Wyoming Auto Insurance Laws, Minimums, Requirements

What mandatory auto insurance laws exist in the state of Wyoming?

• In the state of Wyoming, anyone that operates a motor vehicle on Wyoming roads and highways must carry auto insurance.
• The minimum levels of liability required by Wyoming law are $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage.
• Before you can register a vehicle in the state of Wyoming, you will need to provide proof of coverage.
• All Wyoming motorists must carry proof of liability coverage at all times.
• Driving without insurance in the state of Wyoming is a misdemeanor. If you get caught driving without insurance, you will have to pay a minimum fine of $250 up to a maximum of $750. In some cases, jail time might be required. For second offenses, you will have to pay anywhere from $500 up to $1,500, and you could also go to jail. 

What is the Minimum Liability Coverage (Bodily Injury amounts per person, per accident, and property damage amounts):

If you buy automobile insurance in Wyoming, your policy must include minimum liability coverage of:

$25,000 per person for bodily injury,
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury,
and
$20,000 for property damage

What are the Rental Car Insurance Requirements?

In the state of Wyoming, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle without auto insurance. This includes rental cars. Rental cars must carry the minimum liability coverages required by Wyoming law. It is important to keep in mind that most Wyoming auto insurance policies include car rentals. Most credit cards cover car rentals as well, so be sure to check your auto insurance policy and/or check with your credit card issuer. If you find that your credit card and/or auto insurance policy do not cover rental cars, you must purchase car rental insurance from the car rental company. It typically costs an extra $7-$14 a day.

What are the rules pertaining to Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage is not required in the state of Wyoming. Because Wyoming is a Tort state, most insurance companies recommend that driver’s consider carrying higher coverages than the state minimums. 

What are the rules pertaining to the exclusion from coverage of a driver living in household?

In the state of Wyoming, it is legal to exclude a member of your household from your policy. It is also legal for your auto insurance company to write a policy that excludes household members that may be considered high-risk due to driving history, etc. These exclusions are listed in the exclusions section of the policy, which also includes a list of all possible circumstances that would free the insurance company from the responsibility of paying a claim. Because a household exclusion means that the excluded person will not be covered under any circumstances, including emergencies, it is extremely important to examine your auto insurance policy carefully before signing on the dotted line.

What are the rules regarding whether a driver has prior insurance? That is, how does state law handle it if a driver has no prior insurance or has let their previous insurance lapse?

If you allow your auto insurance to lapse in the state of Wyoming, the insurance company is required to notify the Wyoming DMV. Once notified, the Wyoming DMV will suspend your license almost immediately. If your license is suspended, you will be required to submit proof of financial responsibility (an SR-22 insurance certificate) and pay a $50 reinstatement fee. The SR22 will be required for a period of 3 years from the start date of the suspension. Failure to maintain proof of insurance for a 3-year period will result in the re-suspension of your driving privilege.

What are the rules and guidelines auto insurance companies must follow regarding the use of Personal Credit History in selecting applicants and setting rates?

In the state of Wyoming, it is legal for auto insurers to use Personal Credit History to help determine which products they will offer as well as rates. Your Personal Credit History may also be used to determine whether you will be making monthly or quarterly payments or if you will be required to pay the entire premium upfront. Personal Credit History is also used to create an “insurance risk score.” This score also helps determine your auto insurance rates. In order to enjoy a lower insurance premium, pay your bills on time in an effort to improve your score. This will also help improve your credit history so that in the long run, you can save money on your car insurance premium. That said, Personal Credit History is not the only assessment tool Wyoming auto insurance companies may use. They also consider age, gender, where you live, car make and model, how much you drive, and driving record.

Is the state a No Fault or Tort state? What does either mean to the policy owner?

The state of Wyoming follows a Tort System. What this means is, if you are involved in an accident, someone must be found to be the cause or fault of the accident. The person deemed at fault is responsible for all damages. Damages are usually handled through the at-fault person's insurance company. Because Wyoming is a Tort state, most insurance companies recommend that driver’s consider carrying higher coverages than the state minimums. 

What is the average auto insurance premium in this state? As of what year?

As of 2006, Wyoming resident’s average insurance premium was approximately $639, the 41st most expensive in the nation. This was down 0.2% from the previous year. The national average was $817.

Sources

Insurance Information Institute

Wyoming Insurance Department