Collision coverage is optional for Colorado drivers. However, each driver should carefully consider the facts about collision coverage to decide whether or not he is likely to benefit from purchasing it. Although it can seem like opting out will keep your expenses lower by minimizing your monthly insurance bill, it does not necessarily save you money over time.

Collision Coverage Uses

Collision insurance covers the damage to your vehicle that could result from an accident with another car or from hitting an object. Drivers who need to repair or replace their cars after such an incident may rely on their collision coverage.

It’s an unfortunate fact that not all drivers obey Colorado law. Some don’t carry liability coverage even though it is required by law, and others may participate in hit and runs. If you’re in an accident in which you are not at fault, but the other driver does not have insurance that covers damage to your car or the other driver cannot be identified, your collision coverage could come into play and cover your repairs.

What to Consider When Making Insurance Buying Decisions

If you are still in the process of purchasing your car by paying off a loan, your lender can require that you have collision insurance. This is a common requirement as lenders want to protect their investments and avoid suffering from losses if the items securing the loans are damaged. Although collision insurance is not required by law, it can be required by your lender. This is an agreement that you should honor, and one that benefits you as well. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you are still paying off a loan for a vehicle you are unable to drive.

If you own your car, then you should consider your vehicle’s value, your financial situation and other considerations in order to decide if collision coverage is right for you. Vehicle owners whose car carries a high value are more likely to opt in to collision coverage than those whose vehicle is an older model with a lesser value. Contact us today and an independent agent in Lakewood will help you evaluate your needs and determine of collision coverage is right for you.

Nearly every state has some penalties for not having auto insurance when you are on the road, but knowing the local laws is essential. In the state of Colorado, there are some stiff penalties for driving your car without auto insurance today. Maintaining at least a minimum policy is essential because it is the law, and because it will protect you!

The State Minimum Insurance Levels in Colorado

In Colorado, a couple of types of auto insurance are required. Liability insurance is the first of these. This is the part of an auto insurance policy that covers property damage that was caused by you if you were using the vehicle in a negligent way. This could include accidents caused by you because you were speeding, because you failed to yield, or any type of damage caused by you due to driving mistakes. Liability insurance also covers bodily injury that was caused to others by your negligent driving. This is the coverage that pays for the hospital and other medical bills of anyone who was injured due to your negligent driving. In Colorado, it is required that drivers maintain $25,000 per person bodily injury up to a maximum amount of $50,000 per accident in addition to $15,000 in property damage. Colorado also requires its drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which covers you in case an uninsured driver damages your vehicle. However, this is normally a part of the liability insurance. Check with your independent agent to make sure you have both types of coverage.

Penalties for Lakewood Drivers Without Insurance

In the state of Colorado, people who are driving without insurance are typically issued a ticket for this offense. The state requires that offenders not only pay the ticket, but that they obtain auto insurance within a set period of time determined by the court. Offenders who get more than one citation for driving without auto insurance will be assessed higher fines and penalties, and may even have their drivers license revoked. If a person is driving without auto insurance and causes an accident, they may be sued by the accident victim in order to recover damages.

As your independent agent, we can help you to determine the right type of auto insurance coverage for you. Even though liability insurance is required and comprehensive and collision coverage are not legally required in Colorado, getting full coverage is wise because it protects not just others, but also you.