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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Mark Friedlander

Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

Mark Friedlander has over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry. He is the Director, Corporate Communications, at the Insurance Informatio…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

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

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 870 (out of 1,000) in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of Colorado.

2nd place medal
American Family

This regional carrier scored an 850 on J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study and a 4.3 stars out of 5 on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey. 

medal
State Farm

State Farm received the second-highest score in this region in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study with 847. State Farm also came in 3rd overall in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Study.

Key takeaways
  • Colorado residents pay about 10% higher rates for car insurance on average, with the cheapest company being USAA
  • Car insurance prices are slowly declining in Colorado, down 10% from last year

The cheapest car insurance companies in Colorado

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

USAA logo
Cheapest full coverage insurance: USAA

The cheapest rates are from USAA on average

medal for most affordable
Cheapest for bad credit: Nationwide

For the minimum required coverage in Colorado, Nationwide is cheapest on average.

Most affordable medal
Cheapest for DUI: State Farm

If you have a DUI on your record, check out State Farm for the cheapest average rates.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,551
State Farm $1,585
Nationwide $1,680
GEICO $2,139
Farmers $2,443
Progressive $2,751
Allstate $3,104

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


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

Optional coverage in Colorado (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Loan/Lease Payoff
  • Medical and Funeral Services
  • Rental Car Reimbursement
  • Roadside Assistance
  • Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury
  • Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
car with blue windshield

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.

The Zebra's guide to Colorado car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Colorado with our helpful guide. 


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.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $399
GEICO $444
State Farm $484
Nationwide $644
Progressive $687
Allstate $807
Farmers $832

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.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Nationwide $2,390
GEICO $2,749
USAA $2,938
State Farm $3,135
Farmers $3,783
Allstate $4,531
Progressive $4,772

Cheap auto insurance in Colorado with an at-fault accident

Your driving record is a big determinant of how much you pay for auto coverage. Insurance companies may see any previous at-fault accidents as a warning sign, meaning that you will be paying more for your policy. On average, an at-fault accident could cause your car insurance rates to rise by as much as $662 per year.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a discount for good drivers. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $2,067
USAA $2,173
Nationwide $2,564
Farmers $3,355
GEICO $3,702
Progressive $3,995
Allstate $4,256

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.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $4,325
Nationwide $5,200
State Farm $5,397
GEICO $6,169
Allstate $7,006
Farmers $10,568
Progressive $12,747

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.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $2,178 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $2,188 0% $10
Not-at-fault accident $2,233 3% $55
Two Med/PIP claims $2,233 3% $56
One comp claim $2,238 3% $60
Two comp claims $2,313 6% $136
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,376 9% $199
Failure to show documents $2,413 11% $235
Child safety restraint $2,415 11% $238
Driving without lights $2,423 11% $246
Driving with expired registration $2,508 15% $330
Texting while driving $2,551 17% $374
Cell phone violation $2,578 18% $401
Illegal turn $2,604 20% $427
Failure to yield $2,604 20% $427
Failure to stop at a red light $2,604 20% $427
Following too closely $2,605 20% $427
Driving too slowly $2,609 20% $431
Improper passing $2,623 20% $446
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,631 21% $454
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,639 21% $462
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,639 21% $462
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,642 21% $464
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,645 21% $467
Speeding in school zone $2,659 22% $481
Passing school bus $2,699 24% $522
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,805 29% $627
In 65 MPH zone $2,806 29% $628
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,858 31% $680
Open container $2,995 38% $817
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $3,195 47% $1,017
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $3,195 47% $1,017
Driving with a suspended license $3,379 55% $1,202
Reckless driving $3,652 68% $1,474
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,702 70% $1,524
Racing $3,759 73% $1,582
DUI $3,794 74% $1,616
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,929 80% $1,752

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.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $2,430
Progressive $3,092
Nationwide $3,247
Farmers $3,262
USAA $3,411
Allstate $3,885
GEICO $4,796

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

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Colorado to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Colorado might be tricky, but some research could pay off in the end.

 

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.

Compare car insurance rates from Colorado's best companies.

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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.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Fort Collins $1,915
Lakewood $2,320
Colorado Springs $2,392
Denver $2,396
Aurora $2,466

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
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Colorado Yearly Change — Colorado Avg. Annual Premium — USA Yearly Change — USA
2021 $1,687 -$11 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,698 -$66 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,764 $64 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,700 -$36 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,736 $288 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,448 -$29 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,477 $46 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,431 $176 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,255 $17 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,238 $48 $1,276 $82
 

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.

The cheapest company will vary based on you and your driving history. Our data shows The Hartford ($421), Auto-Owners ($590) and Travelers ($597) are the most affordable options in Colorado. Get started to see options for all the top companies in CO.

Our data showed the average for car insurance in CO was $1,868 per policy period, or about $155 per month.

Colorado is 6% cheaper than the national average for car insurance. This is due to population size, number of uninsured drivers, and insurance companies' revenue loss via claims. If you feel you're paying too much for insurance, use our free insurance comparison tool to see competitive rates from over 100 companies.

Start saving money on car insurance today.

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.