Getting Around

By Car

Driving yourself is the best way to get around Utah; in fact, it's the only way to get to many destinations. However, visitors who plan to drive their own cars in Utah will find that steep mountain roads can put a severe strain on their vehicles, particularly on the cooling and braking systems. Tires rated for mud and snow are needed in most regions in winter and are required on roads leading to some major ski areas from November through March. Also keep in mind that Utah is a big state; it's a 5-hour drive from Salt Lake City to St. George, and it can easily take 6 or 7 hours to get from St. George to Moab.

Car-Rental Agencies -- Car rentals are available in every sizable town and city in the state, and almost always at local airports. Widely represented agencies include Advantage (tel. 800/777-5500 or 801/531-1199), Alamo (tel. 800/327-9633 or 801/575-2211), Avis (tel. 800/331-1212 or 801/575-2847), Budget (tel. 800/527-0700 or 801/575-2500), Dollar (tel. 800/800-4000 or 801/575-2580), Enterprise (tel. 800/325-8007 or 801/537-7433), Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131 or 801/575-2683), and National (tel. 800/227-7368 or 801/575-2277).

Insurance -- Before you drive off in a rental car, be sure that you're insured. If you already hold a private auto insurance policy, you're most likely covered in the United States for loss of or damage to a rental car, and liability in case of injury to any other party involved in an accident. Be sure to find out whether you are covered in the area you are visiting and whether the type of car you're renting is included under your contract.

Many major credit cards provide some degree of coverage as well -- provided they were used to pay for the rental. Call your credit card company for exact terms.

If you are uninsured, your credit card may provide primary coverage as long as you decline the rental agency's insurance. This means that the credit card will cover damage or theft of a rental car for the full cost of the vehicle. (In a few states, however, theft is not covered.)

Credit cards will not cover liability, or the cost of injury to an outside party and/or damage to an outside party's vehicle. If you do not hold an insurance policy, you may want to seriously consider purchasing additional liability insurance from your rental company. Be sure to check the terms, however; some agencies only cover liability if the renter is not at fault.

The basic insurance coverage offered by most rental companies, known as the Loss/Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), usually covers the full value of the vehicle with no deductible if an outside party causes an accident or other damage to the rental car. Liability coverage varies according to the company policy and state law, but the minimum is usually at least $15,000. If you are at fault in an accident, however, you will be covered for the full replacement value of the car but not for liability.

Driving Rules -- Utah law requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance as well as a valid driver's license. Safety belts are required for drivers and all front-seat passengers; restraints are required for all children under 10, regardless of where they are sitting. Children under the age of 2 are required to be in federally approved safety seats. Helmet use is mandatory for motorcyclists and their passengers under the age of 18. Radar detectors are permitted.

Maps -- You can get an official state highway map at State Welcome Centers or by mail. Otherwise, maps are available at bookstores, gas stations, or from AAA if you're a member. State Welcome Centers are located along I-15 near Brigham City and St. George, along I-80 near Echo Junction, along I-70 near Thompson Springs, and on U.S. 40 in Jensen (near Vernal).

Roadside Assistance -- In case of an accident or road emergency, call tel. 911, or AAA if you're a member.