What is the difference of Liability only and full coverage car insurance?
When you’re shopping for cheap car insurance in Utah—especially around Ogden, Layton, and the rest of Weber and Davis counties—you’ll quickly see two common options: liability-only and full coverage. Understanding the difference can save you money now and protect you from major financial headaches later.
Below is a clear breakdown of both, with a focus on helping Utah drivers decide what makes sense for their budget and situation.
What Is Liability-Only Car Insurance?
Liability-only car insurance is the minimum type of coverage you need to legally drive in Utah. It does not cover damage to your own car. Instead, it protects you if you cause an accident and hurt someone or damage their property.
Utah’s minimum liability limits
Utah law now requires at least:
- $30,000 bodily injury per person
- $65,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage per accident
You’ll often see this written as 30/65/25.
Utah also requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which helps pay for your medical expenses and certain other costs after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault.

What liability-only typically covers
- Bodily injury liability: Medical bills, lost wages, and legal fees for other people if you’re at fault.
- Property damage liability: Repairs or replacement for the other party’s vehicle or property (like a fence or mailbox).
- PIP (Personal Injury Protection): Your medical expenses and some related costs, up to policy limits.
What liability-only does not cover
Liability-only does not pay for:
- Repairs to your own car after an accident you cause
- Theft, vandalism, or weather damage to your vehicle
- Hitting an animal
- Many forms of uninsured/underinsured motorist protection (unless added)
This is why liability-only is usually the cheapest car insurance option in Utah—but also the one with the least protection for your own vehicle.
What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance?
“Full coverage” isn’t a single policy; it’s a bundle of coverages that usually includes:
- Liability coverage (required by Utah)
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
Most Utah drivers think of full coverage as a package that protects your car as well as other people’s.
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car after:
- An accident you cause
- A hit-and-run (depending on your policy)
- A collision with another vehicle or object (pole, guardrail, building, etc.)
Comprehensive coverage
Pays for damage to your car from events other than a collision, such as:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Hail and windstorms
- Falling objects
- Hitting an animal (like a deer on I‑15 near Ogden or Layton)
Optional protections often paired with full coverage
Depending on the insurance company, your full coverage package in Utah may also include or offer:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
- Roadside assistance
- Rental car coverage while your vehicle is being repaired
Liability-Only vs Full Coverage: Key Differences
1. Cost
- Liability-only:
- Usually the cheapest car insurance option in Utah.
- Popular with drivers who need cheap car insurance in Ogden, Layton, or surrounding areas and have an older car.
- Full coverage:
- Costs more per month, often significantly.
- But can save you thousands if your car is damaged, stolen, or totaled.
If your goal is cheap car insurance, liability-only will almost always beat full coverage in monthly price. But cost isn’t the only factor you should consider.
2. Protection for your own car
- Liability-only:
- No protection for your vehicle if you cause an accident.
- If your car is totaled and you’re at fault, you’re paying out of pocket or going without a vehicle.
- Full coverage:
- Helps pay to repair or replace your car after many types of incidents, even if you caused the crash.
- Critical if you can’t easily afford to replace your vehicle on your own.
For newer vehicles financed through a bank or credit union, full coverage is often required by the lender.
3. Risk vs. Savings
Choosing liability-only can be smart if:
- You drive an older, low-value car (for example, worth less than $3,000–$5,000).
- You have savings and could afford to repair or replace your vehicle yourself.
- You’re focused on cheap car insurance in Utah and keeping monthly costs as low as possible.
Full coverage is usually smarter if:
- Your car is newer, financed, or leased.
- You rely heavily on your vehicle for commuting in or around Ogden, Layton, Clearfield, Syracuse, or Kaysville.
- You couldn’t easily afford to buy another car if yours were totaled.
How Utah-Specific Factors Affect Your Choice
Utah is a no-fault state
Because Utah is a no-fault state, your own PIP coverage helps pay for your initial medical expenses, regardless of who causes the accident. This doesn’t replace the need for liability or full coverage—it just changes how early medical bills get paid.
Weather and road conditions
Northern Utah, including Ogden and Layton, gets snow, ice, and winter storms. That means:
- Higher chance of sliding, fender-benders, and multi-car accidents.
- More risk of comprehensive claims (hail, falling branches, etc.).
If you drive daily on I‑15, US‑89, or local canyon roads, full coverage can offer valuable extra protection.
Finding Cheap Car Insurance in Ogden and Layton
You don’t necessarily have to choose between cheap car insurance and solid protection. To keep your Utah car insurance affordable—whether you go liability-only or full coverage—consider:
- Compare multiple quotes
Rates for cheap car insurance in Ogden and Layton can vary a lot by company. A quick comparison can reveal big savings. - Adjust your deductibles
- Higher deductibles (for collision/comprehensive) = lower monthly payment.
- Just be sure you can afford the deductible if you have a claim.
- Ask about discounts
Many Utah insurers offer discounts for:
- Safe driving record
- Bundling auto and home/renters
- Good student discounts for teens
- Usage-based or telematics programs
- Match coverage to your car’s value
- If your car is older and not worth much, liability-only might be reasonable.
- If you drive a newer vehicle around Ogden or Layton, full coverage is usually worth the extra cost.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose liability-only if:
- Your car is older or low-value
- You’re focused on getting cheap car insurance in Utah
- You can afford to repair or replace your vehicle yourself if something happens
Choose full coverage if:
- Your car is newer, financed, or leased
- You drive frequently in Ogden, Layton, or along busy Utah highways
- You want maximum protection for both other drivers and your own vehicle
Final Thoughts
When you’re comparing cheap car insurance in Ogden, Layton, or anywhere else in Utah, don’t just look at the monthly price. Think about:
- The value of your car
- How much you drive
- How much risk you’re comfortable taking on
Liability-only may be the cheapest option, but full coverage often provides the best financial protection—especially if you rely on your car every day. The right balance for you is the one that keeps your premiums manageable while still protecting your wallet from a major loss.




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