Car Insurance in Utah

Utah law requires that you have liability and no-fault insurance for all registered vehicles. Basically, these ensure that you will be able to pay for any damages or injuries your vehicle causes. This is also called “financial responsibility.” Please note that this page discusses only the very minimum insurance requirements. See types of coverage for additional insurance options.

Ways to Establish Financial Responsibility

Although some states allow you to be self-insured, Utah has no such allowance. Private insurance is the only authorized way to cover liability.

Utah Liability Insurance Requirements for Private Passenger Vehicles

Utah requires you to have two types of insurance:

• Liability Insurance:

• $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): Because Utah has a no-fault law, you also need at least $3,000 in PIP coverage. Unlike liability insurance, which covers the other person in an accident, PIP pays your medical expenses if you’re injured.

You can learn more about these types of insurance coverage. Understanding your options and insurance terms will help you decide what kinds of coverage you need―and what questions to ask of your agent.

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

When you purchase an auto insurance policy, your insurer will send you a “proof of insurance” card. Keep this in your car, because you are required to show it to any law enforcement officer who asks to see it.

In addition, Utah compares the list of registered vehicles against a list of vehicles insured in Utah. If your vehicle is not on the list of insured vehicles, you will receive a letter requesting that you provide proof of insurance.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

If you have no proof of insurance or fail to provide it when requested, you will be reported to the DMV and law enforcement. Driving an uninsured vehicle is a class B misdemeanor and carries a minimum fine of $400 for a first offense.

In addition, your vehicle registration and your driver’s license may be suspended. If this happens, you will not be able to reinstate them until you can show proof of insurance and pay a reinstatement fee.