What happens if you get into an accident without insurance in Colorado?

Asked by: Golden Casper  |  Last update: November 8, 2025
Score: 5/5 (63 votes)

If you get in an accident without insurance in Colorado, you could be fined, have your driver's license revoked, or be held personally responsible for the other person's losses. Also, even if the other driver was at fault, you may not be able to recover payment for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

What happens if you get in an accident without insurance in Colorado?

Some states have no-fault systems requiring a person to carry personal injury protection insurance. Others, like Colorado, use a fault system where the car accident victim can sue the liable driver for damages they cause. However, financial assets must be available to recover damages.

What is the penalty for no insurance in Colorado?

The first time police officers catch someone driving without insurance, the state can bring Class 1 misdemeanor charges. The penalties after a conviction could include a $500 fine, up to 40 hours of community service and a driver's license suspension until someone secures insurance.

What happens if you don't get someone's insurance after an accident?

Penalties For Failing to Exchange Insurance Information

In California, there are penalties in place for drivers who refuse to provide insurance information after an accident. If someone refuses to give the necessary details, they're committing an infraction and could face a $250 fine.

Can I sue an uninsured driver in Colorado?

SHOULD YOU SUE AN UNINSURED DRIVER AFTER A DENVER CAR ACCIDENT? You may sue the other driver directly, though this alternative isn't always profitable. Uninsured drivers may not have insurance coverage because they are not in the financial position to purchase it, meaning they may not have much money to offer you.

Car accident without insurance... Now what?

40 related questions found

Is it worth suing an uninsured driver?

Suing the uninsured driver might not be worth it unless they are financially capable of satisfying a judgment. After a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact a car accident lawyer about your legal options.

Do insurance companies go after uninsured drivers?

While insurance companies may pursue uninsured drivers to recover claim costs, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Uninsured drivers involved in accidents should seek legal counsel promptly to protect their rights and explore possible compensation avenues.

What happens if you don t file insurance claim after accident?

If you fail to report a car accident and another party later makes a claim against your insurance for compensation, your insurance company could say that you never reported an accident and refuse to make good on your coverage. Then, you would have to pay out of pocket.

Do I call the other person's insurance if they hit me?

Even in at-fault states, where the other driver's insurer pays, there are several reasons why you should always call your own auto insurance company first, including: Some insurers will help you negotiate a settlement with the other driver's insurance company.

How many people drive without insurance in Colorado?

According to 2019 claims data, 16.3% of Colorado motorists are uninsured, compared to the national average of 12.6%. To see more information from the Insurance Research Council, please click here. Auto insurance is required in Colorado.

Is Colorado a no fault state for insurance?

In Colorado, car accident claims follow fault rules instead of no-fault. This means that victims must base their cases on the fault of another party if they want to collect damages for their losses and pain.

What happens if someone totals your car and doesn't have insurance?

If the at-fault party does not have car insurance, you can file a compensation claim with your insurance company or file a lawsuit against the negligent party.

Can you go to jail for no insurance in Colorado?

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Colorado

Depending on the conviction, you could be looking at a fine of anywhere from $500 to $1,000. Additionally, for a second, third, or subsequent offense, you could face anywhere from 10 days to 1 year in jail.

What do I do if I get in a car accident in Colorado?

What to do after a car accident: Steps you can take
  1. Step 1: Document General Accident Information. ...
  2. Step 2: Document the Auto Accident Scene. ...
  3. Step 3: Call Police/911. ...
  4. Step 4: Seek Medical Attention. ...
  5. Step 5: Call Insurance Company. ...
  6. Step 6: Call Colorado Car Accident Lawyer.

What happens if you don't call insurance after an accident?

Failing to contact your insurance company shortly after being in a car accident can lead to them denying your claim. Waiting to contact your insurance company can also make it more difficult for the insurance company to investigate your case, which could lead to you receiving a lower settlement amount.

Can I sue if I didn't have insurance?

The fact that you don't have car insurance doesn't mean you are automatically responsible for the accident. Sure, it's against the law to drive without insurance, but you can still sue when you're injured by another driver in most states.

Is it better to not file an insurance claim?

Always file a claim if there's serious property damage or potential injuries. Even if the other driver is honest and the accident was only a fender bender, the damage might be more serious than it appears. Additionally, a car might have hidden damage that won't be found until it's been looked at by a mechanic.

Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim hit and run?

If no one was injured in the accident and property damage is minor: You have no legal obligation to report the accident to the police under California law. However, filing a police report is still in your best interest if you plan to file an insurance claim for any property damage sustained in the collision.

Do I have to tell new insurance about an accident?

When you get a car insurance quote, you are typically asked to disclose any recent accidents or traffic violations you previously had. A pending or open claim with your current insurer could jeopardize your ability to get coverage with a new company until that claim is resolved.

Do car insurance companies contact the police?

Car insurance companies check police records through a systematic process that involves collaboration with law enforcement agencies. When an individual applies for or renews their car insurance, the insurer typically requests permission to access their driving record, which includes information from police records.

What happens to uninsured drivers involved in accidents?

If the uninsured driver is found to be at fault for a collision, they may be held personally responsible for payment of any damages. If they cannot afford to pay for repairs, then the vehicle owner may have to pay out of pocket.

What happens if someone who isn't on your insurance crashes your car in California?

Insurance Follows the Car, Not the Driver

Insurance follows the vehicle, so if someone else drives your car and gets into an accident, your insurance will handle the claim. This is known as permissive use — your policy covers the damage, not theirs. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

What happens if you don't pay for a car accident?

A few things could happen if you are sued for a car accident and cannot pay the resulting judgment. The court could garnish your wages, put a lien on your property, or order you to sell assets to come up with the money. If you still cannot pay, you could be sent to jail.

What is the uninsured driver promise?

What is an uninsured driver promise? If your car insurance policy includes an 'uninsured driver promise' it means that, if a driver without insurance hits your car and it's not your fault, you can make a claim for repairs and you will not lose your no-claims bonus or have to pay an excess.