Consumers Need More Auto Insurance Education, Panel Says

The Colorado Legislature’s Interim Committee on Auto Insurance has concluded that there needs to be more uniformity in presenting and explaining automobile insurance coverage options to residents buying or renewing policies.

Two years ago, the state converted from a “no fault” automobile insurance system to a system in which the driver at fault is reponsible for paying for the treatment of any other party’s traffic accident injuries. However, the committee says many Coloradans remain confused about the implications of not purchasing personal medical coverage as part of their automobile insurance.

Representatives and agents from automobile insurance carriers, such as State Farm, Allstate and Progressive, told the committee about the steps their companies have taken to try to educate customers about the insurance system changes. However, Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, said that what customers are being told can vary from agency to agency, and company to company.