Getting your driver’s license is a huge milestone, it’s right up there with your first kiss. Teens are ecstatic to finally get behind the wheel and parents are nervously calling their auto insurance providers. Parents become laser-focused on their teens’ safety.
Some can even spit out statistics like black cars are 10 to 20 percent more likely to be in an accident. This may be true but a vehicle’s color isn’t the only thing that increases teens chances of being in a car collision. Keeping teens safe includes ensuring they know basic traffic rules, and what to do if they’re involved in a car accident.
When Can Teens Start Driving in Colorado?
Colorado, like a few other states, has what’s known as a graduated driving licensing (GDL) program. First-time drivers typically go through a three-stage licensing program. However, first-time adult drivers may be able to knock it down to only two stages.
So, when can your teen hop behind the wheel? The Boulder State lets teens apply for their learner’s permit any time after they turn 15. Yep, you can take your teen to the Colorado DMV on their 15th birthday.
However, before you plan the trip, teens must complete a driver education class. There’s also a written test but relax. The test only covers information learned in class. Teens also need to get in at least 30 hours of supervised driving time. Teens also need around 10 hours of supervised nighttime driving.
Before you let your 16-year-old licensed driver supervise your younger teen, Colorado law has something to say. The supervisor must be at least 21 and a licensed driver.
How Much Car Insurance Do Teen Drivers Need in Colorado?
Your age doesn’t matter when it comes to Colorado insurance requirements. If you’re planning on hitting the road in Boulder State, you must meet the minimum insurance requirements. This applies even if parents are adding teens to their existing policies. Make sure your teen driver has the right coverage amount.
Colorado requires all drivers to carry what’s known as 30/60/25 auto insurance. Broken down, this is what your teen needs to stay legal behind the wheel:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $15,000 per accident for property damage
You may want to consider adding some other types of insurance just to make sure you and your teen driver are covered if an accident occurs:
- Collision Coverage: Covers damages to the teen’s car in the event of an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against non-collision-related damages such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Covers expenses if the teen is involved in an accident with a driver who does not have adequate insurance.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses and lost wages for the teen and their passengers regardless of fault.
These additional types of insurance aren’t required by Colorado law but it can help you feel better letting your teen take the wheel.
What Teen Drivers Should Do After a Car Accident
Before teens think of texting a friend or posting a video of the collision on social media, they should check themselves for any visible injuries. After all, your teen probably doesn’t want to bleed out while posting a live video.
Remind your teen to check their passengers for any injuries. Since teens are rarely alone, there’s a good bet someone else will be in the vehicle.
Report the Car Collision
Driving away from the accident scene isn’t an option. Teens may be afraid of getting into trouble, but a scolding isn’t much of a punishment compared to a possible hit-and-run charge. Reporting the car collision is also an essential step in the accident claim process.
Your teen should be ready to answer any questions the responding officers ask. However, remind your teen to never admit fault. You don’t want the insurance adjuster to try and blame your teen, especially if the collision isn’t their fault.
Gather Evidence
Teens are typically on their phones so this shouldn’t be a problem. Let your teen know it’s okay to photograph their vehicle’s damage. They can even take pictures of the accident scene and any visible injuries. Nope, this isn’t going on YouTube. Instead, your teen’s collecting evidence to help support their accident claim.
Contact a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer
Even though teens under 18 can’t file an accident claim, it doesn’t mean they don’t need legal representation. Their parents may be acting as their guardian in the accident claim, but contacting a personal injury attorney is still a good idea.
Also read:
How to Prevent Texting and Driving
How to Help My Teen Stop Vaping
Image credit: Freepik, aleksandarlittlewolf
