Broad Form Insurance in Colorado
Broad form is a driver-based policy option that can meet Colorado state liability rules for the right person. This article explains what it covers, what it doesn’t, and how it compares to non owners and standard auto insurance. If you want an insurance quote now, you can get one online or by phone.
If you’ve been told “broad form” is the cheapest way to get coverage, that can be true in some situations — but only when the insurance types actually match how you drive. Broad form is typically built for a single driver who wants basic liability insurance that follows the driver (not a specific vehicle). It’s different than standard car insurance or a full coverage plan.
Quick guidance: If you share cars, have multiple drivers in the household, or need full coverage for a financed vehicle, broad form often isn’t the right fit. In those cases, a standard auto insurance policy may be safer.
What Broad Form Insurance Covers in Colorado
Broad form is generally a driver-only liability setup. It’s often used when a driver needs proof of insurance fast, wants a basic plan, or is between vehicles but still needs to stay insured month to month. Think of it as “coverage for the driver,” with limits and rules that vary by carrier.
Common coverage features
- Liability insurance for injuries and property damage you cause
- Often includes uninsured/underinsured motorist options depending on carrier
- May allow certain add-ons (varies), but it is not the same as full coverage
Common exclusions (what surprises people)
- No coverage for damage to “your car” like collision/comprehensive (usually)
- Not built for multiple drivers or shared household vehicles
- Coverage may be restricted by vehicle type or use
For many drivers, the better long-term plan is to compare multiple insurance companies and pick the right match. That’s what we do at A Plus Insurance — we shop multiple carriers and explain the difference in plain terms. You can start online: A Plus AI Auto Quote Helper.
Colorado Minimum Liability Rules (DMV / State Requirements)
Colorado requires drivers to carry minimum liability limits. If you’re stopped or in an accident, you need valid proof of insurance. Your insurance ID cards (digital or print) are what most drivers show as proof.
| Coverage Type | Colorado Minimum | What it Pays For |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 | Injuries to one person if you’re at fault |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 | Total injuries per accident you cause |
| Property Damage | $15,000 | Damage to vehicles/property you hit |
Information read matters: If you’re seeing conflicting DMV requirements online, it’s usually because rules change or the post is outdated. We confirm the right limits for your state and your situation before you bind coverage — that’s part of our policy service.
Proof of insurance, penalties, and SR-22
If you’ve had a lapse, tickets, or a serious violation, Colorado may require additional proof steps. Some situations can involve an SR-22 filing. An SR-22 is not a type of insurance — it’s proof filing attached to an auto policy. If you’re dealing with that, use our SR-22 resources here: SR22 states.
Non-Owners vs Broad Form vs Standard Auto Insurance in Colorado
This is the section most people want. If you don’t own a car, non owners insurance is often the cleanest option. If you drive but don’t want a vehicle-tied policy, broad form may fit. If you own/finance a car, standard vehicle insurance is usually best.
| Option | Best For | Typical Coverage | Big Watch-Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-owner (liability only) | No car owned, no regular access; rentals/borrowing occasionally | Usually liability only | Not allowed if you have regular access to a household vehicle |
| Broad form (driver-based) | Single driver, switching cars or basic compliance needs | Driver-based liability insurance | Usually no full coverage / no vehicle damage coverage |
| Standard auto | Own/finance a car, families, shared drivers | Liability + optional full coverage | Costs more, but protects the vehicle and adds flexibility |
If you’re weighing options, you can compare across products in our main hub: auto insurance. If you’re in Aurora specifically, here’s a local page: insurance Aurora CO.
2026 Sample Rates in Colorado (Estimates)
Rates vary by driver, vehicle, credit, claims history, and ZIP code. These are realistic estimate ranges to help you compare. We can run real quotes across multiple carriers like Progressive, Dairyland, National General, Bristol West, and others from our insurance providers page.
| Insurance Type | 2026 Estimated Monthly Rate | What You’re Usually Getting |
|---|---|---|
| Non-owner (liability only) | $32–$68 / month | Liability coverage for drivers without a car |
| Broad form (driver-based liability) | $45–$95 / month | Liability that follows the driver (eligibility varies) |
| Standard auto (liability only) | $70–$140 / month | Vehicle-tied policy; more flexible driver setups |
| Standard auto (full coverage) | $140–$280 / month | Liability + comp/collision (deductible impacts price) |
Want the fastest path? Get your quotes online now: Get Quote or call 888-445-2793. We’ll compare options and explain what “driver-only” really means before you pay.
Comparison Chart: Typical 2026 Monthly Cost Ranges
This chart compares typical monthly ranges for non-owner, broad form, liability-only standard auto, and full coverage in Colorado. If the chart doesn’t load, the table below will show automatically.
How to Get a Better Rate in 2026
If your premium feels high, the fix is usually a mix of coverage choices, deductible levels, and shopping carriers. Common wins include raising a deductible (if it fits your budget), correcting driver/vehicle info, and choosing the right option for your situation. Drivers with violations, accidents, or DUI history may still qualify — we just need accurate details so the policy is written correctly.
If you also need homeowners insurance or business insurance, bundling (multi policy / multiple lines) can improve pricing with some carriers. We can also quote motorcycle insurance and RV coverage.
Note: Broad form is not available everywhere, and eligibility differs by carrier. If broad form isn’t available for your situation, we’ll quote alternatives like non-owner or standard car insurance and explain the pros/cons before you choose.
What You Get When You Quote With Our Agents
- ✅ Stackable Discounts that could be missed otherwise
- ✅ Insight into state rules that affect your policy
- ✅ SR22 or non-owner filing done for you
- ✅ Coverage gaps + general coverage education
- ✅ An agent who will act as your advocate with any carrier
Frequently Asked Questions (Broad Form Insurance Colorado)
Is broad form insurance legal in Colorado?
Yes — broad form can be legal in Colorado when offered by an insurer and written to meet Colorado state minimum liability requirements. Availability depends on the carrier and your driver profile.
Does broad form include full coverage?
Usually no. Broad form is typically liability-focused and does not include comprehensive/collision the way standard full coverage auto insurance does. If you need vehicle damage protection, standard car insurance is usually the better route.
Is broad form cheaper than non-owner insurance?
It depends. Non-owner is often the cheapest option for people without a car. Broad form may be cheaper for certain single-driver setups. The best move is to compare quotes side-by-side before buying a policy.
Can I use broad form for proof of insurance?
In many cases, yes. Once you bind coverage, most carriers provide digital/print insurance ID cards you can show immediately as proof of insurance.
What if I need SR-22 in Colorado?
If an SR22 insurance filing is required, we verify whether your chosen policy type can support it and which carriers can file it correctly. Use our SR-22 resources here: SR22 states.
What’s the biggest mistake people make with broad form?
Buying it when they actually need a standard auto policy (shared vehicle, multiple household drivers, financed car, or needing full coverage). We prevent that by reviewing your situation and the state rules first.
Extra resources: If you’re comparing states or looking at other driver-based setups, you may also like: broad form insurance Maryland, Birmingham non-owner insurance, cheap car insurance Oklahoma, and local pages like car insurance in Scottsdale AZ.
Last Updated on by Brian Muse