After a Colorado car accident, seeking medical treatment is the first step toward recovery. But if the accident was not your fault, you may be wondering if car insurance will cover your medical bills? Many drivers believe they are protected because their insurance agent assured them they have full coverage. But what does full coverage really mean? Unfortunately, “full coverage” is not a standardized term. Rather, it is a misleading catchphrase that can lead to unexpected gaps in protection. Without understanding the specific details of your policy, you may not have the coverage you think you do. In this article, the Colorado car accident lawyers at Bowman Law break down different types of auto insurance.
It is imperative to understand the common types of insurance. Each type serves a specific purpose, so knowing what they mean can help you find the right policy for your needs.
Liability insurance covers damages that you cause to others if you caused an accident. This includes both bodily injury liability (medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the other party) and property damage liability (damage to the other driver’s vehicle or other property). Colorado requires the following limits for liability coverage:
The Colorado car accident lawyers at Bowman Law believe these limits are not enough to cover all damages in a serious crash. For example, if you cause a multi-car accident and the total damages exceed your policy limits, you could be personally responsible for the remaining costs. Many drivers opt for higher coverage limits to better protect themselves from lawsuits and financial hardship
Collision insurance pays for repairs to your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. It does not matter if you hit a car, stationary object, or are involved in a single-vehicle accident, collision insurance helps cover repair costs.
For example, if you rear-end another driver and your vehicle sustains $5,000 in damage, your collision coverage will pay for your repairs, minus your deductible. Without collision insurance, you would have to cover these costs out of pocket. While collision insurance is not required by law, it is often required by lenders if you finance or lease your vehicle.
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle not caused by an accident. This includes theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and animal-related incidents.
For instance, if a hailstorm damages your car’s windshield and dents the hood, comprehensive coverage will help pay for repairs. Similarly, if your car is stolen and not recovered, your insurance company will compensate you for the actual cash value of the vehicle, minus your deductible.
If you are hit by a driver without insurance or with minimal insurance, Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist (“UIM”) Coverage can help pay for your damages. This type of insurance is particularly helpful in case of serious accidents where the at-fault driver cannot cover all of your damages. All Colorado policies require at least $25,000 in UM/UIM coverage unless it is specifically rejected in writing by the policy holder. Your insurance company should be able to produce a signed rejection if they claim the coverage is not available.
Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay) help cover medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. Colorado requires insurers to offer Med Pay, which provides similar benefits. Med Pay can be beneficial because it pays medical expenses upfront. Even if you have health insurance, Med Pay can help cover out-of-pocket costs such as copays and deductibles.
By default, Colorado policies include a minimum of $5,000 in Med Pay coverage, unless the policyholder rejects it in writing. If you were in an accident and your insurer says you don’t have Med Pay, they must provide documentation proving you declined the coverage.
Many drivers believe they have full coverage. Our Colorado car accident lawyers often encounter situations where a party’s insurance coverage is insufficient. Full coverage does not refer to a specific type of policy. Instead, full coverage generally means you have a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. So, full coverage is more than just the basics; it helps protect you against a wider range of incidents, from accidents to weather damage. However, full coverage does not necessarily mean you have UM/UIM or medical payments coverage.
In 2024, the average cost of car insurance in Colorado is $2,972.00 for full coverage. Premiums can vary based on factors like age, driving history, location, and the type of vehicle. Comparing rates from different providers can help you find a policy that fits your budget and needs.
Full coverage can be worth it in certain situations. It is usually recommended for newer, financed, or leased vehicles, as it protects against a wider range of risks. However, if your car is older and has a low resale value, you may choose to drop collision and comprehensive coverage to save on premiums.
No, full coverage does not cover everything. While it offers broader protection, it still excludes certain situations, such as:
Understanding your policy details ensures you know what is covered.
Full coverage provides peace of mind by protecting your vehicle from a wider array of risks, from accidents to theft and natural disasters. It is especially valuable if:
Many drivers assume they are protected from anything and everything because they have full coverage. Unfortunately, that is not exactly true. Let’s break down some of the most common misconceptions and the reality behind them.
Many people believe full coverage covers everything. It sounds like it should, right? The reality is full coverage provides extensive protection, but it does not cover every possible expense. Routine maintenance, personal belongings inside your car, and even some types of medical costs might not be included. As we’ve discussed, full coverage also does not mean you have UM/ UIM Coverage or Med Pay coverage. You may have to pay out of pocket after an accident with an uninsured driver.
Another common myth is full coverage is unnecessary if you have a good driving record. Sure, being a careful driver reduces your chances of causing an accident, but that will not prevent unexpected events like theft, vandalism, or extreme weather damage. Colorado’s weather is unpredictable, and hailstorms are a frequent and costly menace. Imagine walking outside after a storm to find your car’s windshield shattered and the hood dented like a golf ball. Without comprehensive coverage, you would be on the hook for the repairs. Full coverage protects you from these types of damages, even if you are the safest driver on the road.
Some people avoid full coverage because they think it’s too expensive. While it is true that full coverage costs more than a basic liability policy, the extra protection it offers can save you thousands in the event of a major accident. The key is understanding exactly what your policy covers. You should not assume you are fully protected because that is what your insurance agent told you. Read the fine print and make sure you know what will happen if you’re in an accident.
At the end of the day, insurance is all about making sure you are prepared for the unexpected. Knowing the truth about full coverage can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises down the road.
At Bowman Law, our Colorado car accident lawyers recognize the profound impact a personal injury can have on your life. Do not go at it alone. Let us help. Our Colorado car accident lawyers are committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal representation to help you navigate this challenging time.
Our client-first approach ensures your needs are at the forefront of everything we do. We pride ourselves on transparency, integrity, and clear communication, guiding you through each step of the legal process. From initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we will guide you through the process. Our goal is to alleviate the stress of legal proceedings so you can focus on your recovery. With a proven record of success, we are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
If you were been injured in an accident that was not your fault, do not face the challenges alone. Please send us a message or call us at 720-466-5747 to schedule a free case evaluation. Remember, you have one chance at attaining full and complete justice, and we are here to ensure you seize it. Let our top-rated Colorado car accident lawyers fight for your rights, protect your interests, and deliver the justice you deserve. We serve clients across Colorado’s Front Range and beyond, including Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Westminster, Lakewood, and Aurora. Call us now and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.
While he enjoyed the rigors, and occasional madness, of day-to-day politics, Paul knew early in college that he was destined for a career in law. The lawmaking process was intriguing, but what really interested Paul in the law was the ability to help individuals in so many ways. Paul set out to pursue his legal career, enrolling in Seton Hall University School of Law immediately upon completing undergraduate in 2013. In law school, Paul earned the Samuel J. Heyman fellowship in public service, working in the Office of the Attorney General and in the legal department of the United States Postal Service. Paul also worked in private practice while in law school, including significant time at a plaintiff’s personal injury firm in northern New Jersey.
Suffering any type of injury is a terrifying experience for most people. Spinal cord injuries are incredibly serious and life-altering. While these types of injuries can occur in many ways, ...
Keep Reading
Your automobile insurance policy consists of multiple coverages that provide protection in different situations involving your vehicle. By law, Colorado requires that you carry bodily injury insurance coverage with a ...
Keep Reading
Dealing with a totaled vehicle after a car accident can be overwhelming. Insurance claims are complicated enough. This confusion can be compounded when you add in the efforts of determining ...
Keep Reading
Return to All News & Resources
