What to Expect After You File an Insurance Claim in Utah

If you submitted a claim to your insurer in Utah, the insurer will move through a sequence of steps before paying, partially paying, or denying the claim. The process aims to determine coverage, the amount owed under the policy, and whether the insurer must pay. Below is a clear, step-by-step explanation of the typical process, how Utah law affects it, and practical tips to protect your rights.

Detailed answer: Typical steps after you submit a claim

1. Acknowledgement and claim intake

After you report the loss, the insurer usually sends an acknowledgement and assigns a claim number. This communication often includes the adjuster’s name and contact details. Keep the claim number and any confirmation for your records.

2. Assignment of an adjuster and initial contact

An adjuster (staff or independent) will contact you to gather facts. Expect questions about how the loss happened, a list of damaged items, and documentation requests (photos, receipts, police reports). Be factual and keep copies of everything you send.

3. Investigation

The insurer will investigate coverage and cause. That investigation may include:

• Reviewing your policy language to determine whether the loss is covered.
• Inspecting the damaged property (in-person or virtual inspection).
• Requesting estimates, repair bills, inventories, or third-party reports.
• Interviewing witnesses or consulting experts when necessary.

4. Reservation-of-rights, coverage positions, and requests for more information

If the insurer has coverage questions, it may issue a reservation-of-rights letter saying it will investigate further but reserves the right to deny coverage later. Insurers also may request additional documentation. Respond quickly to avoid delays.

5. Coverage decision and payment or denial

After investigation the insurer will either:

• Accept the claim and pay all covered amounts (often after you accept an estimate or provide invoices).
• Make a partial payment (for covered items) and deny other items as excluded or not covered.
• Deny the claim in full with a written explanation of the reasons.

If the claim is covered, you may see payments for actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost value, depending on your policy terms and whether you meet any conditions for replacement-cost reimbursement (such as completing repairs).

6. Repairs, depreciation, and supplemental payments

Insurers may issue an initial payment that accounts for depreciation. After you repair or replace items and submit paid invoices, the insurer may issue a supplemental payment for recoverable depreciation if your policy provides replacement-cost coverage.

7. Salvage, subrogation, and third-party claims

If a third party caused your loss, the insurer may pursue subrogation against that party to recover payments. The insurer might also seek to retain salvage (damaged property) as part of settlement terms.

8. Denials, appeals, and dispute resolution

If the insurer denies or underpays your claim, you should request the denial in writing and review the denial letter and your policy. You can:

• Ask the insurer for a written explanation and the evidence supporting the denial.
• File a complaint with the Utah Insurance Department (consumer assistance and complaint handling).
• Consider mediation, appraisal (if your policy contains an appraisal clause), or hiring a Utah-licensed attorney to discuss administrative or court remedies.

9. Timeframes and Utah law

Utah’s insurance code requires insurers to handle claims promptly and in good faith under the Utah Insurance Code (Title 31A). See Utah Insurance Code, Title 31A: https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title31A/31A.html. For consumer guidance and complaint options, consult the Utah Insurance Department: https://insurance.utah.gov.

10. When to consult an attorney

Talk to a Utah-licensed attorney if:

• Your claim is wrongfully denied or underpaid and internal appeals fail.
• The insurer engages in practices that may be bad faith.
• Your loss involves large or complex damages, legal liability exposure, or disputed causation.

An attorney can explain statutory remedies, contractual rights, and whether you have a viable claim against the insurer for bad faith or breach of contract.

Helpful hints

• Document everything. Take dated photos, keep receipts, and save emails and text messages.
• Get the claim number and adjuster’s contact info, and log every phone call (date, time, who you spoke with, summary).
• Read your insurance policy carefully to understand coverage limits, exclusions, deductibles, and any duties you must meet after a loss.
• Provide requested documents promptly. Delays can slow or jeopardize your claim.
• Ask for written explanations for denials or partial payments. Written reasons are required for a clear record.
• Keep separate copies of estimates and repair invoices; do not sign releases unless you understand the settlement terms.
• If the insurer delays unreasonably or you suspect bad faith, contact the Utah Insurance Department for guidance and consider legal counsel.

Important contacts and next steps

Utah Insurance Department — for consumer help and to file a complaint: https://insurance.utah.gov.

Utah Legislature — Utah Insurance Code (Title 31A): https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title31A/31A.html.

Disclaimer: This article explains general procedure under Utah law and is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For specific legal advice about your claim, consult a licensed attorney in Utah.