Colorado Minimum Car Insurance: What Does 25/50/15 Mean?

By Irving, Senior Commercial Account Executive, Hoery Insurance Agency

Last updated: October 23, 2026

You see “25/50/15” on your car insurance policy. If you cause a crash, what could those limits pay? And what might still be left for you to pay?

Irving at Hoery Insurance Agency fact-checked the example and general coverage explanations in this guide. Here’s what the numbers mean, how they work in a made-up crash and what to check on your own policy.

What does each number pay for?

Liability insurance can help pay when you are at fault for a covered crash. It applies to other people’s injuries and property damage. A limit is a dollar cap on what the policy could pay for that type of covered loss.

What happens if an accident costs more than those limits?

Here is a simple, made-up example. You are at fault for a crash. Two people are hurt, and their car is damaged. Assume all the amounts below are otherwise covered and payable.

The two injury amounts add up to $55,000. But the policy could pay no more than $45,000 toward them in this example:

$20,000 for Person A + $25,000 for Person B = $45,000.

Why not $50,000? Person B’s payment is capped at $25,000. The unused $5,000 under the $50,000 injury limit cannot raise that person’s cap.

The car damage has its own limit. The $22,000 repair cost is $7,000 above the $15,000 property damage limit.

You could still owe the costs above the limits. This example shows how the limits work. It does not predict how an insurer would settle, divide or pay a real claim.

Try an accident example

Where do the 25/50/15 limits stop?

Change the made-up damage amounts. See how the limit for each person, the shared injury limit and the property limit work together. A limit is a dollar cap, not a set payout.

$25,000Injuries to one person

$50,000All injuries in one crash

$15,000Other people’s property

Made-up examples only. Assume you are at fault and all amounts are otherwise covered and payable. This shows dollar caps, not a claim payment or a recommendation for your policy. Use imaginary amounts; do not enter real claim or customer information.

Use the written accident example above. It explains these limits without the interactive controls.

Does 25/50/15 cover damage to my own car?

No—not by itself. These limits apply to other people’s injuries and property when you are at fault for a covered crash.

Damage to your own car is a separate question:

• Collision coverage, if you buy it, generally helps pay for damage from a collision or rollover.
• Comprehensive coverage generally helps pay for certain other damage, such as theft, hail, fire or vandalism.

Both are subject to policy terms and a deductible. A deductible is the part of a covered claim you pay yourself.

Neither is part of Colorado’s 25/50/15 minimum liability requirement. If you have a car loan, your lender may require both. Read Colorado’s explanation of optional auto coverages for more context.

Ask about coverage for your own injuries, too. Look for the terms uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments. Ask which you have, which you have turned down and what their limits are.

What should you check on your own policy?

Start with your declarations page. This is your policy summary. It lists the coverages you have, their limits and your deductibles.

Look for these five things:

If the numbers are hard to follow, ask for an explanation before you make a change.

Questions to ask before changing your liability limits

1. If I hurt more than one person in a crash, how do the two injury limits work together?
2. What would the higher limits available on my policy cost?
3. Which coverages apply to other people’s losses? Which apply to my own car or injuries?
4. What might I still owe if a covered claim costs more than my liability limits?
5. Are there other policies or types of protection I should consider for my situation?

You do not need to know all the insurance terms to ask for help. A licensed Hoery team member can help you read your policy summary and talk through your questions.

Adding a teen can bring up price questions, too. Our young-driver cost guide explains how to compare the price and protection in your quote.

Common Colorado driver questions

Is 25/50/15 the same as “full coverage”?

No. It describes liability limits. “Full coverage” does not name one standard insurance package. Ask what the policy covers, its limits and its deductibles.

Is the $50,000 limit for each person?

No. It is the combined injury limit for one crash. The $25,000 limit still applies to each person.

Does the $15,000 property damage limit apply to my car?

No. It is a liability limit for other people’s property. Coverage for your own car is separate.

Can I buy higher limits than 25/50/15?

Generally, yes. Colorado’s General Assembly notes that you can buy higher liability limits. The insurer and your situation affect the choices, price and approval.

General educational information only. This article does not amend, interpret or guarantee coverage under any individual policy. Coverage, exclusions, limits, deductibles, eligibility and claim payments are governed by applicable policy terms and circumstances. For advice specific to your insurance, consult a licensed insurance professional.