Colorado winters can swing from sunny and 60 degrees to a foot of snow overnight. Whether you’re commuting on I-25 or heading up I-70 to the mountains, a little preparation keeps you safe and helps you avoid claims.
Know the Traction Law
From September 1 through May 31, Colorado’s Traction Law can be activated on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison, and on other highways during storms. When it’s in effect, passenger vehicles need snow tires, mud and snow (M+S) tires, or four-wheel or all-wheel drive, and all tires need at least 3/16-inch of tread. Drivers who get stuck and block a lane without proper equipment can face fines of several hundred dollars.
Winter Vehicle Checklist
- Tires: check tread depth and pressure, which drops in cold weather.
- Battery: cold weather is hard on older batteries, so have it tested.
- Wipers and fluid: use winter wiper blades and a de-icing washer fluid rated for subzero temperatures.
- Emergency kit: blanket, gloves, ice scraper, small shovel, flashlight, phone charger, water, and snacks.
- Keep your tank at least half full in case of closures on mountain passes.
Don’t Leave Your Car Running Unattended
Warming up an unattended car with the keys inside makes it an easy target for thieves, and Colorado law prohibits leaving a running vehicle unattended unless it’s started with a remote starter and locked.
Coverage That Helps
- Collision for sliding into a guardrail or another car on ice.
- Comprehensive for theft, falling ice or tree limbs, and animal strikes, including deer and elk.
- Roadside assistance for towing, jump-starts, and lockouts.
Learn more about auto insurance or roadside assistance.
Have questions about your coverage? Call Johnson Insurance Agency at 303-768-8130 or stop by our office at 14 Inverness Dr. E, Suite G236, in Englewood. We compare coverage from multiple carriers for families and businesses across the Denver metro area and Colorado.
Sources
Driving Without Auto Insurance in Colorado: Requirements and Penalties
How to Prevent a Holiday Season Home Burglary







