Colorado Motorcycle Insurance

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Colorado is a beautiful state for riding, from the high-altitude vistas of Rocky Mountain National Park to the canyon-carving twisties that litter the state.  However, Colorado requires that all drivers have a minimum level of insurance coverage for their automobiles, motorcycles, and boats. In fact, the state goes so far as to maintain a database of the insurance coverage that every driver registered in the state has. The database is an attempt to lower the number of uninsured drivers on Colorado roadways.

Since Colorado is an ”at-fault” state, you could find yourself responsible for any costs above and beyond your coverage when you are found at fault in an accident. No one wants to lose everything they have worked their whole life for in a lawsuit, so we will try to help you understand Colorado’s motorcycle insurance issues, how the state defines a motorcycle for law enforcement and insurance purposes, some of the required equipment to make your bike street legal, as well as the coverage levels and types you may need.

Colorado Motorcycle Laws and Regulations

To most of us, what constitutes a motorcycle is obvious, but every state clearly defines one for law enforcement and insurance purposes. In Colorado, a motorcycle is:

“Any motor vehicle with a seat or saddle, no more than three wheels, and has an engine displacement of 50cc or larger.”

Colorado is a beautiful state to ride in, especially in the mountainous regions. There are many open areas where you can stay off-road for hours. That said, you and your bike must have certain equipment in order to be considered street legal, including:

• Eye protection:  required.
• Handlebar height:  no restrictions.
• Helmet: required for riders and passengers under 18 years of age.
• Mirrors:  only one is required.
• Turn Signals:  not required.
• Passenger Seat/Footrest:  both are required if carrying a passenger.
• Headlight:  required, modulating daytime headlight is acceptable.
• Muffler:  required.
• Sound Restriction:  Maximum sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft: 1) Manufactured before 1/1/73–88 dba at 35 mph or less, or 90 dba at 35-55 mph; 2) Manufactured after 1/1/73–86 dba at 35 mph or less, or 90 dba at 35-55 mph.
• Safety Inspection: not required.

Minimum Motorcycle Coverage:  Colorado

Colorado motorcycle insurance is governed by a number of statutes. Those statutes require that owners must carry a liability policy with the following coverage amounts:

• $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person;
• $50,000 for death or bodily injury to two or more persons; and
• $15,000 for damage or destruction of property.

As you can see from the minimum limits, there are going to be costs leftover after basic insurance pays its limit. All damages above those caps will be your personal responsibility if you are found at fault or another driver does not have sufficient coverage.

Recommended Coverage

Collision coverage:  This protection covers your bike in an accident under nearly every circumstance. It may or may not include uninsured/under-insured coverage. If it doesn’t, be sure to add it on.

Uninsured/Under-Insured motorist coverage:  With 16.2 percent of Colorado’s drivers being uninsured, you can see why this coverage is necessary. It makes sure you and your bike are protected against an uninsured driver or when an at-fault driver doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your injuries.

Comprehensive coverage:  This protection covers items like fire, wind, water, theft, and vandalism.

Bodily injury coverage:  This protection covers certain costs if you injure or kill someone in an at-fault accident. It also protects your passenger.

Medical payment coverage:  This covers items such as prescription drug payments; dental care; medical co-payments and deductibles from other health coverage policies; home nursing care, or funeral expenses for you.

Custom Motorcycle Insurance for Colorado Riders

If you are insuring a custom bike, there are additional coverage options to consider. These include Accessories Coverage, which protects items such as saddlebags, backrests, seats, and chrome pieces. Helmets are covered by a collision or comprehensive policy. Additionally, some companies require that you have comprehensive or collision coverage in force in order to have an accessories policy.

Custom Parts Coverage is another option, which covers items that unique, like handmade tanks or pipes. Depending on the company, this type of protection may be purchased separately or bundled with an existing coverage.

Comparing Rates and Insurers

We have created an easy to use tool so that you can get quotes for the coverage you need. All you need to do is enter your zip code, and we will find companies who insure bikes in your area and can provide you with real-time, accurate rate quotes for your bike and rider profile.