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Utah has no-fault insurance laws, under which your own insurance pays your bodily injury claims after an accident, regardless of who caused the crash. But in Utah, you can’t recover compensation for general damages after a car accident unless your medical expenses exceed $3,000 or you suffer a qualifying injury.
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Auto insurance requirements in Utah
To drive legally in the state, drivers must meet Utah’s minimum auto insurance requirements:
Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person, $65,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $25,000 per accident[1]
Personal injury protection (PIP): $3,000 per person
Utah’s $30,000 minimum bodily injury liability coverage per person is higher than the minimum in most states; most other states require $25,000. It’s also higher than the minimums in neighboring Arizona, Colorado, and Idaho, which require $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability. Nevada requires the same bodily injury limits but $20,000 in property damage liability.
Drivers should also be aware of several other Utah-specific car insurance requirements, such as:
No-fault state: Your own insurer pays your medical bills up to the limit of your PIP coverage, regardless of who caused the crash.
Comparative negligence: Utah has a strict 50% comparative negligence rule. You can’t recover damages if you’re 50% or more responsible for the accident.
Lawsuit threshold: You can sue the at-fault driver for general damages only if your medical expenses exceed $3,000 or you have a qualifying injury, such as a bone fracture.
Is state-minimum car insurance in Utah enough coverage?
No. Utah’s state-minimum car insurance generally doesn’t provide enough coverage. Serious accidents can cause more than $25,000 in damage, especially if more than two cars are involved, and medical bills can pile up fast. This coverage will pay for damage to other vehicles if you’re at fault for an accident, but it won’t cover repair or replacement costs for your own car.
While you’re not required to carry more insurance, these additional coverages can bolster your protection and cover a wide variety of risks.
Collision coverage: Collision coverage pays for repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault.
Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive insurance covers losses from theft, vandalism, weather events, and fire. It also pays for animal damage, which can be valuable, as 3,738 roadkill animals were removed from Utah roadways from Jan. 1 to Oct. 8, 2026, according to Utah Wildlife.[2]
Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance (UM/UIM): UM/UIM coverage pays for your medical bills if a driver with insufficient or no insurance causes an accident that injures you. Policies in Utah include UM/UIM coverage unless you waive it.
Roadside assistance: Consider roadside assistance for situations where you need towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, or other emergency support.
Penalties for driving without insurance in Utah
Driving without insurance is a Class B misdemeanor in Utah. The court determines penalties, which may include a fine of at least $400. You must also provide proof of insurance, including an SR-22 policy, and pay a $40 reinstatement fee. If you don’t provide proof, the DMV can revoke your vehicle registration. Penalties can increase if you’re convicted again within three years.[3]
Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First offense | Fine of at least $400 |
| Second and subsequent offenses within three years | Fine of at least $1,000 |
| License suspension | Until you pay $40 and get an SR-22 policy |
| Registration | Revoked for no insurance, $100 reinstatement fee |
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How Utah limits premium increases after certain claims
Utah law bars insurers from raising your auto insurance rates because of a not-at-fault claim or an inquiry that doesn’t lead to a request for claim payment. Utah Code 31A-19a-212 applies this protection when an insurer issues or renews your policy.
The law covers two situations:
Inquiries: A phone call or other inquiry that doesn’t include a request for payment of a claim
Not-at-fault claims: A claim for damage to your vehicle resulting from any incident, including vandalism, when neither you nor anyone you allowed to drive your car was responsible for the incident
But the law doesn’t forbid your insurer from raising your car insurance rates after a claim where you or a permitted driver is at fault. Your driving record can also affect your premium.
If you’re unsure whether to file a claim, call your insurer with questions first. An inquiry alone can’t raise your premium in Utah.
Utah insurance laws FAQs
Utah car insurance laws aren’t always easy to understand, and you may have questions. Below are answers to common questions about the state’s requirements.
Is it illegal to not have car insurance in Utah?
Yes. It’s illegal to drive without car insurance that meets Utah’s minimum requirements. Drivers must carry no-fault liability insurance or face penalties, including a minimum fine of $400 for a first offense and a license suspension.
Do you need proof of insurance in your car in Utah?
Yes. Utah requires you to carry valid proof of insurance and show it to law enforcement upon request. Failure to do so can result in a citation. But they can dismiss the charge if you provide proof that your coverage was in effect at the time of the stop.
Is Utah a no-fault state?
Yes. Utah requires personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to help pay medical expenses, lost wages, and other covered losses for people insured under your policy, regardless of who caused the accident.
Does Utah require insurance on a vehicle that isn’t being driven?
No. Utah requires insurance only when you’re driving on a public road or in a parking area. Previously, the state required all registered vehicles to maintain liability insurance for the whole registration period, even if the car isn’t being driven.
Why do Utah drivers get insurance verification letters from Insure-Rite?
Utah drivers receive insurance verification letters from Insure-Rite because it’s the state’s provider for identifying uninsured drivers. Insure-Rite maintains the Utah Uninsured Motorist Identification Database and compares vehicle registration records with insurance company records. If the company can’t verify your coverage, it could send you a letter requesting proof of insurance or information about the vehicle’s status.
Sources
- Insurance Department. "Filing an Auto Claim."
- Utah Wildlife. "Watch for deer on roadways during peak migration seasons, darker commuting months."
- Utah Department of Transportation. "Vehicle Insurance Requirements."
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