Alyssa Lane
In the state of Utah, car insurance is required by law, and drivers must carry proof of this insurance. The minimum insurance requirements in Utah are $25,000 of coverage per person for bodily injury, $65,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident for property damage. In addition, Utah is a no-fault state, meaning drivers are required to have a minimum of $3,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for medical expenses in the event of an accident. While collision and comprehensive coverage are not legally required, they are often mandated by lenders or leasing companies to protect their investment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liability Coverage | $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $65,000 per accident for bodily injury, $15,000 per accident for property damage |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Minimum of $3,000 |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage | Optional |
| Collision Coverage | Optional |
| Comprehensive Coverage | Optional |
What You'll Learn
Minimum liability coverage
In Utah, liability car insurance is mandatory for all drivers. The minimum liability coverage in the state is 25/65/15, which means:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person in an accident
- $65,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 property damage liability per accident
These are the minimum requirements mandated by Utah, but drivers can opt for more coverage to better protect their financial assets, vehicle, and passengers. The insurance industry recommends that bodily injury liability limits be at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence.
Liability coverage in Utah is legally required to pay for bodily injuries and property damage caused by the policyholder in an at-fault collision. This coverage goes toward the injured party's lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. It is important to note that liability coverage will never pay for the policyholder's injuries or damages to their own property.
In addition to liability coverage, Utah also requires personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. PIP is required at a minimum of $3,000 per person, and it pays for the policyholder's medical expenses in the event of an accident, regardless of who was at fault. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional, but it can provide valuable protection for insured motorists concerned about being in an accident with a driver who has insufficient or no insurance.
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Personal injury protection (PIP)
The minimum PIP coverage in Utah includes:
- $3,000 of medical expenses per person
- $3,000 in death benefits to heirs
- $1,500 in burial costs per deceased person
- 85% of lost income due to injuries, up to $250 per week
- A special allowance of up to $20 per day for necessary services if the injured person is unable to perform certain tasks
The cost of PIP insurance in Utah depends on the amount of coverage, the city of residence, and the driving history of the individual. It is important to note that PIP is not required for motorcycles, ATVs, trailers, or street-legal all-terrain vehicles in Utah.
Utah's status as a no-fault state means that each driver's insurance is primarily responsible for their medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This typically leads to higher insurance premiums as insurance companies bear the financial responsibility for their policyholder's initial accident-related expenses.
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Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
If you don't have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may have to pay for medical bills or vehicle repairs out of your own pocket. Even if you file a claim against your own policy, you may have a high collision deductible or insufficient medical payments/personal injury protection to cover the full extent of the injuries or damages.
Uninsured motorist coverage comes into effect when the other vehicle has no insurance coverage at all. This type of coverage will pay for your injuries, your passengers' injuries, and damage to your vehicle. Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage pays medical bills for you and your passengers, while uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage pays for damage to your vehicle.
Underinsured motorist coverage, on the other hand, comes into play when the other vehicle has insurance but the policy limit is inadequate to cover all your damages. Underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIMBI) coverage pays medical bills for you and your passengers, while underinsured motorist property damage (UIMPD) coverage pays for damage to your vehicle.
It's important to note that some states may require a deductible for UMPD/UIMPD coverage, but UMBI/UIMBI coverage generally does not include a deductible. Additionally, in some states, uninsured motorist coverage for property damage (UMPD) will not cover hit-and-run incidents, and you would need collision coverage instead for your insurance to cover the damage to your vehicle.
When considering uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, it's recommended to choose insurance limits that match your liability coverage. For example, if your liability coverage is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, you should consider the same limits for your UMBI and UIMBI coverage. For UMPD coverage, you can select a limit that aligns with the value of your vehicle.
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Collision and comprehensive coverage
While collision and comprehensive coverage are not required by law in Utah, they are highly recommended and often mandated by lenders if you are financing or leasing a vehicle. Collision insurance covers damage to your car caused by another vehicle, an object, or a rollover. It helps pay for repairs or a full replacement of your vehicle, even in accidents involving uninsured drivers. This type of coverage is especially important if you drive frequently or in areas with high traffic volume, as it provides financial protection in the event of an accident.
On the other hand, comprehensive insurance protects your car from damage caused by non-collision events such as fire, theft, hail, wind, flood, or vandalism. It covers losses like theft, vandalism, hail, and collisions with animals. For example, if you hit a deer while driving, comprehensive coverage would apply. Comprehensive coverage is valuable if you live in an area with a high risk of damage from fallen branches, animals, or natural disasters.
When deciding whether to opt for collision and comprehensive coverage, consider the value of your car, your driving frequency and environment, and your current savings. If you have a high-value car, drive frequently or in high-risk areas, or don't have sufficient savings to cover repair or replacement costs, these coverages are essential. While they may increase your insurance premiums, they provide valuable financial protection in the event of an accident or vehicle damage.
In Utah, the decision to include collision and comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance policy depends on your individual circumstances and the level of protection you desire. While not legally mandated, these coverages offer peace of mind and financial security, especially for drivers with high-value cars or those living in hazardous areas.
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Penalties for driving without insurance
Driving without insurance in Utah is considered a Class B misdemeanor, and there are several penalties for those found driving without it. The state may charge fines and suspend your license and registration, and getting your driving privileges back can be costly.
Fines
If you are caught driving without insurance in Utah, you will face a fine of at least $400 for a first offence, and $1,000 for a second or subsequent offence within three years of a previous conviction or bail forfeiture.
Driving Privileges
Drivers caught without insurance will likely lose their driving privileges and be required to maintain an SR-22 form, which proves financial responsibility, for three years.
License and Registration
If you are convicted for failure to insure a vehicle, the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) is required to suspend your driver's license. The DPS may not renew or issue a driver's license until you can provide proof of insurance and pay a reinstatement fee. The DPS will also notify the DMV of your new insured status.
To reinstate your vehicle registration, you must present evidence of ownership, such as the vehicle's title or registration card, picture identification, proof of insurance, and pay a $100 reinstatement fee.
Jail Time
If you are involved in an accident without insurance, you may face up to six months in jail.
Other Penalties
Other penalties for driving without insurance in Utah include vehicle impoundment, and the requirement to pay a court security surcharge.
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Frequently asked questions
In Utah, the minimum coverage auto insurance requirements include $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $65,000 per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability. Additionally, personal injury protection (PIP) is required at a minimum of $3,000 per person.
Liability insurance covers the other car and/or the driver and passengers of that car when you are found at fault for the accident. It covers injuries to others if you are at fault and damage to another person's property.
Personal injury protection is required in Utah and goes toward paying for your own injuries and the medical costs that you and your passengers incur in an accident. It is available regardless of who was at fault. The minimum PIP coverage amount of $3,000 per person is required, though higher coverage amounts are available.
Liability insurance covers injuries and property damage caused by the policyholder in an accident. Collision insurance, on the other hand, covers damages to the policyholder's car caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. Collision insurance is not required by law in Utah but is often mandated by lenders.
Driving without insurance in Utah is illegal and can result in a range of penalties, including fines, suspension of your license and vehicle registration, impoundment of your vehicle, and even jail time if you are involved in an accident.
