Car accidents can happen at any time, but what happens if the person who hits you does not have insurance, or doesn’t have enough? 

While car insurance is legally required in Utah and most other states, not everyone complies with the law. In 2022, the Insurance Research Council (IRC) reported that about 7.3.% of drivers in Utah operate vehicles without insurance. While this rate is slightly below the national average of approximately 14%, it still means thousands of uninsured vehicles are on Utah’s roads every day.

Uninsured motorist coverage is a crucial layer of protection for drivers throughout Utah and other states. Understanding what uninsured motorist coverage is, how much you need, and why it matters can be the difference between financial relief and devastating loss after a crash. 

At Craig Swapp & Associates, our trusted car accident lawyers in Utah and other states we serve are dedicated to helping accident victims get the insurance coverage and compensation they deserve.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage, often referred to as “UIM coverage,” is a type of auto insurance designed to protect you when you’re injured or suffer property damage in a crash caused by someone who has no insurance or doesn’t have enough.

In Utah, insurance companies are required by law to offer uninsured motorist coverage as part of every auto insurance policy. Under Utah Code § 31A-22-305, this coverage helps pay for your injuries and damages when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

The minimum UIM coverage in Utah includes:

  • Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver has no liability insurance.
  • Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Applies when the at-fault driver’s liability insurance is not enough to cover your damages.

Uninsured motorist coverage is not just for drivers. Passengers, pedestrians, and even bicyclists injured in an accident involving an uninsured or hit-and-run driver may also be protected under this coverage, depending on the policy terms.

How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Do You Need?

One of the most common questions drivers ask is: “How much uninsured motorist coverage one actually needs?” 

The answer depends on several factors, but the goal is always to ensure you and your family are fully protected.

Utah insurance law requires insurers to offer at least $25,000 per person and $65,000 per accident in uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury. However, you can, and often should, purchase higher limits for greater protection.

Medical bills after a serious accident can quickly exceed the state minimums. A single night in the emergency room or a week of lost wages may consume your entire policy limit, leaving you responsible for the rest.

When choosing your limits, consider:

  • Your Health Insurance: If you have high deductibles or limited coverage, higher UIM coverage can be a lifesaver.
  • Family Members: Higher limits protect everyone in your car, including loved ones and passengers.
  • Your Assets: Protecting your financial stability is crucial. Higher limits mean less risk of personal liability for uncovered damages.

It’s best to match your uninsured motorist coverage to your liability limits. For example, if your liability coverage is $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, make your UIM coverage the same.

What Is Covered Under Uninsured Motorist Insurance?

Uninsured motorist insurance in Utah is designed to fill the gaps left when the at-fault driver has no coverage. Here’s what this important protection typically covers:

  • Medical Bills: If you are injured in a crash, your UIM coverage can help pay for ambulance rides, emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, and ongoing medical care.
  • Lost Wages: Serious injuries can keep you from working. UIM coverage can help replace lost income while you recover.
  • Pain and Suffering: Utah law allows for compensation beyond direct medical costs. If you suffer long-term pain, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment of life, UIM coverage may help pay for those damages.
  • Funeral Expenses: In the tragic event of a fatal crash caused by an uninsured driver, UIM coverage can assist with funeral and burial expenses.
  • Hit-and-Run Accidents: If you’re involved in a hit-and-run where the at-fault driver cannot be found, your uninsured motorist coverage steps in to protect you, as required by Utah law.
  • Passengers and Family Members: Passengers in your car and sometimes even relatives living in your household can be covered under your policy if they’re hurt by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Note that Utah’s uninsured motorist coverage is generally for bodily injuries. If you want coverage for vehicle damage caused by an uninsured driver, you need uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage.

Personal Injury Protection vs. Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Utah drivers are required to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as part of their auto insurance policy. PIP is sometimes called “no-fault” insurance. 

Here’s how it compares to uninsured motorist coverage:

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Required in Utah. 

  • Minimum of $3,000 per person.
  • Covers: Medical expenses, lost income (up to a certain limit), household services, and funeral expenses—regardless of who caused the crash.
  • Applies first: PIP benefits are paid out before any other coverage, including UIM.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Not required, but strongly recommended.

  • Covers: Medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
  • Kicks in after PIP: Once PIP benefits are exhausted, uninsured motorist coverage helps with the remaining costs.

Simply, PIP provides immediate help. After that, your uninsured motorist coverage can protect you against high medical bills, lasting injuries, and financial losses that exceed your PIP benefits.

How Do You File an Insurance Claim for Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Filing a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage can be more complex than a standard insurance claim. Here are the steps to follow in Utah:

  • Gather Evidence: Obtain a police report, especially for hit-and-run accidents. Collect witness statements, photos of the scene, and details about the other vehicle.
  • Notify Your Insurance Company: Let your insurer know as soon as possible that you intend to file a UIM claim. Be sure to follow any deadlines for reporting your claim.
  • Submit Medical Records and Bills: Keep detailed records of all treatments, prescriptions, and therapy related to your injuries.
  • Cooperate with Your Insurer: Your insurer may investigate the accident to confirm the other driver was uninsured or underinsured. Be prepared to answer questions and provide supporting documentation.
  • Complete the Claims Process: After reviewing your claim, your insurer will offer a settlement based on your policy’s UIM limits.

Again, insurers must offer UIM coverage, but you have the right to decline it in writing. However, declining could leave you unprotected if you’re ever hit by an uninsured motorist.

What if Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage Isn’t Enough?

Even with uninsured motorist coverage, some accidents are so severe that damages exceed your policy limits. 

If that happens, here are your options:

  • Stacking Coverage: Utah allows drivers to “stack” UIM coverage across multiple vehicles on the same policy, potentially increasing the available compensation. For example, if you have $50,000 in UIM coverage on two vehicles, you may be able to stack them for a total of $100,000. Check your policy language or consult an insurance professional to see if stacking is available.
  • Pursue Additional Claims: You may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver directly. However, many uninsured motorists have limited assets, making recovery difficult.
  • Seek Compensation from Other Sources: If you were injured while working, workers’ compensation benefits may apply. Health insurance can also help with medical bills after policy limits are exhausted.
  • Legal Action: An injury lawyer can help you explore all available sources of compensation, including umbrella insurance policies or claims against third parties whose negligence contributed to your accident.

When you’re dealing with injuries, lost income, and mounting bills after a crash caused by an uninsured motorist, you shouldn’t have to go it alone. The right legal support ensures your rights are protected and gives you the best chance at a fair recovery.

Why Do You Need an Injury Lawyer After a Crash?

Dealing with the aftermath of a serious auto accident is challenging enough. When the at-fault driver is uninsured, things get even more complicated. 

Here’s why working with an experienced Utah injury lawyer is essential:

  • Maximizing Your Recovery: A Utah injury lawyer knows how to fully investigate your accident, gather evidence, and document your injuries to support your claim for uninsured motorist coverage. They can ensure you’re getting the maximum benefits available under your policy.
  • Navigating Insurance Disputes: Insurers sometimes delay or deny UIM claims, question the severity of injuries, or dispute the amount you’re owed. A lawyer can push back against these tactics and protect your rights.
  • Identifying All Sources of Compensation: There may be multiple policies or coverage options that apply to your situation. Injury lawyers in Utah can identify every possible avenue to help you recover financially.
  • Legal Guidance Through the Process: From filing paperwork to negotiating with insurance companies to pursuing litigation if needed, a personal injury law firm in Utah can handle every step, letting you focus on your recovery.
  • No Upfront Fees: Most injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless your case is successful. This makes it accessible for anyone who needs help.

Uninsured motorist coverage is a crucial safety net for drivers in Utah and neighboring states. With so many uninsured and underinsured motorists on the road, protecting yourself and your family with the right UIM coverage is essential.  Don’t wait until after a crash to find out your coverage isn’t enough. Review your policy, understand your options, and consult our knowledgeable Utah injury lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates. 

For legal guidance and support, call us today at (866) 779-8789 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to help you get the protection and compensation you deserve.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp