Driving in southwest Colorado isn't like driving in Denver. Long distances, deer and elk on the highway, hail in July and ice on the passes in January. Your auto policy should be built for that.
We start by looking at what you have now: your liability limits, your deductibles and whether every vehicle and driver in the household is listed correctly. Then we compare options from the insurance companies we work with and walk you through the differences.
What a policy can cover
Liability
Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others. Colorado's minimum is 25/50/15, which is low for a serious accident.
Collision
Repairs your vehicle after a crash with another car or an object, regardless of fault, minus your deductible.
Comprehensive
Covers hail, theft, fire, vandalism, falling rocks, cracked glass and animal hits. Around here, this one gets used.
Uninsured / underinsured motorist
Protects you and your passengers if the other driver has no insurance or not enough.
Medical payments
Helps pay medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident, no matter who was at fault.
Roadside & rental
Towing, jump starts, lockouts and a rental car while yours is in the shop. Small cost, big relief on a remote road.
| Coverage | How it works in Colorado | Our take |
|---|---|---|
| Liability 25/50/15 | Colorado legal minimum | Usually too low if you own a home or have savings |
| Liability 100/300/100 | Common choice | Better protection for most households |
| Comprehensive | Optional (often required by lenders) | Hail, deer, glass, theft |
| Uninsured motorist | Offered by law, can be rejected in writing | Strongly recommended |
| Medical payments | Offered by law, $5,000 standard | Helps with deductibles and copays |
Things that matter for local drivers
Deer and elk. Animal collisions are covered under comprehensive, not collision, on most policies. If you drive Highway 145 or 184 at dusk, keep comprehensive on your vehicles.
Hail. Summer storms can total a car in five minutes. A lower comprehensive deductible can be worth it here.
Ranch and work trucks. A truck used on the farm still needs auto coverage to drive on public roads. If it's titled to the business, it may need a commercial auto policy. We sort that out.
Teen drivers. Adding a teen raises the premium, but good student discounts, driver training and the right vehicle make a big difference. Call us before they get their license.
Discounts worth asking about
- Bundling home and auto
- Multiple vehicles
- Good student
- Safe driver / claim-free
- Defensive driving course
- Paid in full or automatic payments
- Anti-theft devices
- Low annual mileage
Discounts, coverages and limits vary by insurance company and are subject to eligibility and underwriting.
Questions people ask
How much auto liability should I carry?
Enough to protect what you own. Many households choose 100/300/100 or higher, and pair it with an umbrella policy. We'll help you weigh the cost.
Does my policy cover me in another state?
Yes, a Colorado auto policy generally covers you anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. Driving into Mexico requires separate Mexican auto insurance.
What happens if I hit a deer?
On most policies, hitting an animal is a comprehensive claim. You'll pay your comprehensive deductible and the policy covers the rest of the covered repair.
Can I insure a vehicle that's only used on the ranch?
Vehicles that never leave private property may be covered differently. Tell us how each vehicle is used and we'll make sure nothing falls through the cracks.