How Much Does Insurance Go Up After an Accident in Utah?

July 31, 2025 \ Personal Injury

Car accidents can be stressful, especially when they affect your insurance rates. Many drivers wonder: How much does insurance go up after an accident in Utah? While the exact increase depends on your insurer and driving record, most people see a significant rate jump after a crash.

Here is what Utah drivers need to know about how accidents impact insurance premiums, including hit-and-run situations and ways to keep costs manageable.

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Average Insurance Rate Increases After an Accident

In Utah, the average insurance premium increase after an at-fault accident is around 31% to 40%. However, your exact increase depends on several factors.

These factors include:

Your insurance company’s policies
The severity of the accident and the damages
Your previous driving history and the number of claims
Whether injuries were involved

For example, if you pay $1,500 per year for car insurance, a 40% increase could raise your annual cost to $2,100. Some companies raise rates for three to five years after an at-fault crash. Knowing these potential increases can help you plan your finances after an accident.

Does Insurance Go up if Someone Hits You?

If someone else hits your car and they’re at fault, your insurance typically does not increase, especially if their insurance pays for your damages. However, rate hikes can still happen in certain situations.

For example, if:

Your insurance company pays under your collision coverage before being reimbursed
The at-fault driver is uninsured, and you use uninsured motorist coverage
You live in an area with rising accident claims, which can raise base rates for everyone

Even when you’re not at fault, insurance companies sometimes adjust rates based on overall risk trends in your area.

What About Hit-And-Run Accidents in Utah?

Hit-and-run accidents are stressful because the other driver leaves without giving information. If this happens:

Call the police to file a report immediately
Gather evidence such as photos, witness statements, time, and location details
Notify your insurance company right away

If you have uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) or collision coverage, your policy will usually cover repairs after a deductible. Unfortunately, even though the crash wasn’t your fault, using your own coverage can still raise your rates.

Insurance companies view all claims as indicators of risk, including hit-and-run. However, some Utah insurers offer accident forgiveness for your first claim or for accidents that aren’t your fault. Check with your provider to see if this benefit applies to you.

How To Reduce Rate Increases After an Accident

Here are some ways to keep insurance increases as low as possible. Taking these steps before and after filing a claim can make a difference.

Before filing a claim:

Get repair estimates to see if costs are lower than your deductible plus long-term rate increase
Ask your agent how a claim will affect your premium

After an accident:

Consider taking a defensive driving course if your insurer offers a discount
Maintain a clean driving record going forward
Bundle auto with home or renters insurance for multi-policy savings
Increase your deductible to lower monthly premiums (but only if you can afford it in the event of a future claim)

Thinking ahead and discussing options with your agent can help manage your rates over time.

Why Do Insurance Rates Go Up After an Accident?

Insurance companies raise rates after claims to cover their risk. Accidents signal that a driver may be more likely to file another claim. The exact amount your rate increases depends on how your insurer calculates risk and how severe the accident was.

For example:

A minor parking lot scrape may raise your rates by 10% to 20%
A major accident with injuries or totaled vehicles can raise rates by 40% or more

Understanding how your insurer views different types of claims can help you make informed decisions after an accident.