Average Cost of Car Insurance in Utah

Utah follows a no-fault car insurance system, requiring drivers to carry at least $3,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Under this system, your own insurance policy pays for medical expenses and other losses after an accident, regardless of who caused the crash. To step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim against the at-fault driver, your injuries must meet certain thresholds, such as at least $3,000 in medical bills or specific serious injuries.

Utah requires liability coverage with minimum limits for bodily injury and property damage. Not having insurance qualifies as a misdemeanor, with penalties for first offenses and higher penalties for subsequent offenses within three years. Utah's Insurance Verification Program allows traffic enforcers to impound cars found to have no insurance coverage.

Utah has one of the lower uninsured motorist rates in the country compared to the national average. Utah requires uninsured motorist coverage with limits tied to your bodily injury liability limits, providing protection when accidents occur with the small percentage of drivers who lack insurance. This relatively lower rate helps keep insurance costs more manageable for responsible drivers.

Utah experiences a clear spike in road crashes during the winter months, with crash rates spiking in December with numerous car accidents reported. Winter weather creates dangerous driving conditions, with many car accidents occurring on snowy or icy roads and during active snowfall or sleet. Tourism peaks during ski season, bringing an influx of drivers unfamiliar with Utah's roads and weather challenges.

Utah drivers pay less per year for full coverage car insurance than drivers in most other states. Utah has a low crime rate and fewer fatal crashes each year — both factors that contribute to lower average auto insurance premiums. However, insurance costs have seen record price spikes in recent years, with Utah's average insurance up substantially.

Utah's tourist seasons bring more people onto the roads, especially during winter for skiing and summer for national park visits, leading to increased traffic volume and higher accident rates. Salt Lake City transforms into a snowy wonderland that brings numerous driving hazards, with the Utah Department of Transportation frequently issuing warnings about slick roads and reduced visibility. The seasonal influx of tourists unfamiliar with local driving conditions contributes to higher accident rates during peak seasons.

Drivers in major cities like Salt Lake City and Provo pay higher rates for car insurance than rural areas. Insurers look at data related to accident rates and property crime in a given ZIP code to understand risk levels. Urban areas with higher car theft and vandalism rates have more expensive rates than rural zones.

Utah's insurance rates have increased in recent years due to inflation, auto supply chain issues and the increased price of used cars. The state is encountering more severe weather, including wildfires and droughts, which are unpredictable and cause more expensive damages. Car insurance rates in Utah have increased substantially in recent years, reflecting national trends in premium increases.

Utah law doesn't allow insurance companies to raise rates for drivers who didn't cause an accident. Utah legislature law states that an insurance company's rating schedule "may not permit a premium increase due to a claim under a policy resulting from any incident in which the person named in the policy was not at fault." This protection is specific to Utah law and doesn't exist in all other states.