Utah Auto Insurance Laws in Comparision With Other States
In Utah and the rest of the United States, car owners are required to continuously have their cars insured. Although the amount of coverage greatly differs, the normal amount required by Utah auto insurnace laws is $25,000/$50,000 (meaning up to $25,000 per victim with a cap of $50,000 for the entire accident) and $10,000 for property damages. Although these minimums are predominately universal, the DMV from each state sets their own standards.
If you get in a car wreck, as long as your policy is still valid, your insurance company covers the damages up to the amount of coverage you have. But if for any reason your insurance is not valid, the insurance company will not assume any responsibility in the accident
Because it is a large potential problem to be in an accident with an uninsured motorist, the government has gone to great lengths to make sure that drivers get insured and stay insured. In most cases a car cannot be bought without proof of insurance and if caught, fines large fines or punishments can be placed on the driver.
If you live in Utah, you are forced to pay 100% of the damages, and your driver’s license is suspended until you do so. Your driver’s license can be revoked for up to six years! In Michigan, one with insurance is only liable for up to $500, while those who do not have insurance are required to pay for the damages in full.
Perhaps the stiffest punishments are in Texas. In order to get a driver’s license in Texas, proof of insurance is required. If you are caught at any time uninsured you are hit with an initial fine of $350. On only the second offense you can be fined upwards of $1000 and your vehicle can be impounded for up to six months.
The limits of coverage are much lower in California, but this doesn’t mean you can drive without insurance. If you are caught driving without insurance your driver’s license will probably be taken away for at least a year. They also revoke registration on the car until it can be proved that you have insurance. Just like in all other states, you are responsible for paying for all of the expenses of the wreck if you are uninsured.
It is crucial that you have enough insurance, and that you don’t let it lapse. It is too much of a gamble to go without insurance, because sooner or later you will end up paying for it much more than the cost of coverage. Call your Insurance Agent to make sure your insurance is current and valid. Before buying a car, check with them to make sure that you have adequate insurance that you will be able to afford the monthly payments.
