Cheap Car Insurance, Utah: A Comprehensive Guide

Car insurance costs in Utah vary by driver. Auto insurance is mandatory in the state, but it can get expensive for some drivers, such as teenagers and those with a high-risk driving history. However, all drivers can acquire cheap car insurance in Utah with the right knowledge.

This post deep dives into everything you need to know about auto insurance in Utah, including the cheapest car insurance company for your profile.

The Average Cost of Car Insurance in Utah

The average cost of car insurance coverage in Utah varies based on personal and regional factors. On average, drivers in Utah pay $2,188 per year for full coverage and $831 per year for minimum coverage. This is slightly below the national average, making Utah a very affordable state for car insurance.

However, this rate can vary depending on your age, driving history, and other factors. This is why you should compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies.

What Affects Auto Insurance Costs in Utah?

Several factors affect how much you will pay for car insurance in Utah. They include:

• Driving History: Good drivers with a clean record will usually pay lower rates. On the other hand, accidents, speeding tickets, and DUIs can raise premiums.
• Age: Younger drivers, especially teens, often face higher rates due to their lack of experience behind the wheel. Drivers often see a decrease in premium costs after their 30s and 40s.
• Vehicle Type: The make, model, and year of your vehicle can also affect your car insurance costs. High-end vehicles and those with expensive repair costs tend to attract higher premiums.
• Coverage Type: Choosing full coverage (which includes collision, liability, and comprehensive insurance) will cost more than basic liability insurance.
• Location: Rates may vary across Utah cities due to differences in risk levels and accident statistics. Urban areas often have higher rates than rural areas.
• Credit Score: Utah insurance companies often use credit history to determine rates. A poor credit score may lead to higher premiums.
• State Insurance Requirements: Utah has specific state requirements for car insurance that affect the minimum coverage you must have and, thus, your overall cost.

Cheapest Utah Car Insurance by Age

Age groups in Utah receive different insurance premium rates, with younger drivers paying more. However, every driver can find cheap auto insurance in Utah as follows:

Teens (17 Years Old)

Teen drivers in Utah often pay the highest rates. This is because teenagers are more likely to engage in high-risk driving behaviors and to be involved in accidents. However, for them, the cheapest full-coverage car insurance option is Geico. The company offers an average annual premium of $3,917 for female teens and $4,005 for male teens.

Young Adults (25 Years Old)

When drivers reach 25, their premiums often decrease because they have more driving experience and lower accident rates. Young adults can get the cheapest Utah auto insurance rates from Geico: $1,203 for females and $1,196 for males.

Adults (40 Years Old)

At 40, insurance rates are often more affordable for most drivers. You can get the lowest car insurance rates from USAA: $1,181 for females and $1,156 for males. However, USAA is only available to military personnel and their family members.

If you do not qualify for USAA, females can find the next-cheapest rate with Geico at $1,210 per year, while males can go with Nationwide at $1,273 per year.

Seniors (60 Years Old)

Seniors in Utah may receive lower rates, often because they drive fewer miles and qualify for low-mileage discounts.

USAA offers the lowest average annual car insurance premiums for drivers in this category: $1,094 for females and $1,090 for males. Nationwide is the next cheapest option at $1,129 for females and $1,230 for males.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Utah for High-Risk Drivers

High-risk drivers are those with accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, and other traffic violations on their record. These drivers will likely face higher premiums in Utah. Comparing car insurance quotes is the best way for high-risk drivers to find the cheapest company.

Drivers with One Speeding Ticket

Utah residents with one speeding ticket on their record can expect higher insurance rates. However, they can find the cheapest car insurance policy with Nationwide at $1,589 per year.

Drivers with One At-Fault Accident

USAA offers the lowest rate for at-fault drivers with one accident on their record at $1,898. If you do not qualify for USAA, consider Progressive, which offers the second-cheapest rate of $2,190.

Drivers with One DUI

Drivers with one DUI on their record can find affordable car insurance in Utah from Progressive. It is the cheapest option at $1,773 per year.

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Utah by City

Car insurance in Utah can also vary by city because of factors such as population density and crime rates. Salt Lake City offers some of the highest car insurance rates because it is an urban area. Other expensive cities in Utah include Kearns, West Valley City, West Jordan, and Midvale. On the other hand, the cheapest cities in Utah for car insurance are:

Cheap Car Insurance in Utah for Drivers with Poor Credit

Drivers in Utah with good credit often get low rates, while those with poor credit get higher premiums. This is because insurance companies view drivers with low credit scores as likely to file more claims.

However, you can get cheap car insurance in Utah even with a poor credit history. The cheapest company is Nationwide with an average annual rate of $2,279.

Cheapest Auto Insurance in Utah: Top Companies

The cheapest car insurance rates can vary by driving history and profile. But the following companies often offer the cheapest rates for many drivers in Utah:

USAA

USAA offers some of the cheapest rates in Utah, but only for military members and their families. With an average annual cost of $1,244 for full coverage, USAA is often the cheapest option for eligible drivers.

Geico

Geico is another popular choice in Utah, offering an average annual premium of $1,287 for full coverage. It is often the cheapest for teens and young adults in Utah.

Nationwide

Nationwide offers an average annual full-coverage cost of $1,368. It is the best company for drivers with poor credit.

Progressive

Progressive offers comprehensive coverage options at an average annual rate of $1,509. While slightly higher than others, Progressive is the cheapest for drivers with a DUI on their record.

Utah Car Insurance Requirements

Utah law has minimum required coverage demands for all drivers in the state to cover accident-related expenses. The minimum requirements are as follows:

• $30,000 for bodily injury or death of one person.
• $65,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person.
• $25,000 for property damage.
• $3,000 for personal injury protection (PIP).

Bodily injury liability helps to cover the medical costs of the people you injure in an at-fault accident. On the other hand, accident property damage liability covers the property you damage. PIP coverage pays for you and your passengers' medical expenses in an accident, regardless of fault, up to your policy limits.

Utah is a no-fault state, meaning that drivers must carry personal injury protection as part of their auto insurance.

While these are the only coverages required in the state, some Utah drivers get higher coverage limits. In a serious accident, minimum coverage may not be enough to pay for costs, so more coverage can be better for financial protection.

Additional Auto Insurance in Utah

Utah drivers may choose to add other coverages, such as:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive covers damage to your vehicle not caused by a collision, such as theft or natural disasters.
• Collision Coverage: Optional collision pays for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault.
• Roadside Assistance: If your car breaks down, this coverage will help pay for on-site services, such as gas delivery or flat tire changes.
• Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Underinsured motorist coverage provides protection if you're involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have enough insurance coverage. On the other hand, uninsured covers you in a collision with a driver who does not have insurance.

Tips for Getting the Cheapest Car Insurance in Utah

To save money on car insurance in Utah, consider these tips:

• Compare Quotes: Rates can vary between insurance providers. Try to get free quotes from multiple providers to find the better deal.
• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: A history of safe driving can help lower your rates.
• Consider Higher Deductibles: Increasing your deductible can lower your monthly premiums, but be prepared to pay more out of pocket in case of a claim.
• Bundle your Policies: Many insurance companies, such as Liberty Mutual, offer discounts if you bundle your auto insurance with home or renters insurance.
• Take Advantage of Available Discounts: Ask your agent for a list of discounts to see if you can add any to your policy.

FAQs

How Do I Show Proof of Car Insurance in Utah?

In Utah, you can show proof of car insurance with an insurance card that your provider will issue. Always carry proof in your vehicle in case authorities ask for it.

Is It Illegal to not Have Car Insurance in Utah?

Yes, driving without car insurance is illegal in Utah. Even driving without insurance in a recreational area like Arches National Park will result in fines and other penalties.

What Is the Grace Period for Car Insurance in Utah?

Utah doesn't have a grace period for new cars. All drivers must have an active policy to drive a vehicle in the state.