Detailed answer — what to expect and why timelines vary

When you send a demand package to an insurance company in Utah, the insurer typically moves through several steps before making an initial offer. Each step affects timing:

• Receipt and logging (0–7 days). Most insurers acknowledge receipt promptly. That acknowledgement may be by mail, email, or phone.
• Investigation (7–30+ days). The insurer reviews police reports, medical records, bills, wage-loss documentation, photos, and any statements. If records are missing, they will request them — which extends the timeline.
• Medical treatment timeline (variable). If your injuries require ongoing treatment, the insurer often waits until your condition stabilizes (reaches maximum medical improvement) before making a full evaluation. That can add weeks or months.
• Coverage and liability issues (7–60 days+). If liability is clear, evaluation is faster. If coverage questions or comparative negligence arise, the insurer may need more time or issue a reservation of rights.
• Valuation and internal review (14–60 days). Adjusters prepare a valuation, consult claims supervisors or legal teams for significant claims, and then approve an initial offer. Higher-value claims take longer due to additional approvals.
• Initial offer or denial (30–90+ days). Many straightforward claims lead to an offer within 30 days; more complex claims often take 60–90 days. If the insurer cannot complete its review quickly, it should communicate status and requests for more info.

Because timelines vary, it’s reasonable to set expectations in your demand letter (for example, requesting a written response within 30 days) and to follow up if you don’t hear back.

Utah law and regulatory remedies

Utah’s insurance rules address unfair claim practices. If an insurer repeatedly delays, fails to communicate, or otherwise handles a claim unreasonably, you can file a complaint with the Utah Insurance Department and potentially raise an unfair-claims-practice claim. See Utah Code Title 31A, Chapter 26: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title31A/Chapter26/31A-26.html. For consumer help and complaint procedures, visit the Utah Insurance Department’s consumer pages: https://insurance.utah.gov/consumer.

When delay may mean you should consult an attorney

Consider talking to an attorney if:

• You don’t receive any acknowledgement or substantive response after repeated follow-ups.
• The insurer requests repeated documents you already provided or unreasonably delays further evaluation.
• The insurer denies coverage or frequently lowballs serious injury claims.
• The claim is high-value, or you risk long-term consequences from a low settlement.

Sample timeline (hypothetical)

Below is a realistic timeline for a typical personal-injury demand:

1. Day 0: Demand packet mailed and emailed to insurer.
2. Day 1–7: Acknowledgement received; adjuster assigned.
3. Day 7–30: Adjuster reviews file, requests additional records or authorizations.
4. Day 30–45: Adjuster completes valuation based on records available; may make an initial offer or request a medical status update.
5. Day 45–90: If negotiations continue or more documentation arrives, insurer may update its offer or deny. At this point consider escalation or counsel if response is unsatisfactory.
6. Beyond 90 days: Expect prolonged investigation only for complex claims; otherwise you may complain to the Utah Insurance Department or consider filing suit if appropriate.

If the insurer delays or makes a low initial offer

Don’t panic. Steps you can take:

• Send a concise follow-up documenting when you sent the demand and asking for a date when you can expect a response.
• Provide any missing records promptly (medical records, wage statements, receipts).
• Consider a short deadline for response (commonly 30 days) and say you will explore other options if there’s no adequate response.
• If the insurer’s conduct looks unfair under Utah’s rules, file a complaint with the Utah Insurance Department: https://insurance.utah.gov/consumer.
• If the offer is a lowball, submit a reasoned counter-demand with supporting documentation; if settlement stalls, consult a lawyer about next steps including litigation.

Helpful Hints

• Include a clear demand letter that states your settlement number, a concise factual summary, your settlement demand with a numeric deadline (e.g., 30 days), and a damage breakdown (medical bills, future treatment estimate, lost wages, pain and suffering).
• Attach organized supporting documents: itemized medical bills, medical records or a signed authorization, repair estimates, wage documentation, photos, and the police report if applicable.
• Ask for written acknowledgement and an expected timeline in your demand letter.
• Keep a communications log: dates, names, and summaries of each call or email with the insurer.
• Respond quickly to requests for records — delays often extend the insurer’s timeline.
• If treatment is ongoing, supply periodic medical updates and clearly label them as supplemental to the original demand.
• Set realistic expectations: simple claims can resolve quickly; complicated injury or liability disputes can take months.
• If negotiations stall or the insurer engages in unfair practices, consider contacting an attorney experienced in insurance claims in Utah and/or filing a complaint with the Utah Insurance Department: https://insurance.utah.gov/consumer.