Colorado, landlocked and mountainous, offers many beautiful scenic drives, but also some hazardous road conditions. Drivers should be particularly cautious during the winter months, as the weather can change from mild to serious in only a few hours. Because the state receives a lot of snowfall during the winter, Colorado drivers should make sure their vehicles are well equipped with snow chains and tires with good traction. Drivers should keep aware of seasonal road closings by watching the news or consulting a website such as www.cotrip.org. With proper caution and common sense, driving in Colorado can be a pleasant and safe experience during any season.

As with all states, Colorado has some unique requirements regarding the auto insurance for their residents. The state does not require drivers to have comprehensive and collision coverage. However, this coverage may be required by a lender financing your vehicle purchase. Colorado drivers are also not required to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but should be aware of the financial risks of not doing so. In Colorado, liability coverage can be purchased as a combined limit coverage or a split limit coverage. If choosing to combine your property and bodily injury coverages, Colorado law requires a minimum of $65,000. If you choose a split limit coverage, the minimum required limits are 25/50/15.

Colorado insurance companies consider many factors in determining premium payments, including age, gender, zip code in which the car is garaged, and type of vehicle to be insured. The single most controllable factor is your driving record. By keeping your driving record clean, you can keep payments lower. If, however, there are already a few blemishes on your driving record, there are a few options to increase your car insurance savings in Colorado. Younger and older drivers can receive an insurance discount by showing proof of completion of a driver’s education course. In Colorado, the law requires that persons 55 and older receive a three year premium discount if they complete an approved driver’s education course and keep their driving record clean. If you are a student, you may be eligible for a discount if you maintain a “B” grade average or better. Insuring multiple vehicles with the same company and installing safety or anti-theft devices are also options for receiving car insurance discounts.

There are many options for car insurance providers in Colorado, ranging from national companies such as Geico, All State, and State Farm, to local agencies and online insurance providers. A smart consumer will shop around for free quotes to find the most affordable coverage available to them.