Understanding Car Insurance Policies in Utah: What You Need to Know
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If you live in Utah and operate a vehicle, you must carry car insurance that complies with state insurance laws. Your insurance helps cover expenses for property damage and bodily injuries in the event of an accident. However, keeping track of Utah auto insurance requirements can be challenging because they change frequently. Here's what you need to know about auto insurance requirements in Utah and the repercussions of not having the proper coverage.
Utah's Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements
The minimum insurance policy requirements for cars in Utah include liability and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Liability Coverage
The current Utah auto insurance minimum requirements for liability coverage include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death of a single individual
- $65,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more individuals arising from a single accident
- $15,000 for property damage
- $80,000 in any single accident for property damage or bodily injury
The current minimum coverage amounts only apply to policies issued or renewed before December 31, 2024. As of January 1, 2025, new or renewed policies must provide liability insurance coverage that meets these minimum requirements:
- $30,000 for bodily injury or death of a single individual
- $65,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more individuals arising from a single accident
- $25,000 for property damage
- $90,000 in any single accident for property damage or bodily injury
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Drivers must carry a minimum of $3,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP helps pay for the insured's medical expenses and lost wages arising from a car accident.
No-Fault Insurance System Overview
As a no-fault state, Utah requires drivers to use their PIP coverage to pay for any bodily damages they sustain in a car accident, regardless of whether the other driver was at fault. If your PIP coverage is insufficient to pay for your injuries, you may need to rely on your health insurance for support or seek legal assistance.
Review the insurance requirements of your state:
Consequences of Driving Without Insurance in Utah
Driving without insurance is a big mistake. It may lead to fines, a suspended license, and other consequences in Utah.
Penalties for Uninsured Driving
If you're caught driving without a license in Utah, a police officer may charge you with a Class B misdemeanor. You may receive a minimum $400 fine for the first offense if convicted. Subsequent offenses within the next three years carry a minimum $1,000 fine.
Upon conviction, the Utah Department of Public Safety automatically suspends your license. The suspension remains in effect until you show proof of insurance and pay a reinstatement fee.
The Utah Department of Public Safety monitors insurance coverage for three years following a conviction. If you terminate your insurance coverage during that period, you must surrender your license.
Accidents Involving Uninsured Drivers
If you're unlucky enough to be involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may need to rely on your insurance coverage to pay for car repairs or medical expenses. Adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy can help offset your costs. You may also consider a lawsuit against the uninsured driver.
Uninsured drivers who cause an accident may face legal consequences including a driver's license suspension and fines. Injured drivers may also seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Optional Coverage Types
All drivers must carry minimum liability auto insurance in Utah. You may also add optional coverages, including comprehensive, collision, and uninsured motorist protection. Note that if you financed your car, your financing company may require you to carry these coverages as a requisite for your loan.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle that isn't the direct result of an accident. It may cover weather-related damage, theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, and other causes.
Collision Insurance
While your PIP coverage will pay for your medical expenses and lost wages caused by a car accident, it won't cover repairs to your vehicle. You can add collision coverage to pay for those costs. That way, if you're at fault for the accident, you won't need to foot the bill out of pocket.
Uninsured Motorist Protection
Adding uninsured motorist protection to your insurance policy can help offset costs if you're injured in an accident involving a hit-and-run driver or an individual without insurance. It pays for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses related to the accident.
Factors Influencing Insurance Rates
Utah car insurance companies consider several factors when deciding how to price your policy.
Driving History
You may face a higher rate if you have a history of driving infractions or prior insurance claims. Teenagers and young adult drivers new to the road may also pay more for car insurance.
Location and Vehicle Type
Insurance rates vary widely from location to location. Living in a populous area like Salt Lake City may increase your rates, while residents in smaller towns and cities may pay less for insurance.
The car you drive can also influence insurance costs. Owning a new vehicle, luxury auto, or electric vehicle may mean paying more for insurance.
Credit Score Impacts
Another factor insurance companies consider when pricing your policy is your credit score. If you have a history of missed payments or collections, your rates may be higher than someone with better credit.
Understanding Electronic Proof of Insurance
If you're ever in an accident or a police officer pulls you over, you may need to provide proof of insurance. While it's always a good idea to store evidence of insurance in your vehicle, you may also keep a copy of your insurance card on your phone. Most insurance companies offer a digital insurance card you can access via email or their app.
Tips for Choosing the Right Policy
Finding cheap car insurance in Utah starts with getting quotes from several insurance providers, allowing you to compare the rates and features of each policy and pick the one that best suits your needs. At EverQuote, getting a custom comparison is easy and free. When you complete our form, we'll provide quotes from several insurance companies so you can compare car insurance policies in Utah. Get started today with EverQuote!