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

A crash can hurt more than your car. It can raise your premium and strain your budget right when you are juggling medical bills, time off work, and repairs. Utah drivers ask one simple question after the smoke clears. 

How much will my rate go up? Or how much longer? 

The short answer is that an at-fault claim usually triggers a sizable surcharge. It can follow you for several years. The long answer depends on your driving record, claim size, and your company’s rules. 

A car accident Utah lawyer can also help you understand how fault and payouts tie into that premium jump. This guide breaks it down in simple terms so you know what to expect and what you can do next. 

Key Things You Should Know

• Premiums often rise sharply after fault crashes.
• Surcharges usually last three to five years.
• Claim size and injuries can increase the surcharge.
• Utah uses no-fault medical benefits called PIP.
• Rental coverage pays only within policy limits.
• Most physical injury settlements are not taxed.
• Timelines for settlements vary by case complexity.
• Shopping quotes can cut a post claim premium.

How much does car insurance go up after an accident in Utah?

What most drivers see

For many drivers, a single at-fault crash leads to an average increase of around the mid double digits. Several national analyses place the typical jump near 45%, though results vary by company and state rules. 

Your own number depends on the severity of the claim, whether injuries were involved, and your prior record. Accidents usually influence rates for three to five years, then the surcharge drops off if you stay claim-free. 

What changes your result

• Bigger claims tend to bring bigger surcharges.
• Injury claims and property damage together can push the increase higher.
• Prior tickets, recent claims, or teen drivers on the policy can add to the jump.
• Some companies offer accident forgiveness for a first crash if you qualify before the loss.

Utah angle

Utah drivers carry personal injury protection, known as PIP. It pays initial medical costs regardless of fault. Medical payouts can still affect total claim cost and may influence how an insurer prices future risk. 

Why did my car insurance go up without an accident?

It feels unfair, but there are reasons

Rates can rise even when you did nothing wrong on the road. Insurers price risk by looking at many data points. If repair costs in your area rise or theft claims spike, your premium can go up. Changes to your credit tier, a move to a higher risk ZIP code, adding a driver, or raising your annual mileage can also nudge rates higher. 

How long will insurance pay for a rental car after an accident?

Only if you bought rental reimbursement

Payment for a rental car comes from an optional add-on called rental reimbursement. It is not part of a basic policy. When you have it, your insurer pays while your car is in a covered repair, but only up to a daily limit and a total cap, for example, 30 dollars per day up to $900 per claim. 

Coverage stops when you hit either limit, when repairs finish, or when a total loss settlement is issued. If your car is declared a total loss, expect the rental to end shortly after the offer letter goes out. Check your declarations page for your exact limits.

Smart tips

• Ask your shop for a realistic repair timeline on day one.
• If parts are backordered, tell your adjuster early.
• If you carry a credit card with primary rental benefits, ask if it can fill any gap.

How long does a car accident settlement take in Utah?

Some Utah claims settle in a few months, others take longer than a year. The pace depends on medical healing, liability disputes, policy limits, and court schedules. Most lawyers wait until treatment stabilizes before discussing final numbers so future care is considered. If the fault is clear, injuries are modest, and records arrive on time, settlement can move faster. 

If fault is contested or injuries are serious, expect a longer path, sometimes with a lawsuit filed to protect your rights while talks continue. Local guidance from Utah car accident attorneys helps set realistic timelines for your case.

Is a car accident settlement taxable?

Money for personal physical injuries or sickness is usually not taxed at the federal level. That includes payouts for medical bills and even lost wages tied to the injury. Parts of a settlement can be taxed when they fall outside those rules, such as punitive damages or interest on the settlement. 

Have you previously deducted medical bills? If yes, then got reimbursed for those same expenses, that portion can be taxed. Keep a copy of your settlement breakdown. And talk with a tax pro for your specific situation. A car accident Utah lawyer can also explain how the categories work before you sign.

Utah’s no-fault basics and how they affect your bill

What PIP does for you

Utah requires personal injury protection on auto policies. The minimum medical benefit is $3,000 per person. PIP pays early medical costs regardless of fault, so treatment is not delayed. If your medical costs pass a legal threshold or you suffer certain injuries, you may bring a claim against the at-fault driver for the rest. Your own insurer is still allowed to raise your premiums after an at-fault loss despite these rules. Having a thorough understanding of PIP, liability, and property insurance helps you decide what to do after a collision.

Why does this matter for rates

Bigger medical settlements can lead to a larger total loss figure. Insurers use claim history to model future risk. It can influence renewal pricing. Good driving, going forward, and smart shopping can help offset that effect over time.

Steps to cut your premium after a claim

You have options

Even with a surcharge, you can bring costs down. First, get quotes from at least three carriers when your policy renews. Ask about safe driver programs that use a phone app or plug-in device. Raise deductibles to a level you can afford. Check for discounts you might be missing. They can be multi-policy, good student, or vehicle safety features. Keep claims and tickets off your record for several years to let the surcharge expire. If your current company offers accident forgiveness and you qualify, ask how it applies next term.

Checklist for quick reference

• Compare quotes at renewal.
• Ask about discounts.
• Right-sized premiums and coverages.
• Review all discount options.
• Drive ticket-free to let surcharges age out.

How can a car accident lawyer help car accident injury

A quick word before you call

After a crash, most people want two things. Fair pay for their losses and a path that feels simple. A lawyer who handles Utah crashes daily can lift the paperwork off your plate, line up benefits like PIP and rental, and push for full pay from all policies. 

Chris Cockayne and the team at Cockayne Law

Cockayne Law is known for clear counsel and steady contact. Chris Cockayne and his team help Utah families sort out medical bills, lost income, and car repairs after a wreck. They gather records, speak with witnesses, and work with your doctors so the claim reflects your full losses. 

They also look for all available coverage, which can include the other driver’s policy and your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If talks stall, they are ready to file and keep the case moving. People choose them for straight answers, prompt updates, and a plan that fits real life. 

If you want to understand your options before speaking with an adjuster, a free call with a car accident Utah lawyer at Cockayne Law is a smart first step. Many Utah families also compare plans with Utah car accident attorneys to be sure they are not leaving money on the table.

FAQs

How long will an accident affect my Utah auto insurance?

Most insurers rate accidents for 3 to 5 years. The exact period depends on the company and the type of claim. If you stay claim-free then the surcharge usually falls off when that window closes. Check your renewal for details and shop rates when it does.

Will my rate go up if I was not at fault?

Sometimes. Some companies raise rates after any claim, even if not at fault. Others do not. If you used a rental or filed a small claim on your own policy, that can still influence pricing. Ask your agent. Then compare quotes to see if another carrier treats it better. 

Why did my premium increase when I have a clean record?

Industrywide costs can push rates up. Rising parts and labor, severe weather, area theft trends, and higher medical bills play a role. Personal changes like a move, a new driver, or higher annual miles can also raise risk. Review your policy and shop if needed. 

How much does a first-at-fault accident raise rates on average?

Several recent reports show an average increase near 45%. Although, your number can be lower or higher based on the claim and company rules. Expect the surcharge to last several years, then fade if you stay claim-free.

How long will my insurer pay for a rental car?

Only if you bought rental reimbursement. It pays while your car is in covered repairs, up to daily and total limits listed on your policy. It usually ends when repairs finish or a total loss offer is made. Check your declarations page.