When dealing with auto insurance in Utah, one question that often arises is whether insurance claims are public records. What you need to deal with after a car accident in Utah can be challenging, and understanding what details about your auto insurance claim may become public can be crucial to safeguarding your privacy. 

That’s why Craig Swapp & Associates, a personal injury law firm in Utah, will help you better understand what it means for information to be considered a public record, the privacy of auto insurance claims, and any exceptions in Utah insurance law.

What Does It Mean to Be Considered Public Record?

In general, public records are documents or pieces of information that can be accessed by the public. These records are typically kept by government entities, making them available to anyone interested in obtaining them. 

Public records may include court filings, arrest records, or official business filings, and they play an important role in maintaining transparency in various sectors, including government and public safety.

However, not all documents are public. Many records contain personal or sensitive information that is protected under state and federal privacy laws. 

For example, personal medical records,  and some insurance details are often not available for public view. This distinction is particularly important for individuals dealing with auto insurance claims in Utah.

Insurance Industry Public Record

In the insurance industry, there are certain aspects that can be public, particularly when it comes to general information about insurance companies and their operations. 

  • Rates: Insurance rates are often considered public information. Utah’s insurance department makes general rate filings available to the public so that consumers can compare costs between insurance companies. These rate filings provide transparency and allow consumers to make informed decisions about auto insurance in Utah.
  • Rules: Insurance company rules, such as the guidelines they use to determine policyholder rates and coverage, are also often available as public records. These records ensure that the companies are adhering to state laws and maintaining fair practices across the industry.
  • Forms: Forms that insurance companies file with the state to comply with regulations are generally part of the public record as well. These may include policy forms or other official documents that an insurance company must file with the Utah Department of Insurance.

Privacy of Utah Auto Insurance Claims 

Although there are aspects of insurance that fall under public records, auto insurance claims themselves are generally private. This means that if you are involved in a car accident and file an auto insurance claim with your insurance company, the details of that claim are not automatically available to the general public. Unlike court records, which are often public, insurance claims contain sensitive personal and financial information that is typically safeguarded by privacy laws.

The privacy of insurance claims is designed to protect policyholders from having their personal information exposed without consent. It ensures that sensitive details, such as your medical treatment or financial losses, remain confidential. Thus, in most cases, insurance claims filed in Utah do not become part of the public domain.

Cases When Auto Insurance Claims Become Public in Utah 

While auto insurance claims are typically private, there are certain situations in which they may become accessible to the public:

  • Legal Proceedings: If your auto insurance claim results in a lawsuit, parts of the claim may become public as part of the legal process. For example, if an insurance claim dispute goes to court, the information presented may be entered into the court’s public records. In Utah, court records are typically public unless they are sealed for specific reasons.
  • Subpoenas: In some cases, insurance claims may be disclosed if they are subpoenaed as part of a legal investigation. If law enforcement or another authority requests the information as part of a criminal or civil investigation, your claim details could be disclosed, even if they are normally considered private.

These exceptions highlight the importance of understanding your rights and obligations when filing an insurance claim. It’s always best to discuss any privacy concerns you have about your claim with a knowledgeable Utah accident attorney.

Talk to Our Utah Accident Attorneys About Your Claim

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Utah and are concerned about your privacy rights when filing an insurance claim, Craig Swapp and Associates is here to help. Our accident attorneys in Utah understand the complexities of the legal process and can provide the guidance you need to protect your rights.

Dealing with auto insurance claims can be stressful, especially when privacy concerns come into play. Our attorneys will work closely with you to ensure that your information remains protected and that you get the compensation you deserve. 

Whether you’re worried about whether your claim might become a public record or you need help filing your auto insurance claim, we are here for you every step of the way. Let us help you navigate the process and answer any questions you have about privacy, insurance claims, and your legal rights. 

Get the legal representation you need as soon as possible when going through an insurance claim after your accident in Utah. Call us today at 1-866-308-3822 or answer our online form to schedule your free consultation.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp