Here's what you need to know when driving in Utah
Across the Beehive State, there are 93,914 miles of road just waiting to be driven. We’ll get you prepped with affordable car insurance, so you can take the wheel with confidence.
Cheap car insurance in Utah
What's the cheapest car insurance in Utah?
| Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bear River | $769 |
| 2 | Auto-Owners | $876 |
| 3 | USAA | $929 |
| 4 | Farm Bureau Mutual (IA Group) | $1,012 |
| 5 | Safeco | $1,040 |
| 6 | Allied | $1,120 |
| 7 | Nationwide | $1,231 |
| 8 | Cal Casualty | $1,329 |
| 9 | GEICO | $1,397 |
| 10 | Progressive | $1,460 |
| 11 | American Family | $1,478 |
| 12 | Unigard | $1,499 |
| 13 | Travelers | $1,504 |
| 14 | State Farm | $1,859 |
| 15 | Allstate | $1,976 |
| 16 | Metropolitan | $2,289 |
| 17 | Farmers | $2,362 |
| 18 | Encompass | $5,158 |
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Cheap auto insurance for good drivers in Utah
Drivers with good driving records typically enjoy lower car insurance costs than drivers with histories of speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUI citations. Utah drivers without a recent moving violation save just 14% on their car insurance premiums, on average — compared to the national average of 17%. In addition to earning a cheaper premium for driving incident-free, you may qualify for a safe-driving bonus through your car insurance company. The amount of these discounts may vary, but they typically run between 5 and 10%.
| Rating Factor | $ Savings | % Savings |
|---|---|---|
| No Traffic Tickets | $178 | 14.00% |
| No Accidents | $457 | 29.51% |
| Good Credit | $1,169 | 51.71% |
Cheap car insurance for young drivers in Utah
Young drivers — those between the ages of 16 and 25 — pay high auto insurance rates, with those between the ages of 16 and 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teens pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. Utah is one of the most expensive states in which to insure a teen driver. The average Utah teen pays $5,004 per year — almost five times as much as an older Utah driver.
| Age | Annual Rate with Parents | Annual Rate Alone |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $5,968 | $5,806 |
| 17 | $5,654 | $5,009 |
| 18 | $5,680 | $4,379 |
| 19 | $4,869 | $2,672 |
Cheap car insurance in Utah with a bad driving record
If you have a clean driving record — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably pay less for car insurance. Conversely, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 29% after a DUI, 29% after an at-fault accident, and 14% after a speeding ticket in Utah. The post-citation penalties assessed by car insurance companies after driving violations in Utah are slightly lower than national averages. If you have a clean driving record, be sure to check for good-driving discounts from your insurer.
| Rating Factor | Annual Rate | % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| At-Fault Accident | $1,549 | 29.51% |
| DUI | $1,522 | 28.30% |
| Speeding Violation | $1,269 | 14.00% |
| Bad Credit | $2,260 | 51.71% |
What are the best car insurance companies in Utah?
Every auto insurance company advertises its low costs. But as with any product, the cheapest choice isn't always the best option. Considering the financial stakes, it's worthwhile to do the research to zero in on the insurance policy that protects your vehicle completely in the event of an incident. Exercise some patience and look for a great value, instead of settling for the cheapest car insurance in your state.
Review local and national insurers' fiscal stability and claims satisfaction ratings to better understand the level of service you will receive. Claims satisfaction — measured by J.D. Power — is ranked on a scale of 2 to 5, with 5 being "among the best" and 2 being "the rest." Financial strength — calculated by A.M. Best and ranging from "Superior" to "Poor" — evaluates an insurance company's financial strength and ability to fulfill its contractual and policy obligations.
| Insurance Company | Claims Satisfaction (J.D. Power) | Financial Strength (A.M. Best) |
| Allied | 3 | Superior |
| Allstate | 3 | Superior |
| American Family | 4 | Excellent |
| Bear River | Not Rated | Excellent |
| Encompass | Not Rated | Superior |
| Farmers | 3 | Excellent |
| GEICO | 3 | Superior |
| Liberty Mutual | 3 | Excellent |
| MetLife | 3 | Superior |
| Nationwide | 4 | Superior |
| Progressive | 3 | Superior |
| State Farm | 3 | Superior |
| Travelers | 3 | Superior |
| Unigard | Not Rated | Excellent |
| USAA | 5 | Superior |
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What car insurance coverage do you need in Utah?
The minimum insurance requirement in Utah is $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person, $65,000 bodily injury liability insurance per accident, and $15,000 property damage per accident.
If you select the minimum coverage level in Utah, you'll owe an average of $601 yearly. This is cheaper than the U.S. average by 9%. If you opt for better car insurance coverage, you can purchase a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, protecting against damages caused by vehicular collisions, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. It's worth noting that better auto insurance comes at a cost: in Utah, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,013, 69% more than basic insurance coverage. For comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 87% more than you would for a basic policy.
See average Utah auto insurance prices for basic and comprehensive coverage levels below.
| Location | Liability-Only | Comprehensive — $1,000 Deductible | Comprehensive — $500 Deductible |
| Utah | $600.64 | $1,012.94 | $1,122.74 |
| National Average | $657.66 | $1,241.26 | $1,397.94 |
Car insurance laws in Utah
State minimum insurance requirements in Utah
In Utah, the state minimum coverage requirements are:
Liability
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $65,000 per accident
- Property Damage $15,000 per accident
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- $3,000 per person
Optional coverage in Utah (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Property Damage
Learn more about auto insurance regulations in the state of Utah.
Utah car insurance FAQs
Is Utah a no-fault car insurance state?
Yes, Utah is a no-fault state. You are responsible for your own bodily injury payments after an accident regardless of fault.
What three car insurance coverages are required in Utah?
You are required to carry bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in Utah.
Do you need insurance before registering a car in Utah?
Yes. Because car insurance is legally required in Utah, you must have proof of insurance in order to register a vehicle.
How much does car insurance cost in Utah cities?
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Logan, Utah, and the most expensive in West Valley City, Utah.
| Rank | City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Valley City | $1,576 |
| 2 | Kearns | $1,555 |
| 3 | Salt Lake City | $1,531 |
| 4 | Taylorsville | $1,517 |
| 5 | Millcreek | $1,509 |
| 6 | West Jordan | $1,463 |
| 7 | Cottonwood Heights | $1,449 |
| 8 | Orem | $1,437 |
| 9 | Provo | $1,407 |
| 10 | Draper | $1,404 |
| 11 | Sandy | $1,398 |
| 12 | South Jordan | $1,398 |
| 13 | Bountiful | $1,347 |
| 14 | Ogden | $1,345 |
| 15 | Lehi | $1,338 |
| 16 | Roy | $1,331 |
| 17 | Clearfield | $1,322 |
| 18 | Layton | $1,318 |
| 19 | Logan | $1,205 |
Recent Utah Car Insurance Questions and Answers
If I have an accident in my parent's car, will the accident be on my record or my parent's record?
Thanks for the question. Different claims departments file such claims differently.
Who pays if I'm uninsured and a stolen vehicle hit my parked car?
Sorry to hear about your accident. If you're uninsured, your only recourse is to sue the individual who stole the vehicle.
Will my FICO points drop when I get a quote for car insurance?
Fortunately, most insurance companies use only use "soft inquiries" and do not look at a full credit report. There is a statistical correlation between your credit score and how likely you are to file a claim.
Can I buy insurance for a car i do not have a title for?
While there could be some local laws I am missing, generally insurance companies only require you have an insurable interest in the vehicle in order to insure it. An insurable interest meaning, you actually own the vehicle.
List of driving laws in Utah
Utah texting and driving laws
- Ban on all cell phones for school bus drivers
- Ban on all cell phones for drivers <18 years old
- Ban on text messaging for all drivers
There is a 10-year DUI lookback period in the state of Utah. Multiple DUI offenses within this timeframe result in harsher penalties and fines.
Utah DUI laws
A DUI leading to injury results in enhanced fines and harsher sentencing. Penalties are also increased for a DUI with a passenger under 16 in the vehicle.
First-time DUI offenses in Utah lead to:
- 48 hours to six months in jail
- $700 to $1,000 in fines
- A 90-day license revocation with the possibility for a longer revocation period
- The possible requirement to install and use an ignition interlock device
How do citations impact car insurance rates in Utah?
If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums may rise. By how much depends on the type of violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and local insurance regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a look at typical auto insurance rates in Utah after a few common citations.
| Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
| Hit and Run | $1,763 | 46% | $554 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $1,628 | 35% | $419 |
| DUI | $1,628 | 35% | $419 |
| Racing | $1,763 | 46% | $554 |
| Reckless Driving | $1,698 | 41% | $490 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $1,772 | 47% | $564 |
| At-Fault Accident | $1,704 | 41% | $496 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $1,598 | 32% | $389 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,512 | 25% | $303 |
| Passing a School Bus | $1,494 | 24% | $285 |
| Improper Passing | $1,494 | 24% | $285 |
| Following Too Closely | $1,495 | 24% | $286 |
| Speeding | $1,468 | 21% | $259 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,476 | 22% | $267 |
| Illegal Turn | $1,485 | 23% | $276 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,366 | 13% | $158 |
| Failure to Yield | $1,495 | 24% | $286 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $1,466 | 21% | $257 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $1,457 | 21% | $249 |
| Distracted Driving | $1,466 | 21% | $257 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $1,293 | 7% | $84 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $1,293 | 7% | $84 |
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,218 | 1% | $10 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,317 | 9% | $108 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,381 | 14% | $173 |
| Driving Without Lights | $1,300 | 8% | $91 |
Utah Tour Guide Scholarship
At The Zebra, we know better than most just what a pain buying car insurance can be. We also know that students suffer from higher-than-average policy rates. Talk about a double-whammy. That’s why, this year, we’ve decided to continue The Zebra’s annual scholarship with the goal of helping to alleviate the financial pressures of college-bound students in the Utah area, while also getting an insider view of the Beehive State.
Prompt
So, students, we want to see your favorite road trip destination(s) in your state— from your unique perspective. If it makes sense to hit the open road and be our virtual tour guide, that's great! But there are no limits to what we're looking for: a narrated animation, a slideshow of memorabilia, an illustrated map of the best roadside attractions on the way. This is a chance for you to showcase any place you love in as an original way as possible.
How do I choose a location?
The length of the road trip to your feature destination is inconsequential. So if you have an awesome spot in mind that's just two miles from home, we want to see it.
Qualifications
Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States. Upon notification, winner(s) must supply a current proof of enrollment or letter of acceptance.
How to Apply
1. Create a video
Your original video should not exceed 2 minutes
2. Post online
The video must be hosted on YouTube or Vimeo
3. Submit by email
Email your submission to scholarships@thezebra.com
4. Please include...
your name, address, and phone number when you submit
Details
Award
Selected winner(s) will be awarded a check for $1,000
Deadline
Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. CST on December 31st, 2020
Notification
Winner(s) will be selected and notified by email by January 31st, 2021
Judges: The Zebra
The winner will be selected based on creativity in the content and presentation
*Upon notification, winner(s) must also supply a current proof of enrollment at a four-year university, graduate program, community college, or trade school located in the continental United States.
Fine Print
By participating, entrants represent that the video submitted is their sole and original work and does not infringe the intellectual property rights of any other party. In other words, no copyrighted music or images may be used.
Employees of The Zebra and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the contest.
Written credits for any technical or talent positions (e.g., editor, director, actors) should be included with your submission, along with any sources used to create the video.