 | $860 |
Least Expensive Cities in Colorado
Montrose is the least expensive city for car insurance in Colorado. Drivers in Montrose can expect average annual rates of $834.
City With Highest Rates of Accidents in Colorado
Arvada has the highest accident rates in Colorado, with 13.9% of drivers already having a prior at-fault accident on their record. High accident rates in the area mean higher insurance premiums for Arvada residents.
Cities With the Longest Commute Times in Colorado
At an average 44.2 minutes, Coal Creek has the highest commute time in Colorado. Longer commutes will increase the risk of accident, and you’ll end up with higher mileage—both of which raise rates.
Cost to insure your car in Colorado
One more reason Colorado’s average insurance rates are so high? The Ford F-150 is the most popular vehicle in Colorado—and it’s an expensive truck to insure.
That’s because pickup trucks like the F Series can cause more serious damage—to property and to drivers—when they’re involved in a crash. This makes repairs more expensive, meaning that F-150 insurance costs are higher than average.
But if you drive a more conservative vehicle like a Toyota Corolla or a Subaru Outback, you could pay a lower rate. High safety and reliability ratings make both of these vehicles cheaper to insure, since the car is likely to make fewer and less expensive trips to the mechanic than other makes and models.
Want to know where your vehicle lies on the insurance cost spectrum? Take a look at the table below.
| Car | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 SLT | $2,623 | $785 |
| Toyota Tacoma Double Cab | $2,595 | $758 |
| Nissan Rogue S | $2,222 | $747 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo | $2,084 | $668 |
| Ford Fusion SE | $2,191 | $658 |
Most Popular Car in Colorado
The most popular vehicle in Colorado is the Ford F-150. On average, F-150 drivers pay $1,180 a year in car insurance. F-150 drivers can save money by switching carriers with Jerry.
Read More
Do you need more than the minimum car insurance in Colorado?
Like other states, Colorado sets certain minimum requirements and coverage limits for drivers to legally hit the road.
Liability insurance is all you need to legally drive in Colorado—but it will not cover your expenses in the event of a crash. Minimum liability insurance will be the cheapest auto insurance policy, but it’s worth considering other coverage options, particularly if you live in:
- A city
- A busy tourist area
- An area that gets a lot of severe weather
- An area with a high percentage of underinsured or uninsured motorists
- Anywhere with frequent difficult driving conditions
In addition to collision coverage and comprehensive insurance, consider adding the following coverage to your car insurance policy:
Colorado was ranked 38th for traffic and infrastructure, making it one of the poorer states for driving conditions. This can put drivers at higher risk of a collision, so make sure you have collision coverage.
30,452 vehicles were stolen in Colorado in 2020, and the state had the fourth most vehicle thefts compared to other states. Only comprehensive insurance can cover you if your car gets stolen.
In Colorado, 16.3% of drivers are uninsured. If one of those drivers is responsible for an accident, they don’t have insurance to pay out for damages. Get uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to stay safe.
Read More
Colorado drivers rank their roads a 6.65/10. Don’t let shaky roads and the occasional bump put your car out of commission—get roadside assistance for all of your roadside needs.
How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Colorado
There’s more than one way to save money on car insurance in Colorado. Here are just a few strategies.
Shop around for quotes
The most efficient way to save on auto insurance is shopping around for the best insurance rates.
You might find the cheapest quote from a big-name company like State Farm or GEICO—or you might find unexpected savings with a smaller regional company.
Look for discounts
One of the easiest ways to save on car insurance is to qualify for discounts. Just about every auto insurance company offers them—but they won’t always advertise them openly. That’s why it’s helpful to shop with a broker that can help you track down the perfect discount for you.
Here are some popular car insurance discounts in Colorado:
Clean Driving Record Discounts Colorado
Clean Driving Record Discounts Colorado
Drivers with a safe driving history are less likely to cause or be in an accident, which means insurance companies are less likely to pay out claims. In return, clean drivers get a discount.
Bundling Discounts Colorado
Bundling Discounts Colorado
Customers who get renters or home insurance with the same carrier they get car insurance from are eligible for a bundling discount.
Good Student Discounts Colorado
Good Student Discounts Colorado
Students who maintain a “B” average in their courses are often eligible for good student discounts, which can save on expensive premiums.
Increase your deductible
Increasing your deductible—the amount you pay before your collision and comprehensive insurance kick in—is another way to keep monthly premiums low.
Typical deductibles are $500 or $1,000, but it’s possible to get a deductible as high as $2,000. The higher your deductible, the less you’ll pay month to month—but be careful! Never choose a deductible that’s higher than you could reasonably pay out of pocket, no matter how much it would save you.
By R.E. Fulton
Updated on Jan 30, 2023
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content.
Compare best car insurance quotes in Colorado
Best car insurance companies in Colorado
Colorado car insurance FAQs
How much does car insurance cost in Colorado?
Colorado car insurance requirements
Best auto insurance in Colorado with a DUI or speeding ticket
Average cost of car insurance in Colorado by age
Average Colorado auto insurance rates by city
Cost to insure your car in Colorado
Do you need more than the minimum car insurance in Colorado?
How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Colorado
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