In Utah and the rest of the United States, car owners are required to continuously have their cars insured. Although the amount of coverage greatly differs, the normal amount required by Utah auto insurnace laws is $25,000/$50,000 (meaning up to $25,000 per victim with a cap of $50,000 for the entire accident) and $10,000 for property damages. Although these minimums are predominately universal, the DMV from each state sets their own standards.

When you are in an accident, as long as your policy is current and hasn’t lapsed your insurance company covers the expenses of the accident up to your level of coverage. However, if the insured has a lapse in coverage due to non-payment or for any other reason the insurance company is not responsible and the driver is 100% liable for the expenses of the accident.

To make sure that vehicle owners stay insured the government is cracking down on those who do not have insurance. These punishments are set forth by each state’s DMV, vary depending on the state. If you are in an accident and you have allowed your insurance to lapse, what could happen? The punishments can be very severe.

If you live in Utah, you are forced to pay 100% of the damages, and your driver’s license is suspended until you do so. Your driver’s license can be revoked for up to six years! In Michigan, one with insurance is only liable for up to $500, while those who do not have insurance are required to pay for the damages in full.

If you live in Texas, proof of insurance is required at the time you get a drivers license. If you are caught without proper insurance coverage you will be slammed with an initial fee of $350. The second time you are caught you receive a fee of $1000 and your vehicle can be taken away for up to six months. If you do get in a wreck you are held responsible 100%, no exceptions.

In California the liability limits are much lower than most other states, yet they treat driving without insurance very harshly. If you are caught without current insurance, your driver’s license will likely be taken away for up to a year. You car can be impounded and your registration will be suspended until you have proof of current insurance. Like other states, without insurance you are fully responsible for all damages in a wreck.

It is crucial that you have enough insurance, and that you don’t let it lapse. It is too much of a gamble to go without insurance, because sooner or later you will end up paying for it much more than the cost of coverage. Call your Insurance Agent to make sure your insurance is current and valid. Before buying a car, check with them to make sure that you have adequate insurance that you will be able to afford the monthly payments.

2. Older Auto – Drop comprehensive / collision coverage.
If your car is not worth much, why pay for comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. You can visit a myriad of online sites to find true worth of your car. Additionally your insurance broker might be able to pull up the true worth of your vehicle.

3. Taking advantage of low mileage
Some auto insurance companies will give discounts if you drive less than a certain number of miles or drive less than a certain distance to work.

4. Moving – Consider insurance costs.
If you are considering moving, it will be a good idea to call your insurance agent and get his opinion on the insurance costs in the new city or state.

5. Low profile vehicle
Your vehicle will also determine your overall insurance costs. Some of the cars are favorite for thieves since they fetch a good price. Some cars are more expensive to repair. It makes a lot of sense to do adequate amount of research before you make your auto purchase.

6. Make sure your vehicle is correctly listed by your insurance agent.
Many manufacturers offer somewhat similar model names for vehicles but insurance costs may vary. Additionally 2 or 4 door or the wrong model can impact your auto insurance quote.

7. Have your insurance broker check other insurance company discounts.
A lot of companies will offer discounts if you and your spouse are insured with the same insurance company. Additionally, if you seek home insurance, life insurance, auto insurance from the same insurance company, you will get some discounts. Check with your insurance agent on saving money.