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Understanding Insurance: What It Is and How Much You Should Buy 

Car accidents can happen in an instant, but the financial consequences might be long-lasting. That is why all drivers should have auto insurance. Car insurance may help offset the cost of being in a crash by covering your accident-related expenses, such as medical bills, property damages, and lost wages. Insurance can also help cover the costs of another party if you caused the accident, but many Utah drivers wonder what insurance actually is and how much they need. 

While all drivers must have auto insurance in Utah to protect themselves should they be in a crash, insurance providers are not always willing to pay a fair amount. When that happens, you will need the assistance of a Layton car accident attorney. They can help you pursue a fair settlement against the negligent driver’s insurance provider. 

What Is Auto Insurance? 

Auto insurance is a contract between you and your insurance provider that prevents you from financial loss in the event of a car accident. The insurance company agrees to pay for your losses outlined in your specific policy in exchange for paying a monthly premium rate. In general, car insurance provides coverage for property damage, liability damage, and medical bills. 

Your auto insurance policy will likely cover everyone in your household who has a driver’s license. Car insurance only covers personal driving, such as running errands, commuting to work, or driving to school. It will not provide coverage for commercial use, including delivering food through DoorDash or operating your vehicle through Uber. Remember, car insurance follows the vehicle, not the person. That means if you let someone outside your policy drive your vehicle and they cause a crash, your insurance will be the primary provider. 

How Much Car Insurance Do I Need in Utah? 

If you are moving to Utah, you must register your vehicle and obtain car insurance right away. Every state has different insurance requirements, so your current insurance level might not meet Utah’s standards. 

Utah requires drivers to have the following minimum coverage: 

  • Bodily injury liability: A minimum of $25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident. Bodily injury coverage pays for another person’s injuries or deaths caused by an accident that is your fault. 
  • Property damage liability: A minimum of $15,000 per accident. Property damage insurance covers damage you cause to another person’s property, including a vehicle. 
  • Uninsured motorist: A minimum of $25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident. This insurance protects if the other driver does not have insurance to cover your damages. 
  • Underinsured motorist: A minimum of $25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident. Underinsured coverage protects if the other driver’s insurance does not meet Utah’s insurance requirements. It also covers if the other party is from another state that’s insurance amounts are lower than Utah. 

Depending on your needs, you might choose higher coverage options. You can discuss additional coverage with your insurance provider. 

We recommend that all our clients, staff, friends, and family members maintain insurance policies of no less than $300,000/$300,000. This is especially true with minors who are most prone to being injured in a motor vehicle collision. Remember, motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of injuries in the nation.

In addition, we also recommend that everyone look at getting umbrella coverage with additional addendums that extend the umbrella coverage to include underinsured motorist coverage.

Speak to a Skilled Car Accident Attorney Today 

If you were recently in a car accident in Utah, you should contact the injury attorneys at Feller & Wendt. Insurance companies are quick to take your money, but they often offer low settlement amounts after being in a car accident. They know that victims are vulnerable in the days and weeks following a crash, and they may exploit that by offering an amount that barely covers your expenses. 

However, hiring a car accident attorney may level the playing field. Your injury attorney can negotiate with insurers and fight for you to receive a proper settlement. At Feller & Wendt, we do not back down to insurance companies and will aggressively pursue your case. To schedule a free consultation, call (801) 499-5060 or complete our contact form

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