Let’s be honest, car insurance is not fun. Maybe you’ve been driving for a while and never used it, so why even waste your hard-earned cash at all?
But like most things in life, it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Car insurance is a safety net that protects you when things go sideways on the road. Whether it’s a minor scrape or a major accident, insurance can be a lifesaver.
With the right coverage, you’re spared the hassle of negotiating with other drivers involved in the car accident in Utah. Plus, you won’t have to pay out of pocket for any damages or injuries.
But the perks don’t end there. Let’s discuss why you should get car insurance in Utah pronto.
Car Accidents in Utah: Reasons Why Car Insurance Is Important
While car insurance might not be the highlight of your life, it’s a responsible choice that shows you’ve got your act together. Imagine a world without car insurance- every fender bender would become a financial nightmare!
Need more convincing? Here are seven reasons you should have insurance for a car accident claim.
1. Car Insurance is Required by Law
First things first, car insurance is mandatory in Utah. Under Utah law, an insurance policy must carry a minimum coverage of 25/65/15 along with personal injury protection (PIP). This means your insurance must cover $25,000 in bodily injury per person, up to $65,000 per accident, and $15,000 in property damage.
Failure to meet proper insurance requirements can result in penalties, fines, license suspensions, or even jail time.
Now, you may want to increase your coverage limits beyond Utah’s minimum requirements. Otherwise, you could end up shelling out much more for a car accident insurance claim. Sit down with an insurance agent and discuss the right amount for your needs.
2. Car Insurance Covers You If You Cause an Accident
Causing an accident is one of the most emotionally traumatizing things that can happen to a driver. When you’re at fault, you’re responsible for the upcoming expenses. These might include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Lost job opportunities
- Property damage
If you cause an accident and other people get hurt, a good insurance policy should help pay for their bills. Certain types of insurance (like collision insurance or personal injury protection) pay for the costs no matter who’s at fault.
Without liability coverage or sufficient liability limits, you’d likely have to meet these costs out of your pocket. And given the rising cost of healthcare in the US, these expenses can add up quickly.
3. Car Insurance Can Compensate You for an Accident Caused by Someone Else
When you’re hurt by someone else, you’ll be glad they had a government-mandated auto insurance policy.
Why?
Because it might take a painfully long time to get any payout if the other driver is uninsured. In the meantime, you’re footing the bills for repairs and healthcare- putting your financial stability and sanity on the line.
There’s a reason why they call it liability coverage. It’s because the other driver is liable for the damage they inflict, physical and otherwise.
Moreover, governments don’t mandate collision or comprehensive insurance; to be blunt, they don’t care if you damage your stuff in a car accident in Utah. They just want to be sure you can cover someone else’s damages.
4. Car Insurance Can Pay for Non-Accidental Damages
Accidents aren’t the only thing that can damage your car. Catastrophic events like ice storms, wildfires, and more can take a toll on your precious vehicle. In this regard, comprehensive coverage can pay for these ‘acts of God’, or events where no one is at fault. This policy might also come in handy if your vehicle gets stolen or vandalized.
Now, do you need comprehensive insurance? It depends. Could you pay for repairs- or even a replacement- if your car is seriously damaged tomorrow?
In case you can’t, it might be worth paying for collision and comprehensive insurance upfront. This is especially true if you depend on your car for personal health or income.
On the other hand, if your car isn’t worth much and you have a couple of grand to spare for repairs, you can pass on collision and comprehensive coverage.
5. Car Insurance Can Cover Your Passengers
If you’re at fault for an accident, you’re chargeable for your passengers’ expenses. This can include both property damage and medical payments.
Picture this, you’re driving your friend to art school, and they have tons of expensive supplies in the trunk. You get into an accident on the way, they get injured, and their stuff gets destroyed. Would you rather have your insurance deal with it or put them on ice?
The aftermath of a car accident can be incredibly time-consuming and hectic. But the right coverage and a good car accident lawyer in Utah can help you skip negotiations with other drivers and property owners.
6. Car Insurance Can Protect All Your Assets
Suppose you cause a $100,000 accident but only have $10,000 in your bank account. The other Utah car accident lawyer can legally seize your assets to bridge the gap. This includes your investments, your car, and even your home.
Auto insurance doesn’t just protect you; it protects your net worth. It creates a buffer between the victim’s deserved settlement and all your stuff.
7. Car Insurance Can Guarantee Peace of Mind
How would you feel knowing that every time you drove your car, you could be hit by another driver and get stuck with thousands of bills until they pay you back?
Terrified, right?
A system where everyone must have insurance works best for the greater good, especially with so many mindless drivers on the road nowadays. Sure, an auto insurance policy doesn’t make them better drivers, but it can ensure you aren’t victimized by their negligence.
The Bottom Line
While car insurance might feel like a buzzkill, it’s got our backs when things get messy. It keeps you legal and saves you from financial disaster, so you sleep easy at night. Hopefully, this post has given you enough reasons to invest in a trusty car insurance policy as soon as possible!
Have you or a loved one been in a car accident in Utah? You need a seasoned attorney to seek the settlement you deserve. At Carlson Injury, our car accident lawyers in Utah have the skills, knowledge, and drive to defend your rights every step of the way. Feel free to call us for a consultation, we’ll be happy to answer all your queries!