(1) Every owner of a motor vehicle who operates the motor vehicle on the public highways of this state or who knowingly permits the operation of the motor vehicle on the public highways of this state shall have in full force and effect a complying policy under the terms of this part 6 covering the said motor vehicle, and any owner who fails to do so shall be subject to the sanctions provided under sections 42-4-1409 and 42-7-301, C.R.S., of the "Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Act". This section shall not apply to persons who hold a current and valid certificate of self-insurance pursuant to section 10-4-624.
(2) An insurer shall not refuse to provide benefits to an insured on the basis that the insured is a volunteer for a fire department and is injured in a motor vehicle while responding to an emergency.