Colorado: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 14 topic we track for Colorado on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Colorado compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Lemon law rules · Sales tax rates · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Gas tax · Uninsured drivers · Marijuana laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	2 years
Property damage	2 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$25,000 / $50,000 / $15,000
Fault system	At-fault (the driver who caused it pays)
Shared-fault rule	Modified comparative: barred at 50% fault or more

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	No fixed number of days; must act with reasonable promptness
Accept or deny	Pay or decide within 60 days of a valid, complete claim
Pay	Within the same 60 days

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$7,500
Filing fee	$31 or $55
Lawyers	Generally not allowed

Total loss rules

Total loss rule	100% of actual cash value

Shared fault rules

Rule	Modified comparative negligence (50% bar)
When you are barred	Barred if you are 50% or more at fault

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Death, injury, or any property damage
Deadline	10 days

Lemon law rules Single detailed source

Repair attempts or days	4 attempts or 30 business days
Coverage period	Warranty or 1 year, whichever first

Sales tax rates Single detailed source

State rate	2.90%
Combined average	7.89%

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	Yes, all drivers (from 2025)
Texting ban	Yes, primary

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	Partial
Who must wear one	Riders and passengers under 18

Gas tax Single detailed source

Gasoline	30.2¢ per gallon
Diesel	35.7¢ per gallon

Uninsured drivers Single detailed source

Drivers uninsured	19.7%
UM/UIM coverage	Not required (insurers must offer it)

Marijuana laws

Legal status	Recreational and medical