Utah Insurance Claim Deadlines: How Fast Must an Insurer Acknowledge, Decide, and Pay?
General information, not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.
Short answer: Utah's Unfair Property, Liability and Title Claims Settlement Practices rule (Utah Admin. Code R590-190) sets claim-handling clocks for insurers. In general, an insurer must acknowledge a notice of loss within 15 days; give a substantive response within 15 days if you ask for one; complete its investigation and accept or deny within 30 days after receiving a complete proof of loss (unless that can't reasonably be done — then it must say so within 30 days and explain); pay within 30 days of receiving written proof of a covered loss and its amount (with a partial payment due for the portion that's supported); and send status letters every 45 days if the investigation isn't finished, unless you're represented by a lawyer or public adjuster.
Who this guide is for
Utah policyholders and claimants dealing with auto and other property and liability insurers who want to know how long an insurer is allowed to take.
The key clocks
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Acknowledge a notice of loss | 15 days after receipt (not required if the insurer pays within 15 days or reasonably explains why it didn't) |
| Substantive response to a claimant who requests one | 15 days |
| Accept or deny a first-party claim | 30 days after a complete proof of loss, unless the investigation can't reasonably be completed |
| Extension notice | Within 30 days, with reasons, if more time is needed |
| Status updates | Every 45 days if the claim remains open (not required if you have counsel or a public adjuster) |
| Pay the amount owed on a first- or third-party claim | 30 days after the insurer receives written proof of a covered loss and its amount |
| Statute-of-limitations notice (unrepresented claimants) | At least 60 days before the limitation period expires |
The 30-day payment rule has qualifiers: a payment isn't overdue if the insurer has reasonable evidence disputing its responsibility, and if full proof hasn't arrived, a partial amount supported by proof or investigation is still due within 30 days of receipt.
Denials
An insurer must note a denial in the claim file and communicate it in writing. It can't deny a claim based on a policy provision, condition, or exclusion that it doesn't reference in the denial, and it can't refuse to provide a written basis for the denial on request.
Unfair claim practices
The rule lists practices that violate the standard, including:
- refusing to pay a claim without a reasonable investigation;
- failing to pay within 30 days a first- or third-party claim after proof of loss;
- offering a first-party claimant substantially less than the claim's reasonable value as established by an independent source;
- failing to pay a reasonably incurred expense caused by a prohibited delay; and
- failing to pay interest at the legal rate on overdue amounts (other than PIP expenses when due).
PIP has its own deadline
For no-fault PIP benefits, Utah Code § 31A-22-309(5) says benefits are overdue if not paid within 30 days after the insurer receives reasonable proof of the expense and amount. Overdue PIP benefits bear interest at 1½% per month, and if you must sue to recover them, the insurer must pay a reasonable attorney's fee. See Utah's No-Fault Tort Threshold.
What to do when a deadline is missed
- Put your request in writing and keep proof, including the dates you sent proof of loss and follow-ups.
- Ask for the status and the reason for any delay in writing.
- Keep a log of calls, who you spoke with, and what was said.
- File a complaint with the Utah Insurance Department's Property & Casualty Division if the insurer isn't following the rule: the Department handles disputes about claim handling.
- Talk to an attorney about breach-of-contract and bad-faith remedies. See Utah Insurance Bad Faith Claims.
What these deadlines don't do
They don't force an insurer to pay a claim it reasonably disputes, and they don't extend your own statute of limitations. Keep the claim deadlines separate from your deadline to sue: see Utah Personal Injury Statute of Limitations. Insurance rules are amended from time to time, so confirm the current text when you rely on a specific day count.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an insurer have to respond to my claim in Utah?
Acknowledge within 15 days and give a substantive response within 15 days if requested; decide within 30 days after complete proof of loss, unless it can't reasonably do so.
How long does an insurer have to pay?
Within 30 days after receiving written proof of a covered loss and its amount, unless it has reasonable evidence disputing responsibility.
What if my insurer denies my claim?
It must communicate the denial in writing and reference the provision, condition, or exclusion it relies on.
Does the rule apply to the other driver's insurer?
The 30-day payment rule covers first- and third-party claims; other provisions distinguish first-party claimants.