Find the Best Car Insurance Quotes & Options in Colorado

The average cost of car insurance in Colorado is about $1,245 per year. Colorado ranks number 26 in the country for car insurance rates, falling in the middle. The state's car insurance premiums are cheaper than the current national average of $1,3111 annually. So drivers in Colorado should have easier access to car insurance policies that include more than just the minimum coverages required by the state.

A Colorado independent insurance agent can help you put together a car insurance policy that includes every type of coverage you need. They'll get you matched to a policy that's the best blend of coverage and cost. But for starters, here's a behind-the-scenes look at car insurance in Colorado.

Best Car Insurance Companies in Colorado

Though you could get auto insurance from many different carriers in Colorado, it's wise to start by browsing only the best options. That's why we compiled a list of some of the best car insurance companies in Colorado for your convenience. We broke it down by category and type, including the best car insurance companies in Colorado for minimum liability coverage, full coverage, young drivers, drivers with accident histories, and the best overall. Make sure to check out these top-rated Colorado car insurance companies first.

  • Best Colorado Car Insurance Company Overall: USAA
  • Best Colorado Car Insurance Company for Minimum Liability: Progressive
  • Best Colorado Car Insurance Company for Full Coverage: Progressive
  • Best Colorado Car Insurance Company for Young Drivers: Auto-Owners
  • Best Colorado Car Insurance Company for Accident History: American Family

A Colorado independent insurance agent can set you up with a car insurance policy from one of these top-rated carriers.

Best Colorado Car Insurance Company Overall: USAA

USAA Logo


Our top pick for the best Colorado car insurance company overall is USAA. Of all the carriers we researched, USAA proved to be the best overall car insurance company in Colorado. Thanks to its affordable coverage rates, excellent customer service, and myriad coverage options, the carrier easily takes this spot. 

USAA was founded in 1922 and has more than a century of experience in the industry. The carrier was first created by a group of Army officers who decided to insure each other’s vehicles. It has since expanded to servicing millions of customers across the country with a variety of coverage solutions.

In recent years, USAA’s net worth surpassed $35 billion. The insurance company has more than 13 million policyholders today and 35,000 employees. USAA has also paid out $2.4 billion in returns to its customers over time. The insurance company is consistently rated highly by major agencies like Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor. AM Best rates the insurance company "A++," the highest available, in terms of financial strength. USAA also received 881 out of 1,000 points on a recent J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Best Colorado Car Insurance Company for Minimum Liability: Progressive

Progressive insurance logo


Our top pick for the best Colorado car insurance company for minimum liability coverage is Progressive. Thanks to Progressive, drivers in Colorado can easily get a car insurance policy that offers just enough coverage to satisfy the state's minimum coverage requirements. In Colorado, Progressive's minimum liability car insurance starts at just $619 per year.

Originally founded in 1937, Progressive has more than 80 years of experience in the insurance industry. Fifty years ago, Progressive became the first carrier to allow consumers to pay their premiums in installments, which was groundbreaking for the industry. Coverage is available in 40 states.

The insurance company's original mission included becoming the number-one choice for auto insurance with both consumers and agents. Progressive holds an "A+" rating for financial strength from AM Best and was rated 842 out of 1,000 on a recent J.D. Power Survey.

Average Monthly Insurance Cost: Minimum Liability Policy Average Annual Insurance Cost: Minimum Liability Policy 
$52$619

Best Colorado Car Insurance Company for Full Coverage: Progressive

Progressive insurance logo


Our top pick for the best Colorado car insurance company for full coverage also goes to Progressive. Having just the state's minimum required coverage isn't enough for most drivers. A "full coverage" auto insurance policy includes extras like collision and comprehensive coverage, personal injury protection, and more. Full coverage auto insurance from Progressive starts at just $226 per month in Colorado.

Founded in 1937, Progressive has more than 80 years of experience in the insurance industry. Fifty years ago, Progressive became the first carrier to allow consumers to pay their premiums in installments, which was groundbreaking for the industry. Coverage is available in 40 states.

Progressive's original mission included becoming the number one choice for auto insurance with both consumers and agents. Progressive holds an "A+" rating for financial strength from AM Best and was rated 842 out of 1,000 on a recent J.D. Power Survey.

Average Monthly Insurance Cost: Full Coverage PolicyAverage Annual Insurance Cost: Full Coverage Policy
$226$2,709

Best Colorado Car Insurance Company for Young Drivers: Auto-Owners

Auto Owners Logo


Our top pick for the best Colorado car insurance company for young drivers is Auto-Owners. Having a teen or student driver can cause car insurance premiums to skyrocket, but luckily, carriers like Auto-Owners help keep coverage affordable. A liability-only car insurance policy for young drivers in Colorado starts at just $155 per month from Auto-Owners.

First founded in 1916, Auto-Owners has more than a century of experience in the industry. Auto-Owners is a Fortune 500 company. The carrier offers coverage in 26 states across the US. In terms of financial size, AM Best places the carrier in the $2 billion or greater category. AM Best also gives Auto-Owners an “A++” rating – the highest available – for financial strength.

Average Monthly Insurance Cost: Liability-Only for Young DriversAverage Monthly Insurance Cost: Full Coverage for Young Drivers
$155$413

Best Colorado Car Insurance Company for Accident History: American Family

American Family Insurance Logo


Our top pick for the best Colorado car insurance company for drivers with accident histories is American Family. Though just one accident can cause car insurance premiums to increase a great deal, certain carriers help keep costs down. American Family helps keep car insurance rates affordable after an accident. Average car insurance rates for drivers with at least one accident on their records from American Family start at just $225 per month in Colorado.

American Family was founded in 1927, giving the carrier nearly a century of experience in the industry. Today, American Family is the country’s 13th-largest property and casualty insurance provider. The carrier offers coverage in 19 states. About 2,400 independent insurance agents are employed by American Family.

AM Best gives American Family Insurance an “A” or "excellent" rating for financial strength. Customers can trust American Family to deliver quality coverage and remain in the industry for years to come.

Average Monthly Insurance Cost: Drivers after an AccidentAverage Annual Insurance Cost: Drivers after an Accident
$222$2,664

Colorado Car Insurance Requirements

Colorado state law dictates that all drivers must carry at least liability coverage before hitting the road. Failure to obtain car insurance in Colorado can result in fines, jail time, or worse. Make sure to get at least the following types of car insurance if you live in Colorado:

  • Bodily injury liability: In Colorado, this coverage is required in the amounts of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Coverage pays the costs of medical treatment for another driver and their passengers after an accident you're at fault for.
  • Property damage liability: In Colorado, this coverage is required in the amount of $15,000 per accident. Coverage pays the costs of repairs to a third party's personal property, like a vehicle, fences, etc., if you damage it with your car.

Optional car insurance coverages in Colorado:

  • Rental car reimbursement: Pays for a rental car after a covered accident.
  • Collision: Pays for damage to your own vehicle after an accident you're at fault for.
  • Gap coverage: Pays the difference between what your vehicle is worth and what you owe on your remaining vehicle loan after a collision.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle or medical treatment if another driver causes a collision and doesn't have any or enough insurance of their own.
  • Personal injury protection: Pays for your own medical expenses after an accident you're at fault for.
  • Roadside assistance: Pays for towing services if you break down on the side of the road.
  • Comprehensive: Pays for expenses after incidents of threats other than collision, including incidents with large animals, windshield breaks, and more. 

A Colorado independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the types of car insurance you need.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Colorado

The average car insurance cost in Colorado is about $1,245 per year. This is a bit lower than the current national average of $1,311 per year. The state ranks 26th overall for car insurance rates, placing them right in the middle. However, car insurance rates can vary depending on many factors, like your car's value, your credit score and driving history, and even the town you live in. Full coverage auto insurance in Colorado starts at about $226 per month from lower-priced carriers like Progressive.

Average Colorado Car Insurance Costs By City

Car insurance costs vary right down to each city. That's because local factors like crime rates, traffic rates, car values, storm risk, and more all impact car insurance prices. In Colorado, drivers in Fort Collins pay an average of just $968 per year for car insurance, which is the lowest rate in the state. On the other hand, drivers in Pueblo pay about $1,875, on average, for car insurance per year, which is by far the highest in the state overall.

Finding Car Insurance Discounts in Colorado

You can often find several discounts offered by most car insurance companies in Colorado. The specific discounts offered vary by company, but most common auto insurance discounts are offered by most. Check for these typical car insurance discounts from car insurance companies in Colorado:

  • Student driver: Offered to customers with households that have a student driver.
  • Military: Offered to active or retired military members.
  • Anti-theft devices: Offered to customers whose vehicles are equipped with anti-theft devices that add to their security, such as alarms.
  • Paperless billing: Offered to customers who sign up for paperless billing statements.
  • Safe driver: Offered to customers with a clean track record with no accidents or traffic violations over the past few years.
  • Other: Offered when a customer belongs to a certain organization such as a union, group, or the government, or is a teacher. They may earn an additional discount on car insurance premiums.

A Colorado independent insurance agent can help you find all the car insurance discounts you qualify for.

How to Find the Best Car Insurance Quote in Colorado

Hands down, an independent insurance agent will provide the best car insurance quote in Colorado. Local agents shop and compare policies from many different Colorado car insurance companies, then present you with only the best results. They'll get you the options that only show the best blend of coverage and cost. Work with a Colorado independent insurance agent to find the best car insurance quote in your city today.

How to File a Car Insurance Claim in Colorado

Filing a car insurance claim in Colorado can be a breeze when you know the process. So don't stress about how to file a claim. Just keep this guide in mind instead. Follow these quick steps if you ever need to file a car insurance claim in Colorado:

  1. Call the police: Ideally, from the scene, make sure to report the accident to the cops right away.
  2. Get medical treatment: Next, make sure any injured parties get the medical treatment they need.
  3. Call your agent: Call your Colorado independent insurance agent to get the claims process started. Your agent can even file claims for you directly through your carrier.
  4. Get a rental car: Whether your coverage includes a rental vehicle or not, you may need to arrange to get one while your car is in the shop.
  5. Schedule an evaluation: You'll most likely need to schedule a visit from an insurance adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle.

Your Colorado independent insurance agent can handle the entire claims process for you if you provide them with the necessary information. Otherwise, keep these simple steps in mind if you ever need to file a car insurance claim.

How does your city measure up to the national average?

National average time spent commuting 26.9 Min

National average car thefts per 1,000 2.3 Year

National average car insurance cost $1,311 Year

CityCommute time (min)Auto thefts / 1,000Annual insurance cost
Arvada28.03.1$1,407
Aurora29.56.0$1,463
Boulder19.72.3$1,006
Brighton31.44.0$1,478
Broomfield28.11.9$1,210
Castle Rock29.80.89$1,066
Colorado Springs22.76.4$1,355
Commerce City30.36.2$1,101
Denver25.97.3$1,676
Englewood25.58.6$1,450
Fort Collins20.51.3$968
Grand Junction16.42.4$1,007
Lakewood27.27.6$1,676
Littleton26.43.8$1,280
Pueblo19.36.2$1,875
Thornton31.04.4$1,617
Westminster27.25.5$1,672
Wheat Ridge25.27.0$1,691

Colorado Car Insurance FAQ

The average cost of Colorado car insurance is $1,245 annually or about $104 monthly. This is slightly less than the current national average of $1,311 annually.

What your Colorado car insurance covers depends on the types of coverage you put into your policy. You'll probably want a car insurance policy that includes liability coverage and collision and comprehensive coverage, perhaps personal injury protection, and even uninsured motorist coverage.

Colorado requires all drivers to carry at least the following types and amounts of car insurance:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident

It's reported that 13.3% of Colorado drivers are currently uninsured. This is just about on par with, but slightly higher than, the current average of 13% of all drivers nationwide.

Our research found that the best car insurance companies in Colorado are USAA,  Progressive, Auto-Owners, and American Family. These carriers were selected based on customer service ratings, financial strength, policy options, premium rates, and more.

In Colorado, you're required to carry the following car insurance coverages at minimum:

  • $25,000 per person of bodily injury liability
  • $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability 
  • $15,000 of property damage liability

Colorado's auto insurance rates are actually a bit below the current national average. Colorado auto insurance averages just $1,245 per year.

To get car insurance in Colorado, you'll probably need to provide your driver's license, Social Security number, bank information, and vehicle information. The documentation required may differ by insurance company, but a Colorado independent insurance agent can help make sure you're prepared.

Do You Know What Your Colorado Car Insurance Covers?

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/insurance/minimum-car-insurance-requirements