Does Insurance Follow the Car or Driver in Colorado?
Car insurance can be confusing, especially if you’re used to driving in a state with unique rules and regulations. In Colorado, you might be wondering whether an auto insurance policy will protect you or the vehicle itself.
This question matters if you plan on loaning your car to someone else—or if you’re borrowing one. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how Colorado law typically applies to these situations and what you need to know before getting behind the wheel.
Understanding the Basics
Generally, car insurance in Colorado follows the car first and the driver second. This means that if you lend your car to a friend who then gets into an accident, your insurance policy will likely provide the primary coverage for any damages. After your policy is used up, your friend’s insurance might kick in as secondary coverage.
Keep in mind that individual policies can differ, and some have specific exclusions. Because of this, it’s crucial to review your own policy terms and talk to your insurance agent if you have any concerns about sharing your vehicle or borrowing someone else’s.
Why Does It Matter?
You might ask, “Who cares if the car or driver is covered first?”
It’s important because:
- Financial responsibility: If your insurance covers the crash, you’re the one who may face premium hikes.
- Borrowing vehicles: You could be on the hook for damages if you borrow a friend’s car and they don’t have enough insurance.
- Potential coverage gaps: Some policies include clauses that limit how coverage is applied when someone outside your household drives your vehicle.
By understanding these distinctions, you can avoid surprises if someone else drives your car—or if you’re the one borrowing.
Common Car Insurance Policies in Colorado
Most drivers in Colorado carry at least the state’s minimum coverage, which requires a certain level of liability protection.
Additional options might include:
- Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your own vehicle after a crash, regardless of who is at fault.
- Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision events like theft, fire, or weather damage.
- Medical payments (MedPay): Similar to PIP coverage. Helps with medical bills after an accident, up to your coverage limit.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Protects you if another driver causes a crash but doesn’t have sufficient insurance.
Having a stronger policy with multiple coverages can better protect both you and anyone who might drive your car.
Borrowing Someone’s Car
If you borrow a friend’s vehicle and cause a car accident, their insurance will typically serve as the primary coverage. Your own insurance can provide backup coverage if needed. However, some insurance companies include “permissive use” limits, which may reduce coverage amounts when a non-named driver is involved. In other words, the policy might pay less if you’re not listed on the owner’s plan.
To be safe, ask your friend to double-check their policy details before you drive. This ensures you’re fully aware of any coverage limits or conditions that could apply if something goes wrong.
Why should I call a Car Accident Attorney for Legal Help?
While insurance typically follows the car in Colorado, the exact details can vary by policy—and your own coverage may be at risk if another driver causes a serious crash. If you have questions or need help sorting out liability after an accident, speaking with a Colorado car accident attorney is a smart move.
A lawyer can review your policy, explain your rights, and guide you through any claims or legal proceedings. This support can be invaluable in protecting you from financial losses and ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
Contact our Denver Car Accident Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (720) 613 9706
For more information, please contact the Denver car accident lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, and proudly serve all of Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120.
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
Find us with our Geocoordinates: 39.75208145814397, -105.00017355026108
About The Author
Kurt Zaner has earned national recognition for his innovative legal strategies, securing some of the largest verdicts in Colorado. He assists injured clients in Denver with personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle accidents, and more. Click here to view some of the fantastic case results that Zaner Law has successfully handled.
Location: Denver, CO
