Here's what you need to know when driving in Colorado
The average cost of car insurance in California 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
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.
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.
State Farm recieved the second highest score in this region in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study with 847. State Fram also came in 3rd overall in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Study.
- Colorado residents pay about 10% higher rates for car insurance on average, with the cheapest company being American National P&C.
- 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.
The cheapest rates are from USAA on average
For the minimum required coverage in Colorado, Nationwide is cheapest on average.
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 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
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.
For the legal minimum coverage level in Colorado, expect to pay about $508 per year.
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 California (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
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.
In Colorado, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,512, 198% more than basic liability-only coverage.
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.
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 or DWI 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 Progresssive, while the priciest firm 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.
Compare and buy car insurance online or reach out to an insurance agent to assess your choices and find a cost-effective policy.
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 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.
Learn more about SR-22 certificate requirements and how they impact insurance premiums.
Compare car insurance rates from Colorado's best companies.
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.
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.
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The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
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The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
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The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
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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.