Car Insurance in Sheridan, WY

Experts break down auto insurance costs, coverages, companies, and more for drivers in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Written by Meg Stefanac
Written by Meg Stefanac

Financial blogger and business owner, Meg Stefanac, has more than 15 years experience working in the financial services industry and enjoys helping individuals make solid financial decisions. Meg has extensive experience writing about insurance and finances and is a key contributor to TrustedChoice.com.

Reviewer: Jeffrey Green Reviewed by Jeffrey Green
Reviewer: Jeffrey Green
Reviewed by Jeffrey Green

Jeff Green has held a variety of sales and management roles at life insurance companies, Wall street firms, and distribution organizations over his 40-year career.  He was previously Finra 7,24,66 registered and held life insurance licenses in multiple states. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University.

Updated
Couple on the Road Trip in Car with Large Sunroof. How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Sheridan, WY.

Wyoming law requires vehicle owners in Sheridan to carry car insurance. A good auto insurance policy can save you from facing large financial losses in the wake of an accident, whether you cause a multi-car collision on I-90, get rear-ended at a red light on Main Street, or have a fender-bender in a parking lot.

Finding the best and most affordable coverage is easy when you work with a local independent agent. These agents can help you obtain and compare customized quotes from some of the area's most highly rated car insurance companies. Talk to an independent insurance agent near you to get started.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Sheridan, WY?

The average cost of car insurance in Wyoming is slightly higher than the national average rate. However, prices tend to be lower in Sheridan. This is great news for area drivers who are looking for an affordable policy.

  • National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
  • Wyoming's average annual car insurance cost: $1,371
  • Sheridan's average annual car insurance cost: $1,191

Car insurance costs can vary from one driver to the next because they are based on several factors such as:

  • Your vehicle's make, model, year, condition, and value
  • Your age, gender, occupation, marital status, and driving record
  • Information about any other licensed drivers in your household
  • The collision and property crime rate in the vicinity of your home
  • Whether you own or rent your home
  • The amount and types of coverage you are purchasing
  • The size of your deductible

In many cases, you can earn considerable rate reductions if you bundle your car insurance with other policies like home insurance or renters insurance. Additional discount opportunities are usually available, such as lower rates for safe drivers, US military service members, and good students.

A good insurance agent will ensure that you get your coverage at a competitive price and that you receive all available car insurance discounts for which you qualify.

Is Car Insurance Required in Sheridan, WY?

To comply with Wyoming law, vehicle owners in Sheridan must carry a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state's minimum coverage requirements. This means you must have a policy that includes:

  • Auto liability insurance: This covers other people's property damage and medical bills if you are at fault for a collision. Your policy must provide at least:
    • $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
    • $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
    • $20,000 in property damage liability per accident

The costs associated with accidents that involve excessive property damage or serious injuries can easily exceed what a minimum coverage policy can handle. Therefore, many Sheridan drivers opt to purchase car insurance with higher liability limits than the state requires.

If you want even more liability coverage than your car insurance company can provide, you can also purchase an umbrella insurance policy. This secondary coverage enables you to boost all of your personal liability coverage affordably.

Additionally, although it is not required by law, if you are leasing or financing your car, your dealership or lender will most likely require you to include physical damage coverage in your car insurance policy. Physical damage insurance includes:

  • Collision insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.

Physical damage coverage becomes optional once you have paid off your car loan or bought out your lease.

What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Sheridan, WY?

In addition to the coverage mentioned above, car insurance companies offer various coverage options. Here are some options you may want to consider including in your auto insurance policy:

  • Medical payments insurance: This helps to cover the cost of medical treatments if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. It can cover the expenses that your health insurance may not, such as ambulance rides, deductibles, and copays.
  • Uninsured motorist insurance: This covers property damage and medical treatments for you and your passengers if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.
  • Glass replacement insurance: This can cover the cost of replacing the safety glass in your car's windshield, windows, or sunroof if it is cracked, shattered, or otherwise damaged.
  • Roadside assistance and towing insurance: This covers service costs if your car breaks down, such as if your engine overheats, your alternator fails, or you get a flat tire.
  • Gap insurance: This can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event and you still owe more than it is worth.
  • Rental car reimbursement insurance: This covers the cost of renting a car while you are having your own repaired for damage sustained in a covered event.

A local independent agent can help you review coverage details and costs for all your available options. That way, you can determine which, if any, are a good fit for you and your family.

car

Save on Car Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Sheridan, WY?

In Wyoming, driving without insurance is illegal. If caught, you can face consequences that include:

  • A misdemeanor conviction on your record
  • A fine of $250 to $1,500
  • The suspension of your driving privileges until you provide proof of insurance
  • A reinstatement fee of $50 to get your driving privileges back
  • The possibility of up to six months in jail
  • The requirement to maintain an SR-22 proof of coverage with the Wyoming Department of Transportation for three years
  • Higher car insurance rates

The good news is that the uninsured driver rate in Wyoming is significantly lower than the national rate.

  • Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
  • Percentage of Wyoming drivers who are uninsured: 7.8%

If you are in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, that person is responsible for compensating you and your passengers for any property damage and injuries you may have sustained. However, this money can often be challenging to collect, especially if the at-fault driver has no assets to go after.

Uninsured motorist insurance was created as a solution to this problem. It ensures that you can quickly receive the compensation you are due without the need to go through lengthy legal channels. Learn more about this optional coverage by talking to an independent insurance agent.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Sheridan, WY?

The auto theft rate in Wyoming is slightly lower than the national rate, and in Sheridan, the rate is much lower. This is not to say the risk does not exist. Residents of this city report around 16 stolen vehicles a year.

  • National auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.29
  • Wyoming auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.12
  • Sheridan auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 0.89

Even though your risk is low, you should know that you can only be compensated for a stolen vehicle if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. If you are financing or leasing your car, you probably have this optional coverage already.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Sheridan, WY?

The best car insurance companies in Wyoming are those that have a long history of responsive customer service, reliable coverage, rapid claims processing, and affordable rates.

Independent insurance agents in Sheridan have teamed up with some of the area's leading insurance providers. This lets you be sure that any policies your agent recommends are offered by insurance companies you can rely on if you ever need to file a claim.

How Can an Independent Agent in Sheridan, WY Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance Policy?

Independent insurance agents are available to help you find the best auto insurance to meet your coverage and budgetary needs. These agents work for you, not for a particular insurance company, so they are free to shop around to find you the coverage you want at the most competitive price.

Arrange an obligation-free consultation with an independent insurance agent near you to get more information. You can soon be comparing customized car insurance quotes from some of Wyoming's most highly rated insurance companies.

Share this page on Twitter Share this page on Facebook Share this page on LinkedIn

http://www.rmiia.org/auto/steering_through_your_auto_policy/Auto_Insurance_Wyoming_Requirements.asp

https://www.city-data.com/city/Sheridan-Wyoming.html