Wyoming Auto Insurance Quotes and Coverage Guide

Wyoming Motor Vehicle Insurance Questions & Answers

Q: Is auto insurance mandatory?

A: Yes. Even though Wyoming has fewer people than any other state in the Union, somehow they still manage run into each other with their vehicles – and some of them are driving uninsured. Wyoming’s mandatory auto liability insurance law is an effort to keep some of these drugstore cowboys off the roads and back on their hobbyhorses by requiring that anyone driving a motor vehicle must satisfy the state’s financial responsibility limits.

Q: Is Wyoming a "tort" state?

A: Yes. In traditional tort liability states, there are no restrictions on lawsuits. This means the other driver can sue your dandy, dude-ranch rear right off for pain and suffering, as well as out-of-pocket medical expenses you caused when you came barreling down the highway in your Geo wearing your ten-gallon hat and ran him off the road.

Q: What type of insurance is required to purchase and maintain a Wyoming tag and registration?

A: Wyoming requires liability insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to the limit for one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and $20,000 for damage or destruction of the property of others when you forget again that you’re NOT Buffalo Bill.

Q: Can I maintain my current policy issued in my previous state of residence?

A: No. If your vehicle is registered in Wyoming, then you must have an insurance policy that is issued through an insurance company licensed to sell in Wyoming. Think: W-y-o-m-i-n-g. Where you live now. Remember?

Q: What if I fail to keep insurance on my vehicle that I’ve registered in Wyoming?

A: A law enforcement officer has the right to request proof of insurance at any time. You do not have to be involved in an accident to be requested to provide proof of insurance. He may just not like the way you look, especially in that ridiculous hat. If you cannot show written proof of financial responsibility, you have seven (7) days to produce such proof. Any person who is convicted of violating this mandate may be fined not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750), imprisoned for not more than six (6) months, or both.

Q: I am having problems finding a company to insure me. What should I do?

A: The Wyoming Automobile Insurance Plan (sometimes called “assigned risk”) assures the availability of coverage for everyone, even drugstore cowboys with really stupid hats. Under this plan, companies write policies for persons not insurable through the regular channels. The qualifications for the plan are:

-- evidence that you have been declined or refused through the regular channels

-- full and honest disclosure on the application

-- a current driver’s license

-- payment of premium

-- satisfactory arrangements for payments owed on any previous auto insurance.

-- a sworn affidavit you’ll get psychiatric treatment for that Buffalo Bill fixation

For more information, any agent licensed to sell automobile insurance can assist you in preparation of the necessary application forms and advise you of the program.

Q: My company has canceled or refused to renew my automobile insurance policy. Is this legal?

A: When a company refuses to renew a private passenger auto insurance policy, it must notify you at least 30 days before your policy expires. In the case of nonpayment of premium, at least 10 days notice must be given – unless your agent actually saw you wearing that hat.

The company may cancel your auto insurance for any reason within the first 60 days of coverage. Once your policy has been in effect for more than 60 days, it can only be canceled for the following reasons:

-- Nonpayment of premium

-- Suspension of license or registration

-- Fraud on the part of the applicant in filling out the application

-- For any reason determined appropriate by the Insurance Commissioner (like refusing to get help for the Buffalo Bill problem) after a hearing thereon within 15 days after notice to the policyholder

No insurer shall exercise its right to cancel a policy (get rid of nuts like you) unless a written notice of cancellation is mailed or delivered to the last known address of the policyholder at least 20 days prior to the effective date of cancellation, except that when cancellation is for nonpayment of premium, the notice shall then be mailed or delivered to the policyholder at the address shown in the policy at least 10 days prior to the effective date of cancellation.