Comprehensive Auto Insurance Solutions
When you’re driving your car in Utah, you want to feel safe knowing you’re following all the rules and regulations. Having car insurance is one of the rules that are in place to protect you. It’s mandatory in most states to have the minimum required car insurance coverage. Not to mention that auto insurance will save your bank account if you’re found in an accident.
When it comes to selecting a Utah car insurance provider or car insurance policy, many options are available for you. As expert insurance agents, we know it’s not easy to make the right choices. Well, we’re always here to help. Trailstone Insurance Group is an insurance agency that works with top insurance companies in the United States to bring you the best insurance solutions that you can comfortably afford.
Our products and services include auto insurance, home insurance, business insurance, and more! We cover all of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Don’t hesitate to contact us for help with your Utah car insurance. We’re always ready to help.
Get a QuoteWhat is the Minimum Required Coverage for Car Insurance in Utah?
Since the 3rd of May 2023, the state of Utah imposed a minimum required coverage limit for car insurance. Here is the mandatory car insurance coverage in Utah.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Accident Personal injury protection coverage pays for the medical expenses if you’re injured in an accident. Utah is a no-fault state, meaning your insurance will pay for your medical costs after an accident regardless of who is found at fault. The state requires car drivers to carry at least $3000 in personal injury protection coverage.
Liability Insurance
There are two categories of liability insurance:
Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage pays for the fees if you cause injury or death. The minimum coverage limits required by the state is $25,000 for one person and $65,000 for two or more.
Accident Property Damage Liability: If an accident you’re involved in causes damage to another car or building, property damage covers the expenses. The minimum coverage required in Utah is $15,000.
What Are Some of the Optional Utah Auto Insurance Coverages?
- Collision Insurance: Regardless of who is at fault, this covers damage to your vehicle if it’s damaged in a collision. This coverage is especially beneficial for newer and more expensive cars.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Comprehensive coverage will cover the expenses of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it suffers non-collision-related damage, such as theft, vandalism, fire, interactions with animals, or natural disasters.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the other party is an accident is uninsured or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the expenses, this coverage handles the expenses. It’s mandatory to have this coverage in some states but it’s optional in Utah.
What are the Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance in Utah?
Like most states in the US, having auto insurance is mandatory and failing to provide proof of insurance when prompted to, will result in penalties and fines.
Carrying valid proof of insurance whenever you’re on the road, is crucial to avoid paying costly fines and fees, or getting your license suspended. Proof of insurance includes your ID card or the policy’s declaration form.
There are three ways you can get caught driving without insurance.
- A police officer asks for proof of insurance during a traffic stop.
- After a car accident, a police officer asks for proof of insurance.
- You’re flagged in the system, under the state’s Uninsured Motorist Identification Database Program.
The fine for driving without insurance in Utah is the same whether you’re caught during a traffic stop or a car accident. The fine is $400 for the first offense and $1000 for the second offense.
The penalty, however, differs depending on how you’re caught without car insurance. If you fail to provide car insurance proof during a traffic stop, your license will get suspended until you provide proof of insurance. But if you fail to provide proof of insurance after an accident, your license will be suspended for one year.
To reinstate your suspended license, you need to pay a fee of $40. As for registration, you need to pay $100 to reinstate.
All drivers who are caught driving without auto insurance are required to obtain an SR22 certificate that is valid for three years.
What is an SR-22 Certificate?
An SR22 Certificate is required by law if you commit a driving violation or get caught driving without valid car insurance. It serves as proof that you’re carrying adequate car insurance that matches the state’s limit. Drivers holding an SR22 certificate are considered high-risk drivers and may be subject to higher premiums.
Insurance Laws for Teen Drivers in Utah
Teen drivers are considered a liability in Utah because they’re more likely to get in accidents. So, a parent or guardian should provide proof of insurance for the young driver before issuing a license or learner’s permit.
You can either add the child to your car’s insurance or purchase a separate insurance for a separate car. Note that adding another driver to your insurance increases the cost of car insurance premiums significantly. Also note that adding a female young driver costs significantly less than adding a male driver.
In Utah, Car insurance rates are more costly for teenagers and young drivers. However, you can get cheaper auto insurance in Utah if you apply for a Good Student Discount. The discount is applicable if the driver has at least an average of B.
The state of Utah has some rules regarding teen driving, including prohibiting teenage drivers from getting on the road from 12 AM to 5 AM with some exceptions.
Utah Car Insurance Coverage Rates
What is the Average Cost of Car Insurance in Utah?
According to Bankrate whose experts collect data from the Quadrant Information Services, the average cost of car insurance in Utah is $539 for state minimum coverage and $1510 for full coverage. That makes Utah less expensive than the national average rates of $622 for minimum coverage and $2014 for full coverage.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Utah Car Insurance
The secret to finding cheap auto insurance is to learn more about the factors that go into play when insurance companies determine the cost of car insurance. Here are some of them.
- Location: Living in big cities costs more than small-town Utah drivers because big cities have a larger population density. For example, auto Insurance in Salt Lake City costs more than the city’s average.
- Age: Younger drivers in Utah pay more for insurance. For example, an 18-year-old driver will pay the most, while a 60-year-old will get the cheapest car insurance. The reason behind this is that older drivers are more seasoned and less reckless. After the age of 70, the cost starts to increase again.
- Driving Record: Driving history also impacts the cost of car insurance in Utah. A driver with a clean record will get a lower insurance premium than a driver with driving violations. On average, a speeding ticket will increase the car insurance premium rate by 24%, an at-fault accident will increase it by %48 percent. Driving under the influence (DUI) increases the car insurance premium by up to %90. A driver with one or more DUIs might get penalized and/or be considered a high-risk driver.
- Credit Score: Your credit tier also plays a factor when insurers calculate your auto insurance premium. That applies to most states in the US, including Utah. If your credit score is excellent, you might get up to a %15 discount on your Utah auto insurance cost. On the other hand, having a poor credit score increases your annual premium by up to %76.
- Car Type: The type of your car might get you a higher or lower insurance rate. A sturdier car that is less likely to get severely damaged in an accident will cost less to insure. Moreover, a car that is less expensive to repair will also cost less in auto insurance.
Why Trailstone Is Your Top Choice for Car Insurance in Utah
Ramsey-Trusted Pros
After an extensive vetting process, we were selected to be endorsed by the renowned Dave Ramsey. It’s an endorsement that you can’t buy; you have to earn it with a top-quality service. Not only do you have to provide the most value to your customers, but you also have to maintain your quality of service. And we do just that. The Ramsey team consistently ensures we have the resources to help our clients get the excellent service they deserve with leadership training and continuous support. Moreover, every month, the Ramsey team evaluates our service to ensure we’re still on par with their high standards.
We Work for You, not the Insurance Companies
Many insurance agencies and brokers sell clients coverages they don’t need for expensive prices. At Trailstone Insurance Group, we always have your best interest in mind when finding you the best auto insurance in Utah. We’re an independent agency that only partners with Class A insurance companies to bring you the best car insurance deal in Utah that covers your needs without breaking the bank. The agents at Trailstone are experts with years of experience and a dedication to serving you the best we can.
We’re Always Here for Support
Our customer support representatives are professional experts who are always happy to help. They are dedicated to finding solutions to all your problems and answers to all your questions. We understand that the insurance world can be complicated, with all the rules and various options. But worry not, we help you stay informed and educated to make the best decision for you with the help of our insurance agents.
Get a QuoteCar Insurance in Utah FAQs
Yes, you need car insurance in Utah, and failing to provide it can result in a fine or penalty as stated by law.
Yes, you need to have proof of insurance to register your car in Utah.
Yes, in Utah, regardless of who is at fault, each driver gets reimbursed for the first $3000 from their insurance company. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may get compensation from your insurance provider if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
No, car insurance is below the national average rates in Utah. However, it might get more expensive in big more dense cities.
Depending on your individual needs, you may only need the minimum required coverage, which is composed of bodily injury liability and property damage coverage. In some cases, you might need additional coverage for your protection. Speak with one of the expert insurance agents at Trailstone Insurance Group to learn more about the amount of coverage you need. We want you to get adequate coverage without overspending.
No, rental car companies offer liability insurance for the car you rent. However, you don’t need it as your personal insurance can cover you in case of an accident.