What Utah requires you to carry

Utah requires every driver to carry liability insurance before you get behind the wheel. The minimum limits are 25/65/15: that means $25,000 bodily injury per person, $65,000 bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 property damage. If you finance or lease your car, your lender will also require collision and comprehensive coverage, each with a deductible you choose (usually $500 or $1,000).

You do not need uninsured motorist coverage by law, but Utah insurers must offer it to you, and you have to actively decline it in writing if you do not want it. Many drivers keep it because roughly one in eight Utah drivers carries no insurance at all.

Proof of insurance in Utah is now digital by default. You can show your phone with your policy pulled up, or carry a printed card. The Utah Department of Public Safety runs an electronic verification system, so police can confirm your coverage on the spot.

Key Takeaways

  • Utah's minimum liability limits are 25/65/15 ($25,000 per person, $65,000 per accident for injury; $15,000 for property damage), and you must carry this before driving.
  • If you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender requires collision and comprehensive coverage on top of liability.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage is not required but insurers must offer it, and you must decline it in writing if you refuse it.
  • Utah allows digital proof of insurance on your phone, and the state verifies coverage electronically, so police can check when ready.
  • Your insurer can drop you for non-payment or fraud, but cannot cancel for a single accident or traffic ticket without advance notice.

How Utah's no-fault system affects your claim

Utah is a fault-based state, not a no-fault state. That means if someone else causes an accident, their liability insurance pays for your damages, and you can sue them for additional losses if their coverage is too low. You do not have to file a claim with your own insurer first.

If you are found at fault, your liability coverage pays the other driver's medical bills and vehicle damage. Your own collision and comprehensive coverage pays for your car regardless of who caused the accident. Collision covers crashes; comprehensive covers theft, weather, vandalism, and animal strikes.

Utah also allows you to pursue a lawsuit against an at-fault driver even if you settle with their insurance company. This matters if your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought when you first settled.

What happens if you drive uninsured

Driving without insurance in Utah is a class B misdemeanor on your first offense. You face a fine of $400 to $1,000, a suspended license for up to three months, and possible jail time. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you are personally liable for all damages, and the other driver can sue you directly.

The Utah Department of Public Safety can also suspend your license when ready if you are caught driving uninsured. Reinstatement requires proof of insurance and an SR-22 form (a certificate your insurer files to show you carry coverage). You will need to maintain an SR-22 for three years after the violation.

If you cannot afford standard insurance, Utah has assigned risk pools through the Utah Insurance Department. These may provide you a policy at a higher rate, though you must be denied by at least one regular insurer first.

Discounts and rate factors in Utah

Utah insurers commonly offer discounts for bundling home and auto policies, maintaining a clean driving record, completing a defensive driving course, and paying your premium in full upfront rather than monthly. Some insurers also discount for low mileage, good grades (if you are under 25), and safety features like anti-theft devices or automatic braking.

Your rate in Utah depends on your age, driving history, the vehicle you drive, your coverage limits, and your deductible. A single at-fault accident typically raises your rate for three to five years. A DUI or reckless driving conviction can increase your premium by 50% or more and may cause some insurers to drop you entirely.

Utah does not allow insurers to use credit score as a rating factor, though they can use insurance score (which is different). Gender and marital status are also prohibited as rating factors for drivers over 25.

How to file a claim in Utah

After an accident, call your insurer within a few days and report the claim. Have your policy number, the other driver's information, photos of the damage, and any police report number ready. Your insurer will assign an adjuster who will inspect your vehicle and estimate repair costs.

If the other driver is at fault, you can file a claim with their liability insurance instead of your own. This avoids using your collision coverage and deductible. However, their insurer may take longer to investigate and may offer less than you think is fair.

Utah law requires insurers to acknowledge your claim within 15 days and to pay or deny it within 30 days of receiving all necessary documents. If your insurer denies your claim and you disagree, you can file a complaint with the Utah Insurance Department, which will investigate for free.

When your insurer can cancel your policy

Utah insurers can cancel your policy for non-payment, fraud, or a material misrepresentation on your process (such as lying about who drives the car). They cannot cancel you solely because you had an accident or received a traffic ticket. They must give you at least 10 days' written notice before cancellation takes effect.

If your insurer decides not to renew your policy when it expires, they must notify you at least 30 days in advance and provide a reason. Non-renewal for a single accident is allowed, but the insurer must follow Utah's rules about how many accidents or violations trigger non-renewal.

If you are dropped for non-payment, you can reinstate your policy by paying what you owe, usually within 30 days. If you are dropped for fraud or misrepresentation, reinstatement is not an option, and you will need to find a new insurer.

Utah's insurance verification and enforcement

Utah uses an electronic insurance verification system that police can access during a traffic stop. If your coverage has lapsed or you never had it, the system will flag you when ready. This means you cannot straightforward carry an old insurance card and hope it works.

The state also cross-checks vehicle registrations against active insurance policies. If you register a car without proof of insurance, the registration will be denied. If your insurance lapses after registration, the state may suspend your registration automatically.

Utah allows you to request a hearing if your license or registration is suspended for lack of insurance. You can show proof that you had coverage at the time of the stop or that the suspension was made in error. Contact the Utah Driver License Division to request a hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a policy with just liability insurance in Utah?

Yes, if you own your car outright. Liability is the only coverage Utah requires by law. However, if you finance or lease, your lender will require collision and comprehensive. Even if you own your car, carrying collision and comprehensive protects you if you cause an accident or your car is damaged by weather, theft, or vandalism.

What is an SR-22 and how long do I need one?

An SR-22 is a certificate your insurer files with the Utah Department of Public Safety to prove you carry the required coverage. You need one if you drive uninsured, get a DUI, or rack up multiple traffic violations. Utah requires you to maintain an SR-22 for three years from the date of the violation. Your insurer files it automatically once you purchase a policy; you do not file it yourself.

Does Utah allow me to sue someone for pain and suffering after a car accident?

Yes. Utah is a fault-based state, so you can sue an at-fault driver for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, you must prove the other driver was negligent. If you are found partially at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Consult a personal injury attorney to understand your options before settling with an insurance company.

What should I do if an uninsured driver hits me?

File a claim with your own insurer under your uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. Your insurer will investigate and pay your damages up to your coverage limit. You can also sue the uninsured driver directly, though collecting money from them is often difficult. If the uninsured driver is caught, they face criminal charges and license suspension.

How do I check if my insurance is active in Utah's system?

You cannot check the state's verification system yourself, but your insurer can confirm your policy is active and filed with the state. Call your insurer and ask them to verify your coverage is showing in the Utah system. If you recently purchased a policy, it may take a few days to appear in the state database.