What Happens When an Uninsured Driver Hits You in Colorado?

Hit by an uninsured driver in Colorado or Wyoming? Learn how to protect yourself and file the right claim—before it’s too late.

A Car Hits You. They’re at Fault—But They’re Not Insured. Now What?

You’re driving through Fort Collins or Cheyenne. You stop at a light.
Out of nowhere, someone rear-ends you.

The damage is serious. You’re injured. You call the police.
Then comes the shocker—the other driver doesn’t have insurance.

This isn’t rare. In fact, 1 in 8 drivers nationwide are uninsured. And in some areas of Colorado and Wyoming, the numbers are even higher.

If you’re not prepared with the right coverage, you could be paying the price—not just in repairs, but in medical bills, lost wages, and legal frustration.


Real-Life: No Insurance, No Accountability—Unless You’re Covered

A Summit client was recently hit by an uninsured driver. Their car was undrivable. The other driver had no insurance, no assets, and no real way to pay.

Unfortunately, our client didn’t have uninsured motorist coverage. That meant:

  • They waited months to get their car repaired
  • They paid for rental and repair costs out of pocket
  • They had zero recourse for lost work time or pain and suffering

All because they assumed their policy covered “everything.”
It didn’t.


What You Need to Know About Uninsured Driver Accidents

1. What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you when the at-fault driver:

  • Has no insurance
  • Can’t be identified (hit-and-run)
  • Has insurance, but it’s not enough to cover damages

UM coverage typically includes:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Sometimes, vehicle damage (if you add UMPD)

This isn’t automatic. You must elect to add it.


2. Who Needs It?

If you:

  • Drive regularly in Colorado or Wyoming
  • Can’t afford to cover thousands in repair or medical costs out of pocket
  • Have dependents or family who rely on your income
  • Want protection from others’ irresponsibility

…then you need uninsured motorist coverage.

It’s especially important in rural counties, where law enforcement may take longer to respond and hit-and-run incidents can be harder to investigate.


3. What Most People Miss

Most drivers assume their auto policy already includes uninsured motorist coverage.
But in Colorado and Wyoming:

  • You must opt in, and coverage levels vary
  • The state minimums aren’t nearly enough to cover a serious accident
  • Many agents don’t explain the risks of not adding it until after the claim is denied

If you haven’t reviewed your limits in the last year—you may be underinsured.


What Happens Without It?

Without uninsured motorist coverage:

  • You pay for repairs, medical bills, and rental cars yourself
  • You can’t sue the other driver if they have no money or assets
  • Your insurance company may offer little or no help
  • Claims take longer, and recovery costs more

This is why proactive planning matters. Once the accident happens, it’s too late to add protection.


How Summit Insurance Keeps You Covered

At Summit Insurance Agency, we protect Colorado and Wyoming drivers from risks they don’t even see coming—including uninsured drivers.

Here’s how we do it:

✅ Clear, Customized Coverage Reviews

We walk through your current policy line-by-line to flag gaps—especially in liability and uninsured motorist protection.

✅ Region-Specific Risk Planning

We know the road conditions, driver trends, and claim patterns in Loveland, Denver, Cheyenne, and beyond—and we build your policy accordingly.

✅ Dedicated Claims Support

Our in-house Claims Specialist helps you document the incident, communicate with adjusters, and navigate the process—so you’re never alone when it matters most.

Because your policy isn’t just paperwork. It’s your financial defense plan.


Don’t Let Someone Else’s Mistake Become Your Problem

One in every eight drivers may leave you with the bill. Make sure you’re not one of the ones left unprotected.

Request a quote from Summit Insurance Agency today.
We’ll review your policy, add the protection you need, and help you drive with confidence—knowing you’re covered from all sides.

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