What is the penalty for uninsured motorist in Colorado?
Asked by: Jade Hayes DVM | Last update: May 25, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (24 votes)
What happens if you are hit by an uninsured driver in Colorado?
Uninsured motorist coverage in Colorado is auto insurance that helps protect you and any passengers in your vehicle. When you are involved in a car accident caused by another driver who does not have car insurance, your UM coverage helps cover medical bills, lost wages, and property damages.
What happens if you get pulled over without insurance in Colorado?
Driving without car insurance is considered a class 1 misdemeanor in Colorado. If you're convicted, the maximum penalties include a fine of at least $1,000, a driver's license suspension of eight months, one year in jail, 40 hours of community service and four points on your driver's license.
How does uninsured motorist coverage work in Colorado?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is optional in Colorado. This coverage pays for the insured's bodily injury losses caused by a hit‑and‑run driver, a driver with no automobile insurance, or a driver of an underinsured vehicle.
What is the disadvantage of uninsured motorist coverage?
Some cons to consider include: Additional cost: Adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy typically increases your insurance premium, which can be financially burdensome. It is important to weigh the benefits against the added cost and your budget.
Denver Auto Accident Attorney Talks About Uninsured Motorist Insurance in Colorado
Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?
However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.
What does uninsured motorist coverage not cover?
In many states, uninsured motorist coverage will only pay for bodily injury and will not pay for damage to your car. There are some states in which you can only purchase uninsured coverage for property damage if you do not carry collision coverage.
Is it okay to reject uninsured motorist coverage?
If your questions are not answered here, call us at 661-616-9829. California law does require insurance companies to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage; if you don't want it, you must reject the coverage in writing.
Is it better to have a collision or uninsured motorist?
Deductible Comparison: UMPD generally has a lower deductible compared to collision coverage. This can be beneficial in reducing immediate out-of-pocket costs. Broader Coverage: UMPD can cover not just your vehicle but also other property, such as a fence or a garage, if damaged by an uninsured driver.
What is the statute of limitations for uninsured motorist in Colorado?
(a) An action or arbitration of an "uninsured motorist" insurance claim, as defined in sections 10-4-609 and 10-4-610, C.R.S., shall be commenced or demanded by arbitration demand within three years after the cause of action accrues; except that, if the underlying bodily injury liability claim against the uninsured ...
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.
Does my insurance go up if I get pulled over?
Drivers who have recent tickets or car accidents on their driving record are considered higher risk (i.e. they're more likely to file an insurance claim). That means insurers will typically charge them higher rates.
What happens if I let my insurance lapse?
A lapse in coverage may cause insurance companies to see you as a high-risk driver, even if you have a good driving record. It can also potentially impact your future car insurance premiums. It's best to keep continuous coverage to get the best insurance rate and make sure that you're protected in a car accident.
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.
Can you go to jail for driving without 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.
Will my insurance go up if someone hits me Colorado?
Your insurance rates probably won't go up after an accident caused by another driver. That's because the other driver's insurance should pay for any damage or injuries after an accident that wasn't your fault.
Do you have to pay deductible if hit by an uninsured motorist?
Suppose you have collision coverage and are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in California who is at fault. In that case, the collision damage waiver will likely apply and cover your deductible.
What is the difference between collision and uninsured motorist in Colorado?
The key difference between UMPD and collision coverage is that UMPD only covers damage to your vehicle caused by a driver with little or no insurance. In contrast, collision coverage applies to any damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault.
What happens if the person at fault in an accident has no insurance in California?
If a driver does not have insurance, they may face serious penalties, such as fines, license suspension, or even jail time. They may also be sued by the other driver or their insurance company for the damages they caused in the accident.
Should I get uninsured motorist coverage in Colorado?
Motorists who lack UM coverage expose themselves to incredible risk. You may pay for the damages incurred in an uninsured motorist accident out of pocket, and filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver may not yield the compensation you need.
Is it best to have uninsured motorist coverage?
Under the California Financial Responsibility Act, Uninsured Motorist coverage is an important element in making certain that Californians are protected. Not only are medical bills, lost earnings and future losses recoverable, but other out of pocket expenses like home health care, babysitting, and personal assistance.
What are the risks of not having uninsured motorist coverage?
If the at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance to pay for all the damages you sustained in the accident like medical bills, for example, you may have to pay more costs out-of-pocket. Also, the at-fault driver's insurance may not fully compensate you for your pain and suffering.
Will my insurance go up if I use an underinsured motorist claim?
This makes California one of only two states in the country which has legislation on the books preventing insurance companies from arbitrarily raising rates after a consumer files an uninsured motorist claim following a no-fault accident.
What is uninsured motorist simple?
Uninsured motorist coverage helps you pay for damages caused by a driver who doesn't have car insurance. If you're hurt or your car is damaged in a crash caused by such a driver, this coverage will help pay for costs, up to the limits in your policy.
Am I covered against uninsured drivers?
If you cause an accident and you have a comprehensive Car Insurance policy, the cost of repairing both your car and the uninsured driver's car is covered. If you only have third-party insurance, you'll have to pay for any repairs to your own car yourself, but the uninsured driver's car will still be covered.