Top Reasons Salt Lake City Drivers Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured drivers are a real risk in Salt Lake City. Learn why uninsured motorist coverage is essential for Utah drivers and how it protects you from costly accidents.
Many drivers in Salt Lake City assume that if they’re involved in an accident, the other driver’s insurance will cover the damages. But what if the at-fault driver has no insurance—or worse, flees the scene? Unfortunately, uninsured and underinsured motorists are more common than you might think, leaving responsible drivers to deal with unexpected expenses.
This is where uninsured motorist coverage (UM) becomes essential. It’s one of the smartest add-ons you can include in your Utah auto insurance policy.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes property damage if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have liability insurance. In some cases, it can also cover you if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to fully compensate you.
In Utah, while liability insurance is required by law, not everyone complies. Having uninsured motorist protection Utah drivers rely on ensures you won’t bear the financial burden if someone else is negligent.
Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Important in Utah?
Here’s why UM coverage is a must-have in Salt Lake City:
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High number of uninsured drivers – Despite legal requirements, a percentage of Utah drivers remain uninsured, putting others at risk.
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Hit-and-run accidents – Urban areas like Salt Lake City see more hit-and-run cases, leaving victims without a responsible party to claim damages from.
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Underinsured drivers – Even if the other driver has coverage, it may not be enough to cover medical costs, especially after serious accidents.
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Peace of mind – UM coverage adds an extra layer of security for you and your family when you’re on the road.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works
If you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver:
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You file a claim with your own insurance company under your UM policy.
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Your insurer pays for the damages up to your policy limits.
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It helps avoid lengthy legal battles or out-of-pocket costs.
It’s important to note that UM coverage is often paired with underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) to give you full protection.
How Much Coverage Should You Have?
Most insurance professionals recommend matching your UM/UIM limits to your liability limits. For example, if you carry $50,000/$100,000 in liability coverage, you should carry the same for UM/UIM. This ensures you’re equally protected whether you’re at fault or the victim.
What About Property Damage?
In Utah, uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) is a separate option. It helps cover repairs to your vehicle when the at-fault driver lacks insurance. However, some drivers skip this if they already have collision coverage, which typically handles similar situations.
Final Thoughts
Salt Lake City drivers face enough risks on the road—weather challenges, traffic congestion, and unpredictable motorists. Adding uninsured motorist coverage is an affordable way to protect yourself from the financial fallout of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Before renewing your policy, review your current limits and consider increasing them to ensure you and your family are fully protected.
