Utah Car Insurance Requirements: Minimums, Fault Rules & Penalties
Utah has two features that set it apart from most other states. First, it is a no-fault state, meaning your own insurer pays your initial medical costs regardless of who caused the crash. Second, its bodily injury per-accident minimum is $65,000 — well above the 2x per-person limit used by most states. Both details matter when selecting a policy that genuinely protects you.
Minimum liability requirements
| Coverage type | Minimum required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $65,000 |
| Property damage per accident | $15,000 |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $3,000 per person |
Utah's per-accident bodily injury limit of $65,000 is unusual. Most states set the accident limit at twice the per-person limit (so 25/50 for $25k per-person states). Utah instead chose $65,000, which provides more headroom when multiple people are injured in a single crash. However, the $3,000 PIP limit is among the lowest in any no-fault state — many drivers purchase additional PIP to ensure adequate medical coverage.
Fault system and PIP
Utah is a no-fault state. After a collision, your own Personal Injury Protection coverage pays your medical bills and a portion of lost wages regardless of who was responsible for the crash. This keeps minor injury claims out of the court system and ensures prompt payment.
Because the required PIP minimum is only $3,000, it is exhausted quickly in any significant injury. Upgrading to a higher PIP limit is a cost-effective way to extend this protection.
Utah permits tort lawsuits against the at-fault driver when either of the following thresholds is met:
- Medical expenses exceed $3,000, or
- Injuries meet the state's serious-injury threshold (such as permanent disability, disfigurement, or death)
Once either threshold is crossed, the no-fault limitation is lifted and you may pursue a liability claim against the responsible driver. This hybrid structure means that liability coverage still matters even in a no-fault state — the at-fault driver's policy is on the hook for damages above the PIP limit. Visit our coverage types guide to understand how PIP and liability coverage work together.
SR-22 requirements
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles. It confirms that your policy carries at least the state minimum coverage and is associated with your existing policy rather than being a standalone product.
An SR-22 is required after:
- A DUI conviction
- A reckless driving conviction
- Driving without insurance or being involved in an uninsured accident
The filing obligation runs for three years. Any cancellation or lapse in coverage during that window triggers a notification from your insurer to the UT DMV and results in license suspension. Maintaining continuous coverage for the full three-year period is essential.
Penalties for driving without insurance
Utah uses an electronic insurance verification system to flag uninsured vehicles on an ongoing basis, not only at traffic stops.
First offense:
- Fine of $400
- Driver's license suspended until proof of current insurance is filed
- $100 reinstatement fee
Second offense:
- Fine of $1,000
- Driver's license suspended for one year
- $100 reinstatement fee
Drivers involved in accidents while uninsured face civil liability for all damages caused, in addition to administrative penalties and an SR-22 requirement. The combination of fines, reinstatement costs, and increased insurance rates after a lapse typically costs far more than maintaining continuous coverage. Get a quote through AIS to find a policy that meets Utah's requirements at a competitive rate.