We aren't sure if it's the stunning landscapes or the Rocky Mountain oysters, but Colorado is growing rapidly. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the state's population grew by 14.8% between 2010 and 2020, putting it among the fastest-growing states in the country.
But before packing your bags, it's a good idea to research how much it will cost to live in the state. And if you need a car, knowing what to expect when it comes to auto insurance premiums is key.
How much you'll pay for car insurance in Colorado depends on several factors. The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Colorado is $236 per month, compared to a national average of $193.
Key takeaways
- The average cost of car insurance in Colorado is $236 per month for full coverage.
- Liability only coverage averages $108 per month.
- Young drivers pay $422 per month on average.
How much does car insurance cost in Colorado?
Full coverage insurance, which includes comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage, costs an average of $236 per month in Colorado, compared to a national average of $193. For state-minimum insurance policies, the average annual cost is $108.
The higher cost is in part because Colorado has a high percentage of uninsured drivers. The Insurance Research Council reported that 16.3% of drivers within the state are uninsured.
Avg. cost for full coverage | Avg. cost for minimum coverage | Cheapest insurance provider |
$236/month | $108/month | USAA |
Avg. for young drivers | Avg. cost for seniors | Avg. for driver with an accident on record |
$422/month | $185/month | $320/month |
Average cost of car insurance in Colorado by provider
You can choose from many leading insurers in Colorado. We found that USAA had the lowest average rates for full coverage and state-minimum policies, costing significantly less than the state average.
By contrast, Liberty Mutual had the highest rates for both full and state-minimum coverage.
Provider | Full coverage | Minimum liability coverage |
Allstate | $160/month | $76/month |
GEICO | $157/month | $75/month |
Nationwide | $170/month | $81/month |
Progressive | $180/month | $85/month |
State Farm | $103/month | $49/month |
USAA | $132/month | $63/month |
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How does credit score affect car insurance rates in Colorado?
Colorado law allows insurance companies to use credit scores as a determining factor when setting car insurance premiums. Those with poor credit often pay much more than those with good to excellent credit. In fact, we found that those with credit scores under 650 paid nearly double the rate of those with scores over 750.
Credit health | Avg. annual premium |
Poor (550-649) | $295/month |
Average (650-699) | $227/month |
Good (700-749) | $224/month |
Excellent (750+) | $248/month |
Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Colorado
In Colorado, driving infractions or driving under the influence (DUI) can cause your premiums to skyrocket. On average, a driver with a DUI can expect to pay $367 per month for full coverage, while a driver with a speeding ticket can expect to pay $331.
Violation | Avg. monthly premium |
At-fault accident | $320/month |
DUI | $367/month |
Speeding ticket | $331/month |
Average rate:
How does age affect car insurance rates in Colorado?
Colorado's population is relatively young, with a smaller percentage of people over 65. With so many younger people in the state, it may be a relief to find out that there isn't much discrepancy in premiums between those in their 20s and those in their 60s.
But like other states, Colorado has much higher premiums for teens.
Age | Avg. monthly premium for full coverage |
Teens | $422 |
20s | $300 |
30s | $240 |
40s | $221 |
50s | $202 |
60s | $181 |
70s | $185 |
Colorado car insurance rates by city
Densely populated areas with higher crime rates will have higher average premiums than other cities or suburbs. In Colorado, the city with the highest average premium was Aurora. Considering that NeighborhoodScout issued Aurora a crime rating index of three — meaning 97% of cities in the U.S. are safer — the higher premiums are not surprising.
City | Avg. monthly full-coverage premium |
Aurora | $282 |
Denver | $261 |
Colorado Springs | $249 |
Arvada | $232 |
Westminster | $245 |
Boulder | $197 |
CO's minimum car insurance requirements
Like the majority of states, Colorado requires drivers to have car insurance. The state minimum requirements are as follows:
- $25,000 for bodily injury for one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury for two or more people
- $15,000 in property damage
These coverage limits are low, especially for property damage, so most drivers will likely need additional insurance.
How to save money on car insurance in Colorado
To save money on your car insurance premiums in Colorado, follow these steps:
- Contact your insurance agent: You may not realize it, but you may qualify for policy discounts. Potential programs you may be eligible for include safe driver, good student, claims-free, or paperless discounts.
- Increase your policy deductible: The deductible is how much you have to pay for injuries or repairs after a claim before your insurance starts paying the bill. Increasing the deductible will lower your premiums.
- Improve your credit: Because Colorado allows insurers to use your credit score while setting rates, improving your insurance credit score can help you save money.
- Shop around: Check out the best car insurance companies and request quotes from several insurers to find out if there is a better deal elsewhere.
Methodology
Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the average cost of auto insurance in each state. The data we analyzed included coverage premiums from up to 10 different insurance providers. We looked at rates by city, driver profile, and credit score, as well as factored in the impact of driving violations. This data is for comparative purposes only. Your actual quote may be different.
FAQs about car insurance costs in CO
Is car insurance expensive in CO?
Car insurance premiums are more expensive in Colorado than in other states. For full coverage policies, the average cost is $236 per month, and state-minimum coverage averages $108.
How much is car insurance per year in CO?
The average cost of car insurance in Colorado is $236 per month for full coverage. For state-minimum insurance, the average cost is $108 per month.
Average rate: