Utah Auto Insurance Requirements: What You Need To Know

Car insurance is mandatory in Utah, and drivers must carry proof of their coverage. The minimum liability coverage requirements are $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $65,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. Utah is a no-fault state, so it also requires a minimum of $3,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which pays for medical expenses in the event of an accident. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is also available as an option for insured motorists. While these are the state-mandated minimums, individuals may opt for more coverage to better protect their financial assets, vehicle, and passengers.

Liability coverage minimums: $25,000 per person, $65,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage

In the state of Utah, drivers are required to have liability insurance, which covers damage and injuries caused to others in an accident. The minimum liability coverage required in Utah is $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $65,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident for property damage. This means that if you are at fault in an accident, your insurance will cover up to $25,000 of medical expenses for each injured person, with a total limit of $65,000 for all injuries in the accident, and up to $15,000 for any property damage caused.

Liability insurance is designed to protect you financially if you are found at fault for an accident. It covers the medical expenses, repairs to the other driver's vehicle, and any damage to property. It is important to note that liability insurance does not cover any damage to your own vehicle or your own injuries.

While the minimum coverage required by law in Utah is $25,000/$65,000/$15,000, it is generally recommended to have higher coverage limits. This is because the cost of a serious accident can quickly exceed the minimum limits, leaving you responsible for any amount above your coverage limits. It is suggested to have liability coverage limits of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $100,000 for property damage.

In addition to liability insurance, Utah also requires drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP coverage pays for your own medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. The minimum required PIP coverage in Utah is $3,000.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $3,000 minimum

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is mandatory in Utah, offering financial protection in the event of an accident. This no-fault insurance provides peace of mind, covering medical costs, lost income, and other related expenses, regardless of who is at fault in a collision. This comprehensive coverage extends to the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists injured in an accident, showcasing Utah's commitment to road safety and ensuring individuals are not burdened with unforeseen financial strain due to injuries.

Utah mandates a minimum of $3,000 in PIP coverage, ensuring essential support for those involved in vehicular incidents. This coverage includes up to $3,000 in medical expenses per person, aiding in the payment of necessary medical procedures and services like X-rays, dental care, hospital costs, prescriptions, and rehabilitation. It's reassuring to know that such crucial aspects of healthcare are included in the state's required auto insurance, prioritizing the well-being of its residents and anyone involved in road incidents.

In the unfortunate event of a fatality, PIP coverage provides a $3,000 death benefit to the heirs and up to $1,500 in burial costs per deceased individual. This aspect of the insurance ensures that grieving families have one less financial burden to worry about during their difficult time. It's a compassionate inclusion in Utah's auto insurance requirements, demonstrating a holistic approach to road safety and the well-being of its residents.

Additionally, PIP coverage offers reimbursement for lost wages, providing financial support for those unable to work due to injuries sustained in an accident. The minimum coverage in Utah offers 85% of lost income or $250 per week, whichever is lower, for up to 52 weeks. This provision ensures that individuals can focus on their recovery without the added stress of lost income, promoting a healthier and more financially secure environment for Utah's residents.

Furthermore, PIP insurance includes a special allowance of up to $20 per day for essential services if an individual is unable to perform normal household tasks due to their injuries. This allowance can be used for services like cleaning, childcare, cooking, home maintenance, and yard work for up to 365 days. By including this provision, Utah acknowledges the broader impact of injuries and ensures that individuals can maintain their quality of life while recovering.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: optional

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional in Utah. This type of insurance covers your injuries and those of your passengers, as well as damage to your vehicle, if you are hit by a driver with insufficient or no insurance. It is an optional extra that provides valuable peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

In Utah, as in many other states, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory. However, it is a serious risk to drive without it. According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 13% of drivers across the country do not have auto insurance, and this number rises above 20% in some states. Without this coverage, you could be left footing the bill for medical expenses and vehicle repairs if you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Even if you make a claim against your own policy, you may find yourself facing high deductibles or insufficient coverage for your injuries and those of your passengers.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you financially in these situations. It typically covers both bodily injury and property damage. Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) can pay medical bills for you and your passengers, while uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) can cover repairs to your vehicle. If you are hit by a driver with some insurance but not enough to cover the costs, underinsured motorist bodily injury (UIMBI) and underinsured motorist property damage (UIMPD) can step in to help.

In addition to financial protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can also provide a level of reassurance and peace of mind when you are on the road. Accidents are stressful enough without the added worry of dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Knowing that you have this extra layer of protection can give you confidence and help you get back on the road more quickly.

While it is not a legal requirement in Utah, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is an important consideration for any driver. By adding this optional coverage to your policy, you can ensure that you and your passengers are protected in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Collision insurance: not legally required

Collision insurance is not legally required in Utah or any other state. However, if you are financing or leasing your car, your lender will likely require you to have collision coverage until the contract ends. Even if your car is paid off, collision insurance can provide peace of mind if you drive an expensive car or would struggle to pay for repairs after a crash.

Collision insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car if it collides with another vehicle or object, such as a lamppost or a curb. It also covers incidents such as rollovers, hit-and-runs, and damage caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers. If your car is damaged but not totalled, collision insurance will pay for the repairs, minus your deductible. If your car is totalled, collision insurance will pay the actual cash value of your vehicle, minus your deductible.

The cost of collision insurance varies depending on factors such as the company, your age, gender, marital status, driving record, the vehicle you drive, and where you live. According to data from 2019, the average annual cost of collision insurance in the U.S. was $381.43, but prices ranged from $248.09 in South Dakota to $539.48 in Washington, D.C.

When deciding whether to get collision insurance, consider the value of your vehicle. If your car is old or has a low value, collision insurance may not be worth the cost, as it will never pay out more than the car's value. On the other hand, if you have a newer or more expensive vehicle, collision insurance can provide valuable protection. In general, it is recommended to get collision insurance if your annual premium is less than 10% of your car's value.

Comprehensive insurance: not mandatory

Comprehensive insurance is not mandatory in Utah. It is, however, highly recommended that drivers carry more than the minimum required coverage. Comprehensive insurance is an optional coverage in Utah that protects you against damage to your car from perils like fire, theft, glass damage, hail, wind, flood, or vandalism.

If you have an older car, you may consider dropping comprehensive insurance to save on insurance premiums. On the other hand, if you can afford more insurance, carrying more than the mandatory minimum requirement is recommended. Comprehensive insurance is especially useful if you want protection against damage to your own vehicle from non-collision-related incidents.

Frequently asked questions