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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Credentials
  • 4+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Here's what you need to know when driving in Utah

Utah drivers pay an average car insurance rate of $1,386 per year — roughly 9% less than the U.S. average. However, your car insurance rates are determined by more than just where you live. Auto insurance premiums are impacted by factors including a driver's age and driving history. Data experts from The Zebra analyzed average Utah auto insurance rates for these rating factors to help you find a policy that is right for you.

Have a look at our in-depth study of car insurance costs in Utah, or submit your ZIP code above to receive customized auto insurance quotes from top companies.

The best car insurance companies in Utah

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 863 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the Southwest region.

2nd place medal
American Family

As one of the most consistently highest-rated carriers, American Family scored an 850 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.

3rd place medal
State Farm

State Farm placed third with a score of 847 in J.D. Power's 2021 customer satisfaction survey.

Key takeaways
  • Utah drivers pay about 9% less for car insurance on average
  • The cheapest major car insurance company in Utah is USAA

The cheapest car insurance companies in Utah

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

USAA logo
Cheapest for full coverage: USAA

The cheapest full coverage rates are from USAA at $897 annually, or $75 per month.

GEICO logo
Best for bad credit: GEICO

Drivers with less than stellar credit may look to GEICO for the most affordable rates.

usaa logo
Cheapest after a DUI: USAA

Those with a DUI on their records would do well to consider USAA (if eligible) or GEICO for the cheapest rates.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $897
GEICO $1,169
Nationwide $1,239
American Family $1,602
Progressive $1,684
State Farm $1,953
Allstate $2,089

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Utah auto insurance laws

Car insurance is required in nearly all states, including Utah. If you choose the minimum amount of coverage required in Utah, expect to pay an average of $587 annually. This expenditure is more expensive than the nationwide average by 9%. It's highly recommended that all drivers carry more than the minimum required coverage.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Utah, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

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
car with blue windshield

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 $1,257, 114% more than basic insurance coverage. For comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible, expect to pay around $1,459.

The Zebra's guide to Utah car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Utah with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Utah.

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Utah car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your car insurance premiums are determined by a number of individual rating factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Below you can explore average auto insurance costs by rating factor to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Utah.

 

Cheap auto insurance in Utah for minimum coverage

Those searching for the cheapest car insurance coverage have probably considered getting the minimum coverage required by the state of Utah. However, this isn't always the best option, as it leaves you and your vehicle exposed to risk. Still, you can at least start your search by taking a look at the table below to see which carriers offer affordable coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $331
GEICO $435
Nationwide $552
Progressive $649
Allstate $724
State Farm $836
American Family $842

Cheap auto insurance in Utah with bad credit

Credit history plays a big part in determining how much you pay for car insurance. Most carriers see drivers with a poor credit history as being higher risk, meaning you will almost certainly pay more for your policy. On average, Utah drivers with poor credit pay $1,833 more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
GEICO $1,583
USAA $1,711
Nationwide $1,739
Progressive $2,736
American Family $2,835
Allstate $3,096
State Farm $5,891

Cheap auto insurance in Utah with an at-fault accident

Your driving record plays a big part in how much you pay as well. Insurance companies look for previous at-fault accidents to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. A recent at-fault accident could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $2,080 per year.

Safe driver discounts

Along with cheaper premiums, some insurance companies offer safe driving discounts. Availability and amount may vary based on your company, though discounts can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,299
GEICO $1,784
Nationwide $2,024
Progressive $2,161
American Family $2,289
State Farm $2,518
Allstate $2,766

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Utah

Young adult drivers aged between 16 and 25 pay very high car insurance rates on average. In fact, those aged 16 to 19 pay the most expensive premiums of all due to the perceived risk they pose to insurers. Most companies see young drivers as risky due to their lack of experience, meaning that teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Utah, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $5,563 per year — 301% more than a typical Utah driver.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $3,225
GEICO $3,509
Nationwide $4,476
American Family $5,408
Allstate $6,337
State Farm $7,413
Progressive $7,987

Utah auto insurance rate by violation

If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums are likely to rise. The amount they increase 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.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,618 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,627 1% $10
Not-at-fault accident $1,673 3% $55
Two Med/PIP claims $1,680 4% $62
One comp claim $1,684 4% $67
Two comp claims $1,738 7% $121
Failure to show documents $1,784 10% $166
Child safety restraint $1,836 14% $219
Driving without lights $1,836 14% $219
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,855 15% $237
Driving with expired registration $1,893 17% $275
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,000 24% $383
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,012 24% $395
Driving too slowly $2,014 25% $397
Texting while driving $2,016 25% $399
Cell phone violation $2,016 25% $399
Speeding in school zone $2,020 25% $402
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,022 25% $404
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,022 25% $404
Failure to yield $2,025 25% $408
Following too closely $2,025 25% $408
Failure to stop at a red light $2,025 25% $408
Illegal turn $2,025 25% $408
Improper passing $2,035 26% $417
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,120 31% $503
In 65 MPH zone $2,134 32% $517
Passing school bus $2,170 34% $552
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,233 38% $615
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,283 41% $665
Open container $2,331 44% $713
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,398 48% $781
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,440 51% $823
Driving with a suspended license $3,232 100% $1,615
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,278 103% $1,660
Reckless driving $3,286 103% $1,668
Racing $3,290 103% $1,672
DUI $3,305 104% $1,687
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,433 112% $1,815

Utah DUI laws

Being convicted of a DUI offense in Utah can increase your annual car insurance rates by an average of 104%. This comes out to 34% more than the national average rate hike after a DUI. After a DUI, finding affordable auto insurance isn't going to be easy simple. In fact, a DUI charge can bring about larger premium increases than any other road violation. This often includes at-fault accidents, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Utah

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Utah, you will want to carefully consider your insurance choices. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurance company. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Utah, USAA averages rates that are 46% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Utah is Progressive, while the priciest company is State Farm.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,792
Progressive $2,022
American Family $2,068
GEICO $2,596
Nationwide $2,653
Allstate $2,703
State Farm $3,011

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Utah SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Utah to ensure that you remain insured.

If you currently have auto insurance, requesting an SR-22 certificate is relatively simple. Contact your insurer and ask them to file a SR-22 request for you. If your insurer refuses to file for an SR-22, you should shop around for a new insurance company. Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Utah might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in Utah

Uninsured drivers

When applying for car insurance, you might face an up-front fee for the prospective insurer to file an SR-22 request form and to cover your more risky driving profile. Needing an SR-22 certification may disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some carriers, while others would be happy to cover you.

 

For non-owners

Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to earn the certificate. If you don't own a vehicle, you should purchase a non-owners auto insurance policy before pursuing an SR-22. Non-owners auto coverage can be less expensive than a standard policy since it won’t provide protection for physical damage to your car.

Find an affordable policy in Utah in minutes!

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Enoch, Utah, and the most expensive in Kearns, Utah.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Utah's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Provo $1,674
Orem $1,703
West Jordan $1,756
Salt Lake City $1,785
West Valley City $1,839

Car insurance price trends in Utah

In Utah, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $73 in the past year. A typical Utah driver pays an average of $1,386 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Utah leans toward slightly cheaper car insurance costs. From 2017 to 2021, average annual rates in Utah dropped from $1,796 to $1,386. Since this significant drop, rates have increased moderately. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

UTAH CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Utah Yearly Change — Utah Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $1,386 $73 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,313 $42 $1,483 $61
2019 $1,271 $84 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,187 -$609 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,796 $234 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,562 -$323 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,885 $216 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,669 $155 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,514 -$63 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,577 $323 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Utah car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Utah auto insurance.

USAA ($448) and GEICO ($584) offer the cheapest premiums for Utah drivers.

Car insurance in Utah is reasonably priced, depending on your insurance company. On average, full coverage insurance in Utah is 9% cheaper than the national average. A full-coverage policy will cost you $693 for a six-month policy. A liability-only policy costs $587.

Your monthly rates will vary based on you and your driving profile. Using our average user profile, drivers with liability-only in Utah pay $49 per month for car insurance. If you have full coverage, average rates are around $105.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.