A specialty auto policy may exclude UM/UIM benefits for injuries suffered in a regular use auto when the specialty policy works “in tandem” with a standard auto policy. The case is Essentia Ins. Co. v. Hughes, 545 P.3d 494 (Colo. 2024).

Beverly Hughes was injured while driving a wrecker, a vehicle provided by her employer for her regular use. The other driver, who was both negligent and at fault for the accident, was underinsured.

Hughes had two personal auto policies, each issued by a different carrier. The policy for her “regular-use” vehicles was from Travelers. She had also purchased a specialty auto policy from Essentia Insurance to provide coverage for two classic cars, both Fords: a 1967 Mustang and a 1930 Model A. After the accident, Hughes secured the policy limits of the other driver’s insurance in addition to receiving the $250,000 policy limit under her Travelers policy.