Utah Property Damage Claims: What to Expect After a Car Accident

Utah Property Damage: Timeline for Car Repairs After a Car Accident

If you’re dealing with Utah property damage after a car accident, you might be wondering how long it will take before your car is repaired or replaced. In Utah, the property damage claims process often takes at least one month from start to finish, especially when dealing with large insurance companies. Here’s a breakdown of each step involved and what to expect.

1. Delays Due to Large Insurance Companies

Many Utah property damage claims are processed by large insurance companies, where adjusters may handle 50 to 100 claims at any given time. This workload often results in delays, even if you have a personal injury attorney pushing for a faster resolution. On average, it takes at least 30 days to process a car accident property damage claim.

2. Initial Adjuster Interview

The first step is a recorded interview with the insurance adjuster to determine fault. If you have full coverage (collision insurance), your own insurance company will start the repair or replacement process regardless of fault. However, if you only have liability coverage, the two involved insurance companies must determine who was at fault. This determination can take 7 to 30 days, during which you may be without a rental car unless you pay for it yourself.

3. Obtaining the Police Report

The police report is a critical part of any Utah property damage claim and is necessary for determining fault. Typically, police reports are not available until 10 days after the collision, and insurance companies often delay fault determinations until they receive it. While picking up the report in person can speed things up, this step often contributes to overall delays.

4. Car Inspection by the Insurance Company

Next, the at-fault insurance company usually sends an inspector to review and document the car’s damage. This inspection is necessary to determine fault and estimate the vehicle’s value. Getting an adjuster out to the wrecking yard or storage facility can take time, so encouraging the insurer to expedite this step may help keep things on track.

5. Valuation of the Car Damage

Once fault is determined, the insurance company will proceed with the valuation of the damage. In Utah, property damage valuations consider the car’s make, model, year, mileage, and condition. If the car is totaled, the insurance company will issue a check based on their valuation. However, this step cannot begin until the adjuster interview and police report have been completed.

6. Dealing with Lowball Offers

Lowball offers from insurance companies are common in Utah property damage claims. Disputing a low valuation can take time, further delaying your car’s repair or replacement. Additionally, insurance companies may refuse to cover rental costs or storage fees at wrecking yards, which can add to your expenses during this period. Negotiating for fair compensation is often necessary but can prolong the overall timeline.

Get Help with Your Utah Property Damage Claim

Navigating a Utah property damage claim after a car accident can be challenging. Many personal injury attorneys don’t handle property damage claims, but Attorney Jacob S. Gunter provides full support, assisting clients with both personal injury and property damage claims to ensure they receive fair compensation.

For experienced legal help with your property damage, call Jacob S. Gunter at (801) 373-6345 for a free consultation today.

Learn More About Utah Accident Lawyer Jake Gunter Jacob S. Gunter | Personal Injury Attorney in Provo

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