Car insurance in Colorado, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, Colorado car insurance coverage isn't just something that drivers in the "Centennial State" should have; it's something they must have.

Colorado auto insurance coverage doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in Colorado, you need auto insurance in Colorado. Here's what kind and how much, according to Colorado state law:

1. When buying auto insurance in Colorado, drivers must purchase bodily injury liability (BIL) and property damage liability (PDL) coverage; collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) and uninsured property damage coverage are recommended, but not required.
2. Auto insurance in Colorado must include BIL coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for costs associated with the injury or death of others in a wreck.
3. Auto insurance in Colorado must include PDL coverage of at least $15,000 for damage to another person's property in an accident.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Browse Colorado auto insurance rates online

If you need Colorado auto insurance, online quotes are a good starting point. Available from all major auto insurance companies in Colorado, they offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.

I recommend: Get comprehensive online quotes from Colorado car insurance providers at websites like InsWeb, Insurance.com, InsuranceUSA and InsuranceFinder, or from companies like Progressive and Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.

Solicit Colorado car insurance quotes from national providers

Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in Colorado and all provide competitive Colorado auto insurance rates.

I recommend: Among the largest and most popular car insurance companies in Colorado are AIG, Allstate, Chubb, Farmers, GEICO, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. National associations like AAA and AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in Colorado.

Get car insurance in Colorado from local and regional companies

In Colorado, auto insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.

I recommend: For automotive insurance in Colorado, try Colorado-based companies like Colorado Casualty, Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance and COPIC Companies. Also consider local programs, like the Colorado Motor Vehicle Insurance Plan, which is designed for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in Colorado.

Use an independent agent to find Colorado car insurance bargains

Buying car insurance in Colorado via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.

I recommend: To find an independent agent who can sell you car insurance in Colorado, use the “find an independent agent” feature at the Independent Insurance Agents of Colorado website.

Choose Colorado auto insurance companies that you can trust

Before doing business with Colorado car insurance providers, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.

I recommend: If you subscribe to Consumer Reports, you can check up on car insurance companies in Colorado. Another good resource is the Colorado Division of Insurance, which licenses auto insurance companies in Colorado and compiles statistics on complaints against them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider buying more coverage than is required by state law; minimum Colorado car insurance might not be enough to cover car repairs or medical bills after an accident.
• •  Penalties for drivers who don't have Colorado car insurance include points against their driver's license, suspension of driving privileges, cash fines and community service.
• •  If you're leasing or financing your car, dealerships might require you to have more and better Colorado auto insurance than is required by state law.
• •  Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums and more monthly savings on auto insurance in Colorado.