Colorado Car Insurance

Colorado Car Insurance—Before You Start Driving Here

Whether you’re hitting the slopes or heading to the office, make sure you have valid Colorado car insurance when you drive in the Centennial State. Drivers who fail to show proof of insurance can face penalties upwards of $500, points added to their driving record, and in some cases suspended licenses and community service hours. Drivers are also required to show proof of insurance to the Colorado Bureau of Motor Vehicles in order to register vehicles. If you need car insurance or want to switch companies, you can get Colorado car insurance quotes online.

Ski Rack Requirements In Colorado

There are laws on vehicle height and driver visibility that could cause you to be pulled over by the police. When fastening skis and other equipment to the roof, drivers need to make sure there’s no visual obstruction, like ski tips that could block the driver’s view through any of the vehicle’s windshields or windows. If you place a ski rack on a tall vehicle, like an SUV or van, take notice that the rack does exceed the state’s maximum allowable height of 13 feet. Violations are subject to fines and surcharges.

Colorado Auto Insurance Minimum Requirements

Vehicle owners driving on Colorado roads are required to have at least the following minimum limits on their insurance policy:

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $15,000 per accident
• Uninsured Motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident*
• Medical Payments: $5,000 per accident*

*Uninsured Motorist and Medical Payments can be rejected by signing an option form.

There are additional optional coverages that you may carry to better protect yourself and your vehicles. A GEICO insurance counselor can assist you in choosing the best coverage for your needs.

Colorado Teen Driver Licensing Process

For Colorado teens who want to get their license on their 16th birthday, they’ll need to start driver’s education before age 15. Colorado requires teens to have held a learner’s permit for at least 12 months before applying for a Colorado driver’s license. Colorado law prohibits drivers under 18 years of age from using a mobile phone while driving unless it is to contact the police, fire department, or it is an emergency. Drivers 18 and older may not use a mobile phone for text messaging while driving unless it’s to contact the police, fire department, or it’s an emergency.

The process for obtaining a driver’s license varies depends on the driver’s age:

• If you start at or before age 15 and 6 months, you must complete a 30-hour driver’s education course before you can apply for a learner’s permit (minimum age 15). Permit holders who have logged 50 hours driving time, completed a 6 hour behind-the-wheel training course, and have held their permit for at least 12 months can then apply for a driver’s license.
• If you start between age 15 and 6 months up to age 16, you can either complete a 30-hour driver’s education course or a 4-hour classroom driver awareness program to be eligible for a learner’s permit. Permit holders who have logged 50 hours driving time (plus 6 hours behind-the-wheel training if you are younger than 16 years and 6 months when you apply for a license) and who have held their permit for at least 12 months can then apply for a driver’s license.
• If you start at age 16 or 17, there are no prior driver’s education requirements before being eligible to apply for a learner’s permit. Permit holders who have logged 50 hours driving time and who have held their permit for at least 12 months can then apply for a driver’s license. Additional 6 hours behind-the-wheel training is optional.

For the first year licensed driving is prohibited between midnight and 5 am, unless accompanied by an instructor, parent, or legal guardian.