Thursday, December 04, 2008

Utah Auto Insurance Laws in Comparision With Other States

By Steve Turner

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 of the problems that occur when an uninsured driver gets in a wreck, the government goes to great lengths to make sure drivers have valid insurance. There are stiff fines and punishments in almost every state for driving uninsured, even if you haven't been in a wreck. What could happen if you are caught without insurance? It is different for every state.

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.

The laws are probably the strictest in Texas. You cannot have a driver's license until you can prove that you have insurance. If at any time you are caught without insurance you will have an initial warning fine of up to $350. It gets worse if you are caught more than once. On the second time, you are fined at least $1000 and they can take your car for up to six months.

The California DMV have set there minimums to $15,000/$30,000 with $5,000 in damages to property. However, just because the limits are set lower than most states, it doesn't mean that they are more relaxed with those that do not have insurance. If you are pulled over and you don't have insurance, your driver's license will likely be taken away for a year. They will also cancel the registration on your cars until you can prove to them that you have renewed your insurance. If you get in an accident, you are required to pay for all of the damages.

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. - 2364

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