Being hit by an uninsured driver is one of the most stressful and financially damaging situations a Colorado driver can face. You did everything right — you carried insurance, drove safely, and followed the rules — yet you're now dealing with vehicle damage, potential injuries, and an at-fault driver who has no coverage to pay for it.
Understanding how uninsured motorist coverage works — and what your options are — can make a significant difference in how you recover from this kind of accident. ABIM Insurance offers auto coverage including uninsured motorist protection for Colorado drivers.
How Common Are Uninsured Drivers in Colorado?
Colorado consistently ranks among the states with a notable percentage of uninsured drivers on the road. While exact figures vary year to year, studies estimate that roughly 1 in 6 drivers nationwide may be uninsured at any given time. In Colorado, urban areas and high-traffic corridors can increase your chances of encountering an uninsured motorist.
What Happens Immediately After the Accident?
The steps you take immediately after an accident with an uninsured driver are critical:
- Stay at the scene and check for injuries
- Call 911 — a police report is especially important when the other driver has no insurance
- Exchange contact and vehicle information, even if they have no insurance card
- Document everything: photos of damage, the scene, license plates, and any visible injuries
- Collect witness contact information
- Notify your insurance company promptly
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protects You
If you carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage on your own auto policy, it can step in to cover costs that the at-fault driver cannot pay. This typically includes:
- Medical expenses for you and your passengers
- Lost wages if injuries prevent you from working
- Pain and suffering damages
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage works similarly — it covers the gap when the at-fault driver has some insurance, but not enough to cover your full damages.
What About Damage to Your Vehicle?
UM coverage typically addresses bodily injury. For vehicle damage caused by an uninsured driver, you may need to rely on your own collision coverage (subject to your deductible). Without collision coverage, recovering the cost of vehicle repairs from an uninsured driver can be difficult and may require pursuing them in civil court.
Can You Sue an Uninsured Driver?
Technically, yes — you can file a civil lawsuit against an uninsured driver. However, the practical challenge is that many uninsured drivers lack the financial resources to pay a judgment. Even if you win in court, collecting the money can be extremely difficult. This is why having your own UM/UIM coverage is so important.
Colorado's Uninsured Motorist Coverage Requirements
Colorado insurance companies are required to offer uninsured motorist coverage to policyholders. While you can decline it in writing, carrying UM/UIM coverage is strongly recommended given the number of uninsured drivers on Colorado roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my health insurance cover injuries from an uninsured driver accident?
Your health insurance may cover medical expenses, but it typically won't cover lost wages, pain and suffering, or vehicle damage. UM coverage on your auto policy is designed to address these gaps.
Will filing a UM claim raise my rates?
Policies vary by insurer. Some companies do not surcharge for UM claims since you were not at fault. Ask your insurance professional about your specific policy terms.
What if the driver fled the scene (hit and run)?
Hit-and-run accidents are generally treated similarly to uninsured motorist claims under most Colorado policies. Report the incident to police immediately and notify your insurer.
Final Thoughts
The best protection against an uninsured driver is carrying adequate uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage on your own policy. At ABIM Insurance, we help Colorado drivers understand their coverage options and compare policies from multiple carriers to find the right protection for their needs.