Let’s face it, Colorado roads can get heated, and not just from the summer sun. Road rage incidents are a real concern for drivers, leaving many wondering: if things boil over, will automobile insurance come to the rescue? In this article, Cheap Insurance dives into the complexities of road rage and car insurance in Colorado, focusing on how it can or can’t help you financially.
Key Takeaways:
- Road rage involves aggressive driving behaviors like yelling, tailgating, and reckless driving.
- Your car insurance can help cover damage caused by someone else’s road rage.
- Filing a claim, even for a non-fault accident, might still raise your rates depending on your insurance company’s policy.
- Deductibles apply before insurance kicks in, so consider your chosen deductible amount.
- Optional coverages like UM/UIM with medical payments and a dashcam can offer additional protection in road rage situations.
What is Considered a Road Rage Incident and How Does it Affect Insurance?
Road rage goes beyond simply feeling frustrated behind the wheel. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), it’s a series of aggressive driving behaviors that pose a threat to safety. These include:
- Verbal threats and gestures: Yelling, obscene gestures, or threatening language directed at another driver.
- Intentional tailgating: Following too closely to intimidate the driver in front.
- Reckless driving: Speeding, weaving through traffic, cutting off other drivers, or attempting to force another car off the road.
- Physical violence: Getting out of your vehicle to confront another driver or throwing objects at their car.
It’s important to note that not all aggressive driving qualifies as road rage. A single instance of speeding or a heated exchange of words might not trigger auto insurance coverage concerns. However, a pattern of aggressive behaviors that puts yourself or others at risk definitely falls under the road rage.
Because road rage incidents often involve intentional acts, they can significantly impact your auto insurance coverage. Colorado is at fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for damages. If your road rage outburst leads to an accident, your insurance company might take several factors into account:
- Severity of your actions: Did you initiate the aggressive driving, or were you simply reacting? The more you contributed to the situation, the less likely your insurance is to cover everything.
- Police reports and witness statements: These can be used to determine fault and the sequence of events.
Will My Colorado Insurance Cover Damage Caused by Someone Else’s Road Rage?
- Liability insurance of the at-fault driver: This should cover repairs to your car and any injuries you sustain in the accident. However, if the at-fault driver doesn’t have auto insurance or their insurance is insufficient, things can get complicated.
- Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM): This optional insurance coverage that protects you if the at-fault driver has no car insurance or not enough insurance to cover all the damages. It’s highly recommended in Colorado, where uninsured motorist rates are high.
Will My Colorado Car Insurance Rates Go Up After a Road Rage Incident?
Even if you weren’t at fault for the accident caused by someone else’s road rage, filing a claim can still impact your car insurance rates.
Can Colorado Auto Insurance Bail You Out of a Road Rage Incident?
Here’s why an insurance claim, even for a non-fault accident, might affect your rates:
- Accident history: Insurance companies view any accident on your record, regardless of fault, as an increased risk factor.
- Claim severity: The more expensive the repairs or injuries involved, the higher the potential for an insurance rate increase.
However, Colorado has a system in place to mitigate the impact of non-fault accidents on your premiums. This is called the Accident Forgiveness program, offered by many car insurance companies in the state.
Here’s how Accident Forgiveness works:
- Typically applies after a certain period like three to five years of accident-free driving.
- Forgives one at-fault accident or, in some cases, multiple non-fault accidents.
It’s important to check with your specific auto insurance provider to understand their Accident Forgiveness policy and how it might apply to a road rage incident.
Road Rage and Deductibles: What Costs Are You Responsible For?
Even if your car insurance covers the damage caused by someone else’s road rage, you’ll likely still be responsible for your deductible. This is the upfront amount you pay before your insurance kicks in. Deductible amounts vary depending on your policy and coverage options.
Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
- Collision deductible: Applies if your car is damaged in a collision, regardless of fault.
- Comprehensive deductible: Applies if your car is damaged by something other than a collision like vandalism or hitting a deer crossing the road.
Should I Get a Dashcam in Colorado to Help with Road Rage Insurance Claims?
In today’s world, dashcams are becoming increasingly popular for drivers. They can provide valuable video evidence in case of an accident, including those caused by road rage.
Here’s how a dashcam can help with your insurance claim:
- Provides a neutral perspective: Video footage can clearly show what happened during the incident, helping to establish fault.
- Supports your version of events: In a he-said-she-said situation, a dashcam can be crucial evidence for your automobile insurance company.
- Deters aggressive driving: Some studies suggest that having a dashcam visible in your car can deter other drivers from engaging in road rage behaviors.
While not mandatory, a dashcam can be a worthwhile investment for Colorado drivers, especially if you’re concerned about road rage incidents.
Road rage is a serious issue that can lead to accidents and financial hardship. While Colorado car insurance can offer some protection in these situations, understanding the limitations of coverage and taking steps to avoid road rage altogether are crucial. By staying calm, driving defensively, and considering optional insurance coverages like UM/UIM and investing in a dashcam, you can navigate Colorado roads with greater peace of mind.
