Utah Auto Insurance: Getting Covered In The Beehive State

Getting auto insurance in Utah is a straightforward process. All drivers in Utah are required to have auto insurance, and the state routinely checks its vehicle registration file against a database of insurance policies to reduce the number of uninsured motorists. The minimum insurance coverage required by the state includes bodily injury liability coverage and property damage liability coverage. The specific requirements for bodily injury liability coverage are $25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident, while property damage liability insurance is mandated at $15,000 per accident. In addition, drivers in Utah must carry $3,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. It is important to note that these are the minimum requirements, and purchasing additional coverage is often recommended to ensure sufficient financial protection in the event of a serious accident.

Minimum insurance requirements in Utah

In Utah, drivers must carry auto insurance and present proof of this to any law enforcement officer upon request. Utah is a no-fault state, which means that each driver's insurance coverage is primarily responsible for their own medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault. This typically leads to higher insurance premiums.

The minimum insurance requirements in Utah are as follows:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $65,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $15,000 property damage liability per accident
• $3,000 personal injury protection per person

Bodily injury liability covers injuries you cause to others in an accident, and property damage liability covers damage to other people's property. Personal injury protection covers your medical costs due to an accident, as well as lost wages and death benefits, regardless of who is at fault.

While these are the minimum insurance requirements in Utah, it is recommended to carry more than the mandatory minimum for better protection. Collision and comprehensive insurance are not required by law but are often mandated by lenders to protect their investment.

How to get cheap car insurance in Utah

Utah's average car insurance rates are lower than the national average, but you can still save money by shopping around for the best deal. The cheapest car insurance companies in Utah for a policy with minimum coverage are:

• Farmers Union Insurance
• Nationwide
• State Farm

The cheapest car insurance companies in Utah offering full coverage policies are:

• Nationwide
• Farmers Union Insurance

Utah drivers with military connections can also find cheap quotes at USAA.

If you're a young driver, you'll pay more for car insurance than older drivers. The cheapest car insurance companies in Utah for teens are:

• Nationwide
• Allstate

If you have a poor credit score, you'll also pay more for car insurance. The cheapest car insurance providers in Utah for drivers with bad credit are:

• Nationwide
• Farmers Union Insurance

You can also save money by shopping around for the best deal. Compare quotes from multiple companies to ensure you get the lowest rate possible.

Ask about discounts for which you may be eligible. Some common car insurance discounts include:

• Young driver discounts
• Safe driver discounts
• Bundling your auto and home insurance

What to do if you can't get insurance

To get auto insurance in Utah, you'll need to meet the state's minimum insurance requirements. These include:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident
• Personal injury protection: $3,000 per accident
• Uninsured motorist: $25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident
• Underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident

Note that uninsured and underinsured coverage can be rejected in writing.

If you can't get insurance, there are a few steps you can take:

• Shop around for insurance providers: Different insurance providers have different criteria for determining eligibility. You may be able to find a provider that will insure you, even if you've been denied by others.
• Consider non-standard insurance: If you're unable to get insurance through the standard market, you may need to look into non-standard insurance options, such as those offered by specialty insurers or government-funded plans. These plans often have higher premiums and may provide limited coverage, but they can be a last resort if you're unable to get insurance otherwise.
• Improve your risk profile: Insurance companies assess your risk profile when determining eligibility and calculating premiums. If you've been denied insurance due to your risk profile, work on improving it. This could include taking steps to improve your credit score, getting a safe or low-risk vehicle, or completing a defensive driving course.
• Look into state-specific options: Some states have government-sponsored insurance plans or other programs to help high-risk drivers obtain coverage. Check with the Utah Insurance Department or the DMV to see if there are any state-specific options available to you.
• Consider alternative transportation: If you're unable to get insurance, you may need to consider alternative forms of transportation, such as public transportation or ride-sharing services. This can be temporary while you work on improving your risk profile or finding an insurer that will cover you.

Keep in mind that driving without insurance in Utah is illegal and can result in fines, suspension of your vehicle registration, and even jail time. It's important to maintain the required insurance coverage to comply with the law and protect yourself financially in the event of an accident.

How to prove you have insurance

In Utah, all drivers must carry proof of auto insurance and present it to any law enforcement officer upon request. This can be done either by providing a printed card from your insurance company or by showing an electronic version from your insurance company's mobile app.

• Insurance ID Card: Most insurance companies will provide you with a physical or electronic copy of your insurance ID card. This typically includes information such as the named insureds, vehicle information (VIN), policy effective and expiration dates, and confirmation that your policy meets your state's minimum requirements.
• Proof of Coverage Letter: You can also obtain a proof of coverage letter from your insurance company, which includes details about your policy. While this may not be accepted as proof of insurance in all states, it can be useful to have as a backup.
• Digital Proof: In recent years, most states, including Utah, have started to allow digital proof of insurance through insurer apps. This is a convenient option, as you can access your proof of insurance directly from your phone without having to carry a physical card. However, it is important to note that New Mexico does not accept digital proof during traffic stops or accidents.
• SR-22 Form: If your license has been suspended, you may need to file an SR-22 form with the state to prove you have the required amount of liability insurance. This form is typically filed by your insurance company, so you don't need to carry it with you.

It is important to always keep your proof of insurance readily accessible in your vehicle, such as in your glove compartment. Failure to provide proof of insurance when requested by law enforcement can result in penalties, including fines, citations, or even suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration.

Penalties for driving without insurance

Driving without insurance is considered a misdemeanor in Utah. The penalties for driving without insurance are outlined below:

Fines

If you are caught driving without insurance in Utah, you will face a fine. The fine for a first offense is $400, while the fine for a second or subsequent offense is $1,000. Additionally, a court security surcharge may be added to these fines.

License and Registration Suspension

If you are convicted of driving without insurance, the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) will suspend your driver's license and vehicle registration. You will be required to surrender your license and registration documents, and you will not be able to drive until the suspension period is over. The suspension period for a first offense is one year.

Reinstatement Fees

To reinstate your license and registration after a suspension, you must pay a reinstatement fee. The fee for reinstating a driver's license is $40, while the fee for reinstating vehicle registration is $100. You must also provide proof of insurance and present evidence of ownership of the vehicle.

SR-22 Requirement

You may be required to maintain an SR-22 form, which proves that you have the minimum required auto insurance, for a period of three years after a conviction for driving without insurance.

Increased Insurance Costs

A conviction for driving without insurance can also lead to increased insurance costs in the future. You may be labeled as a high-risk driver, which can result in higher insurance premiums.

Difficulty Obtaining Insurance

Finding insurance after a conviction for driving without insurance can be difficult. You may need to apply for a special policy, such as the Utah Automobile Insurance Plan (UT AIP), which is designed for high-risk drivers.

Frequently asked questions