Auto Insurance and Auto Accidents in Utah: What You Need to Know

An auto accident in Utah can be a jarring experience, leaving you with questions about insurance, medical bills, and legal recourse. Understanding Utah’s unique auto insurance laws and how they impact you after a crash is critical to protecting both your financial well-being and legal rights. This guide covers the essentials — from mandatory insurance requirements to what to do after a crash — and explains how London Harker Injury Law can help you navigate the aftermath.

Utah’s Auto Insurance Laws: The No-Fault System Explained

Utah is one of several no-fault insurance states. This means if you’re injured in a crash, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical expenses (up to the insurance limits) — no matter who caused the accident.

Mandatory Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Utah

As of January 1, 2025, drivers in Utah must carry at least the following auto insurance coverage, per Utah Code § 31A-22-304:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person / $65,000 per accident
• Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Minimum of $3,000 per person

These are the legal minimums — but they may not be enough to protect you fully in a serious crash.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

Utah takes uninsured driving seriously. Under Utah Code § 41-12a-302, penalties include:

• First offense: Minimum $400 fine
• Second offense: $1,000 fine
• Other penalties: Suspension of vehicle registration and driver’s license

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Why Utah’s Minimum Auto Insurance May Not Be Enough

Although these limits satisfy Utah law, they often fall short of covering the real costs of an auto accident in Utah. For example:

• $65,000 for bodily injury may not cover surgery, rehab, or long-term care
• $25,000 for property damage might not cover a totaled SUV or electric vehicle

Recommended Coverage

Many insurance professionals recommend increasing your limits to:

• 100/300/100: $100,000 per person for bodily injury, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 for property damage

However, your ideal coverage depends on your personal circumstances. We recommend speaking with a licensed insurance broker or agent to find the right coverage for your needs.

Also consider full coverage options, especially if your car is newer or financed:

• Collision Coverage: Covers damage to your car from a crash, regardless of fault
• Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against theft, vandalism, weather, animals, and more

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Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage in Utah

Though not legally required, UM/UIM coverage is strongly recommended. According to the Insurance Research Council, about 7.3% of Utah drivers are uninsured.

UM/UIM coverage pays when you’re in an accident with someone who has no insurance or inadequate coverage — or in a hit-and-run scenario.

What UM/UIM Can Cover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral costs

Utah allows “stacking” UM/UIM coverage across multiple vehicles. Learn more in Utah Code § 31A-22-305.3.

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What Happens After an Auto Accident in Utah?

Once your PIP benefits are exhausted, you may turn to:

• Your health insurance
• The at-fault driver’s liability coverage
• Your UM/UIM coverage

Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Utah Code § 78B-5-818): if you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

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What to Do After an Auto Accident in Utah

If you’re involved in a crash, take these critical steps:

1. Ensure safety – move to a safe area
2. Call the police – file an official report
3. Exchange information – insurance, contact, and vehicle details
4. Document the scene – take photos and notes
5. Notify your insurer promptly

For more detail, see our guide: What to Do After a Car Accident in Utah.

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Why You Need a Utah Auto Accident Attorney

Handling a serious accident alone can be overwhelming. A skilled Utah auto accident attorney at London Harker Injury Law can help:

• Maximize compensation through expert investigation
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Identify all liable parties and claims
• Take legal action if a fair settlement isn’t offered

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Why Choose London Harker Injury Law?

With offices in Sandy, Provo, and Lehi, the attorneys at London Harker Injury Law are here to help you after an auto accident in Utah.

• Free consultations
• No upfront fees – pay only if we win
• Deep understanding of Utah car accident laws

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Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident in Utah, don’t wait. Let our team fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call 77CARCRASH (772) 272-7274 or contact us online today.

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Further Reading:

• Understanding Utah’s Comparative Negligence Rules
• 5 Things to Know About PIP in Utah