You shopped around, found a policy, and assumed you were covered, but then someone asks about PIP, and you realize you’re not entirely sure what that is or what’s actually in your policy. Personal injury protection (PIP) is a term familiar to drivers in many states, but Colorado’s rules are different from what most people expect, and the distinction can matter tremendously the moment you’re involved in a crash. Colorado is not a no-fault state, which means PIP coverage is not required here. However, that doesn’t mean you’re without important options for covering medical expenses after an accident.

If you’ve been hurt in a Colorado car accident and are trying to navigate your coverage options, Mintz Law Firm can help you understand what applies to your situation and how to pursue maximum compensation. Our team of attorneys brings centuries of combined experience fighting for accident victims throughout Colorado, and we know how each type of coverage affects your right to recover damages.

Colorado Eliminated No-Fault Insurance in 2003

Colorado made a significant shift in 2003 when it repealed its no-fault auto insurance law. Before that repeal, drivers were required to carry PIP coverage, which paid for medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. Once the state moved to a traditional fault-based system, the mandatory PIP requirement went away with it.

Today, Colorado car accident victims pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company rather than relying on their own policy to cover initial losses. This shift places greater emphasis on establishing who caused the crash, which makes legal representation far more valuable when injuries are serious and liability is disputed.

What Colorado Does Require

While PIP is no longer an option, Colorado law does set mandatory minimums for auto insurance. Drivers must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, along with $15,000 in property damage liability.

MedPay and Your Other Coverage Options

Although PIP is unavailable in Colorado, drivers can purchase Medical Payments Coverage, commonly called MedPay, as an add-on to their auto policy. MedPay covers your medical expenses regardless of who was at fault, making it a valuable resource during the months it can take for a personal injury claim to settle. Drivers often worry whether using this coverage will raise their rates, but using MedPay after a Colorado accident does not automatically trigger a rate increase under Colorado law.

Another option worth serious consideration is uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Insurers are required to offer it, but drivers can reject it in writing if they wish. Here is a quick breakdown of the coverage options available to Colorado drivers:

• MedPay: Covers your medical bills regardless of fault and can be accessed immediately after a crash
• Uninsured motorist (UM): Pays for your losses when the at-fault driver carries no insurance
• Underinsured motorist (UIM): Covers the gap when the at-fault driver’s policy limits fall short of your total damages
• Liability coverage: Protects you when you are at fault, covering the other party’s injuries and property damage

Given how many drivers on Colorado roads carry only the state minimum, understanding uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can mean the difference between being fully compensated and being left with high out-of-pocket costs.

Contact Mintz Law Firm After a Colorado Car Accident

When injury and insurance complexity collide, having an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney on your side can completely change the outcome. At Mintz Law Firm, our attorneys know how to work with every type of coverage to ensure you receive the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve. Managing attorney Eric C. Staton brings over 15 years of experience helping clients work through these exact situations, and our firm has recovered approximately $20 million annually for injured Coloradans since 2016.

Don’t let coverage confusion cost you the money you deserve. Whether you’re dealing with an underinsured driver, a hit-and-run, or an at-fault claim being disputed, our team is ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us put our experience to work for you.