At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is full of dazzling sandstone formations called the Flatirons that draw visitors from miles around. These visitors join thousands of other Colorado drivers on Boulder’s roads, which is one of the many factors that influence the area’s car insurance rates.

Boulder’s average monthly car insurance cost is $194, though your premium may be more or less depending on things like your driving record, ZIP code, and car type.

Quick Facts

Boulder’s average car insurance costs are $147 a month for liability only and $241 a month for full coverage.
Boulder County had fewer motor vehicle thefts in 2019 than other major Colorado cities.^[1]
Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of less than 0.08 can result in arrest in Colorado.^[2]

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Best car insurance companies in Boulder

Before you begin comparing rates for car insurance in the Boulder area, know that the best auto insurance policy for you might not be the cheapest. Instead, look for the insurer that can provide you with the exact coverage you need for the price that fits well within your budget.

Best insurer for full coverage: State Farm

Full coverageState Farm

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IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.	4.4
JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.	842
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.	$41/mo
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.	$80/mo

Overview

State Farm offers some of the lowest car insurance quotes in Boulder, including for liability-only and full-coverage policies. Rideshare drivers can easily add transportation network company (TNC) coverage to their policies, as well. State Farm has an A.M. Best financial strength rating of A++, the highest available.

It may be able to pay out claims with ease, but the claims process itself may be less than favorable, as noted by State Farm’s higher-than-average National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) customer complaint index. And drivers with new cars may find the lack of gap coverage with State Farm disappointing.

Pros and cons

Pros

Rideshare insurance available
Superior financial strength rating from A.M. Best

Cons

Gap insurance not available
High rate of customer complaints with the NAIC

Reviews

I feel like I am being way overcharged for my insurance since I have had no accidents or tickets in the last 10 years.

Theresa - September 14, 2023

Verified

I really enjoyed working with them, I just couldn't keep up with the expensive rates.

Becki - September 13, 2023

Verified

I was 5 stars until the recent increase, without any explanation.

Norman - September 13, 2023

Verified

Read our State Farm review

Best insurer for military families: USAA

military familiesUSAA

Compare personalized, real-time quotes

IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.	4.3
JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.	880
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.	$53/mo
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.	$103/mo

Overview

With seven U.S. military bases located near Boulder, USAA may be a great option for military drivers searching for cheap car insurance with unique perks. Only active or retired military members, their families, and their children can be auto insurance policyholders. This membership is quite restrictive compared to other companies, though membership has its perks, like exclusive discounts for travel, dining, and shopping.

A great customer satisfaction score from a J.D. Power survey highlights happy policyholders; however, some USAA members may be unhappy that they can’t reach a live agent on the phone 24/7.

Pros and cons

Pros

High J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Southwest region
Extensive member benefits beyond auto insurance

Cons

Limits membership to military members and veterans
No 24/7 live customer service

Reviews

They are the best in customer service.

Brenda - September 13, 2023

Verified

Overall poor service, took a safe driving discount away because I wasn’t driving enough.

Kenneth - September 9, 2023

Verified

Great operation since I was a Lt.

raymond - September 7, 2023

Verified

Read our USAA review

Best insurer for students: American Family

studentsAmerican Family

Compare personalized, real-time quotes

IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.	4.2
JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.	840
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.	$56/mo
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.	$110/mo

Overview

As the home of one of the University of Colorado’s campuses, Boulder drivers who are also students can benefit from potentially low rates for auto insurance from American Family. It has coverage options available for a variety of students, including rideshare insurance, 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage. Student-specific discounts make rates even lower.

Pros and cons

Pros

Teen Safe Driver program
Student-specific discounts

Cons

Low customer ratings on Trustpilot
Low customer ratings on Better Business Bureau

Reviews

They're OK but too expensive.

Sally - July 21, 2023

Verified

They are nice people to do business with, just kind of expensive

Pat - February 1, 2023

Verified

Too expensive with terrible customer service

Urga - January 21, 2023

Verified

Read our American Family review

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Boulder

All Boulder residents need to meet the minimum auto insurance requirements, which is what liability-only coverage provides. Even when you compare car insurance rates from different companies, each insurer will offer the same state-required minimum levels of insurance under their liability-only auto insurance policies.

Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for liability insurance in Boulder.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, November 7 at 11:00 AM PST.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
State Farm	41
USAA	53
American Family	56
Sun Coast	58
Allstate	63
GEICO	63
Safeco	69
Progressive	72
Auto-Owners	73
State Auto	74
The General	76
Midvale Home & Auto	78
Nationwide	78
Bristol West	87
Dairyland	88
Direct Auto	102
Travelers	102
Foremost	105
Farmers	108
Liberty Mutual	122

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Boulder

Insurers don’t have a set definition for full-coverage car insurance, but an insurance company usually includes comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, along with liability injury coverage and property liability coverage.

A full-coverage policy is typically more expensive than a liability-only policy, as it adds more protection to your coverage. While liability insurance covers injuries and damages you cause to others and their property, full coverage pays for your own damages and injuries — depending on the included coverages.

If you want the cheapest full-coverage insurance in Boulder, start your search with the insurers below.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, November 7 at 11:00 AM PST.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
State Farm	80
USAA	103
American Family	110
GEICO	122
Allstate	124
Nationwide	134
Safeco	139
Progressive	141
Auto-Owners	142
Sun Coast	142
Direct Auto	158
Midvale Home & Auto	161
Travelers	168
Liberty Mutual	188
Bristol West	194
Farmers	210
Dairyland	212
The General	214
State Auto	241
Foremost	244

Estimate your insurance costs

State

Age

Credit Score

Are you insured

Your estimated deal

*Estimate based on a market average of rates provided to other users like you.

Select discounts that apply to you

I’m a good driver

Save 31%

I’m a homeowner

Save 8%

I’m married

Save 23%

I have multiple cars

Save 39%

Car insurance requirements in Colorado

Increased public transportation between Boulder and Denver via the EcoPass, Neighborhood Pass, and CollegePass programs isn’t the only thing that’s changed for commuters since 2003. In the same year, Colorado changed from a no-fault state to an at-fault state. This means that drivers at fault in an accident are responsible for paying for the damages and injuries they cause to other parties. Drivers can usually pay for these losses through their liability insurance.

The current minimum insurance coverage state law requires includes bodily and property liability coverage.^[3]

Coverage	Minimum Requirements
Bodily injury liability	$25,000 per person per accident $50,000 for all persons per accident
Property damage liability	$15,000 per accident

While meeting Colorado’s minimum insurance requirements is enough to drive legally, it may not be enough coverage for everyone. Additional protection is available if you want more coverage than the minimum requirements provide. Colorado drivers could consider adding more auto insurance coverage, such as:

Comprehensive coverage
This provides protection against events like vandalism, theft, and natural disasters.
Collision coverage
This protects you if you hit a stationary object or another vehicle, even if you’re at fault.
Medical payments coverage
This supplemental insurance covers medical expenses and funeral costs for you and your passengers.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
This pays for your injuries if the driver that hit you doesn’t have sufficient insurance coverage.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

Your car insurance premiums with a clean driving record will likely be much lower than if you have an incident on your driving record. Incidents can include things like speeding tickets and other traffic violations, driving under the influence, and being in an at-fault accident.

These incidents can affect your rate in different ways, but all are traffic violations that ultimately may lead to your insurer paying out a claim.

Shop for Car Insurance in Boulder

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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket

No matter the roadway — but especially in construction zones and during inclement weather — speeding increases your chances of getting into a car accident. Speed is a contributing factor in car crashes, so it makes sense that an insurer might raise your rates when you get a speeding ticket, even if you weren’t involved in an accident.^[4]

If you need cheaper rates after getting a speeding ticket, check out the table below for the cheapest insurers in Boulder for drivers with this incident.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, November 7 at 11:00 AM PST.

Insurance Company	Average Quote: Full Coverage	Average Quote: Liability Only
State Farm	114	58
USAA	147	75
American Family	157	80
GEICO	174	90
Allstate	176	90
Nationwide	191	111
Safeco	198	98
Progressive	201	102
Auto-Owners	202	104
Sun Coast	202	83
Direct Auto	225	145
Midvale Home & Auto	229	111
Travelers	239	145
Liberty Mutual	268	174
Bristol West	276	124
Farmers	299	154
Dairyland	302	125
The General	305	108
State Auto	343	105
Foremost	347	149

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident

Boulder had fewer traffic fatalities between 2017 and 2021 compared to other Colorado cities, but you should still practice defensive driving.^[5] An at-fault accident — even when there are no injuries or significant property damage — is an incident that may raise your rates. Filing an at-fault claim forces your insurer to pay money for your claim; it’ll likely raise your rates to compensate for its financial loss.

Here are some of the cheapest auto insurance companies in Boulder for drivers with an at-fault accident.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, November 7 at 11:00 AM PST.

Insurance Company	Average Quote: Full Coverage	Average Quote: Liability Only
State Farm	106	54
USAA	137	70
American Family	146	74
GEICO	162	84
Allstate	165	84
Nationwide	178	103
Safeco	184	92
Progressive	187	96
Auto-Owners	188	97
Sun Coast	188	77
Direct Auto	210	135
Midvale Home & Auto	214	103
Travelers	223	135
Liberty Mutual	249	162
Bristol West	257	115
Farmers	279	143
Dairyland	281	117
The General	284	101
State Auto	320	98
Foremost	324	139

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI

Colorado has a high conviction rate for DUI charges, and officers can arrest a driver with any BAC if they seem impaired.^[2] A DUI is a serious offense, so people in Boulder who drive under the influence should anticipate high rate increases after a conviction. Some insurers may even drop them from the policy.

The table below shows the cheapest auto insurers for drivers with a DUI in Boulder.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, November 7 at 11:00 AM PST.

Insurance Company	Average Quote: Full Coverage	Average Quote: Liability Only
State Farm	122	63
USAA	157	81
American Family	168	86
GEICO	186	96
Allstate	189	96
Nationwide	205	119
Safeco	212	105
Progressive	215	110
Auto-Owners	217	111
Sun Coast	217	89
Direct Auto	241	156
Midvale Home & Auto	246	119
Travelers	257	156
Liberty Mutual	287	186
Bristol West	296	133
Farmers	321	165
Dairyland	324	134
The General	327	116
State Auto	368	113
Foremost	373	160

Cheapest car insurance for seniors

Based on state data, it seems that as the senior population in Colorado increases, so does the number of fatal crashes.^[6] Boulder drivers should anticipate a rate increase as they reach age 75, even if they’ve seen a rate decrease since they turned 35. This is because older adults have an increased risk of accidents due to problems with vision, mobility, and medication use.^[7]

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, November 7 at 11:00 AM PST.

Insurance Company	Average Quote: Full Coverage	Average Quote: Liability Only
State Farm	34	17
USAA	44	22
American Family	47	24
GEICO	52	27
Allstate	53	27
Nationwide	57	33
Safeco	59	29
Auto-Owners	60	31
Progressive	60	31
Sun Coast	60	25
Direct Auto	67	43
Midvale Home & Auto	68	33
Travelers	71	43
Liberty Mutual	80	52
Bristol West	82	37
Farmers	89	46
Dairyland	90	37
The General	91	32
State Auto	102	31
Foremost	103	45

Cheapest car insurance for teens

In the Boulder area, distracted driving was a factor in 17% of fatal crashes for drivers between 15 and 20 years old.^[6] Boulder teens should expect higher rates than drivers of other age groups, including young drivers between 20 and 25 years old. Across the nation, teens have a higher risk of fatal car accidents due to inexperience, overconfidence, and increased distractions.

Great ways for teen drivers to get the cheapest rates for their car insurance in Boulder County include driving a car with the latest safety features, completing driving-safety courses, staying on their parents’ insurance policies, and qualifying for good student discounts.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, November 7 at 11:00 AM PST.

Insurance Company	Average Quote: Full Coverage	Average Quote: Liability Only
State Farm	145	74
USAA	186	96
American Family	199	101
GEICO	221	114
Allstate	224	114
Nationwide	242	141
Safeco	251	125
Progressive	255	130
Auto-Owners	257	132
Sun Coast	257	105
Direct Auto	286	184
Midvale Home & Auto	291	141
Travelers	304	184
Liberty Mutual	340	221
Bristol West	351	157
Farmers	380	195
Dairyland	383	159
The General	387	137
State Auto	436	134
Foremost	441	190

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Boulder

It’s important to find the right auto insurance coverage for your needs, even if it’s not the cheapest auto insurance coverage. Rates change often, as do other savings incentives. To get the cheapest car insurance in Boulder, consider these tips:

Ask about loyalty perks. Your insurer may offer special discounts for longtime policyholders or give you a discount when bundling multiple policies, such as auto insurance and other personal insurance like homeowners insurance or renters insurance.
Ask about group insurance. If you belong to certain professional organizations, like an alumni group, or have certain employee benefits, you may be eligible for a cheaper group insurance policy.
Shop around. Since rates and incentives change regularly, it pays to shop around. You can use online comparison sites to see multiple car insurance quotes in minutes.
Reconsider coverage. If you drive an older, lower-value vehicle, it may not be worth insuring it with a full-coverage policy. Consider dropping optional coverages or reducing policy limits to save money.

Compare Auto Insurance in Boulder

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Boulder car insurance quotes by credit tier

As you shop for insurance coverage, you should be aware that Colorado state law allows insurance companies to evaluate your credit history and credit scores, in addition to other personal information, when determining your rates. Though it’s just one of many factors, drivers with excellent or good credit scores typically get lower rates than drivers with poor credit scores.

Rates by Credit Tier

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Is car insurance more expensive in Boulder?

National average car insurance rates are less than the Colorado average of $224 and the Boulder average of $194.

Car insurance costs can vary between Colorado cities, mainly due to crash rates, traffic density, theft rates, and population differences among ZIP codes. In the Boulder area, for instance, costs may be lower than in a city like Denver, as the state’s capital has significantly more motor vehicle thefts.^[1]

More cities in Colorado

Here’s how the average cost of car insurance in Boulder compares to average rates in other Colorado cities.

City	Average Monthly Quote	Compared to Boulder
Aurora	$351	46%
Colorado Springs	$313	30%
Denver	$309	28%
Fort Collins	$215	-11%
Greeley	$268	11%
Littleton	$285	18%
Pueblo	$325	35%

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Boulder car insurance FAQs

Learn about the factors that can affect your car insurance rates while you shop for quotes. You can also check out the answers to common questions about auto insurance coverage in Boulder.

How much is car insurance in Boulder?
The average cost of car insurance in Boulder is Boulder $147 a month for liability only and $241 a month for full coverage.
What are the best car insurance companies in Boulder?
Some of the best car insurance companies in Boulder include American Family, State Farm, and USAA. These auto insurers have lower-than-average rates, above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings, and strong A.M. Best financial stability ratings.
However, the best car insurance company for you depends on your unique needs and budget. Always shop quotes with at least three insurers to find the best rate for your coverage needs.
Is Colorado an expensive state for car insurance?
Colorado has average car insurance rates similar to the national average, so it’s not much more expensive or much cheaper than other states. For example, Colorado’s average cost for car insurance is $140 a month, but neighboring states like Nevada and California have higher costs.
How does living in Boulder affect your car insurance rates compared to other locations?
You might find cheaper car insurance rates in Boulder than you would in other Colorado cities. The city reported fewer motor vehicle thefts in 2019 than other cities with similar population sizes.^[1] And Boulder County has about half the population of Denver County, which can keep insurance costs comparatively cheaper.^[8]

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.

Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).

Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:

Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
No additional coverage

Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:

Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.

More cities in Colorado

Popular cities

Sources

Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Uniform Crime Report — Colorado." Accessed July 27, 2023
Colorado Department of Transportation. "Impaired Driving." Accessed July 27, 2023
Colorado General Assembly. "Mandatory Automobile Insurance in Colorado." Accessed July 27, 2023
Colorado Department of Transportation. "Excuses to speed don’t exist. Deaths do.." Accessed July 27, 2023
City of Fort Collins Traffic Operations. "2021 Annual Roadway Safety Report." Accessed July 27, 2023
Colorado Department of Transportation. "2021 Problem Identification Report." Accessed July 27, 2023
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Older drivers." Accessed July 27, 2023
U.S. Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: Denver County, Colorado; Boulder County, Colorado." Accessed July 27, 2023

Nick Dauk

Nick Dauk is a freelance writer specializing in business, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and travel. His work has been featured in Fox Business, BBC, The Edge, Business Insider, and Bisnow. Nick is a first-generation college graduate, having majored in Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Central Florida. His eclectic coursework, combined with previous managerial roles in the retail and broadcast television industries, have helped him develop an interdisciplinary approach to writing.

For nearly a decade, Nick has created content for mom-and-pop businesses and global corporations. As a travel writer, his global adventures have also been featured on Inside Hook, Houston Chronicle, Culture Trip, and Matador. When he's not traveling, Nick can be found in Orlando spending time with his wife and toddler.

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Edited byCourtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto

Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto

3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

Read Editorial Guidelines

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Table of contents

Table of contentsCompare quotes

Find Car Insurance in Boulder

Best car insurance companies in Boulder

Best insurer for full coverage: State Farm

Full coverageState Farm

Best insurer for military families: USAA

military familiesUSAA

Best insurer for students: American Family

studentsAmerican Family

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Boulder

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Boulder

Estimate your insurance costs

Select discounts that apply to you

Age

Credit Score

Are you insured

Your estimated deal

Select discounts that apply to you

Car insurance requirements in Colorado

Comprehensive coverage

Collision coverage

Medical payments coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

Shop for Car Insurance in Boulder

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI

Cheapest car insurance for seniors

Cheapest car insurance for teens

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Boulder

Compare Auto Insurance in Boulder

Boulder car insurance quotes by credit tier

Rates by Credit Tier

Is car insurance more expensive in Boulder?

More cities in Colorado

Boulder car insurance FAQs

Methodology

Related articles

More cities in Colorado

Popular cities

Sources

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

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