Wyoming Auto Insurance Laws
Auto Insurance Laws and Trends in WY
Wyoming requires all motorists to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to protect them against financial losses incurred in an accident where they are deemed to be responsible. Liability insurance includes coverage for bodily injury and property damages.
Optional insurance coverage includes collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection, and under/uninsured motorist coverage. A driver will choose to purchase this coverage if they have a newer vehicle, especially if it is financed or leased.
Driving without insurance in Wyoming
If a motorist decides to drive without insurance, he or she faces hefty fines and possible suspension of driving privileges. For the first offense, drivers face a fine of $250 to $750 and possible jail time. If they commit a second offense, the monetary penalty can rise between $500 - $1500 and possible jail time. In fact, you have a high risk of getting caught without insurance in Wyoming, because it's one of the two states in the country that use a real-time auto insurance data system – so the moment you're pulled over, the police officer will know whether or not you're covered. Despite these stiff penalties 9% of drivers in Wyoming choose to remain uninsured.
Considerations from the Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation has been trying to promote road safety and help lessen the amount of vehicular injuries and deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, airbags can reduce traffic deaths by 30% per year. In some cases , however, airbags can prove to be dangerous and even fatal to small children, small adults, and elderly people. If they deploy, they could cause severe head and chest injuries.
Airbags are often stolen from vehicles and sold by the thieves. This is why comprehensive insurance is important to purchase. Not only does comprehensive insurance cover theft, it also covers vandalism, fire, and animal collision.
Auto insurance rates in Wyoming
Wyoming enjoys having one of the lowest insurance rates in the country. They are rated number 41 out of all 50 states. The average premium in Wyoming is $639 per year and the national average is $817 per year.