Utah's Financial Responsibility Act protects everyone from losses caused by crashes: your vehicle, or you as a driver, must be insured. Driving uninsured can cost you your license, registration, and plates.
Know the rule
Knowingly driving, or letting someone drive, a motor vehicle without owner's security is a class B misdemeanor. You may lose your license, registration, and plates, and must show proof of security and pay reinstatement fees and fines to get them back.
Handbook p. 77 ↗After a crash where you were at fault, provide security by:
- Depositing money equal to the other parties' losses with the Financial Responsibility Section, or
- Showing you had auto liability insurance at the time of the crash
Not insured? File evidence that:
- All parties have released you from liability
- You agreed in writing to pay for the damages or injuries
- A court found you not liable
- You complied with the operator's security requirement
Know the rule
If suspended under this act, you may be reinstated by one of the steps above, or one year after the suspension began if no lawsuit has been filed over the crash.
Handbook p. 77 ↗Know the rule
If a court judgment against you for crash damages isn't paid within 60 days, your privilege is suspended until it is paid and you file an SR22. This can apply to vehicle owners as well as drivers.
Handbook p. 77 ↗SR22 ('future proof')
Evidence you will pay for damage you cause in a future crash, usually an SR22 insurance policy. Kept 3 years from suspension/revocation, or 3 years from reinstatement for an unpaid judgment.
Handbook p. 78 ↗Know the rule
If an owner is convicted or suspended for driving uninsured, or records show no insurance, the DMV must revoke the registration unless insurance is bought within 30 days.
Handbook p. 78 ↗Know the rule
Whenever anyone drives, proof of insurance must be in the vehicle and shown to any peace officer who asks. It may be shown electronically on a mobile device.
Handbook p. 78 ↗Insurance coverage
| Coverage | What it pays for |
|---|---|
| Liability (mandatory) | Injury or damage you negligently cause to others |
| Personal injury protection (mandatory) | Basic injury benefits without deciding fault |
| Uninsured motorist | You/passengers hit by uninsured or hit-and-run driver |
| Collision (not required by law) | Your car's crash repairs, minus a deductible |
| Comprehensive (not required by law) | Your car: fire, theft, vandalism, glass breakage |
Know the rule
Uninsured motorist coverage generally doesn't pay property damage. A lien holder may require collision and comprehensive even though the law does not.
Handbook p. 78 ↗Know the rule
A conviction for driving without insurance or without proof of insurance means carrying an SR22 for three years and paying a $40 reinstatement fee.
Handbook p. 78 ↗Know the rule
Crash reports are released only to people involved (not witnesses), their authorized representative, parents or guardians, attorneys, insurers, licensed private investigators, or the media. Media get only limited details: name, age, sex, city, vehicle make and model, insured or not, and crash location and description.
Handbook p. 79 ↗Put it into practice
You're pulled over and can't find your insurance card, but your policy is on your phone. You may show proof electronically. Driving with no insurance at all could cost you your license, registration, and plates.