Frequently Asked Questions

Your agent is able to make any type of changes to your policy that you need, whether it be adding a new teen driver to an existing policy, or removing someone from your coverage who is no longer in your household.

Your agent is able to add, remove or edit a vehicle on your policy. When buying a new car, we insure all of your existing vehicles you are covered for up to 14 days. During those 14 days your new car will have the same coverage as the existing vehicle on your policy with the highest coverage limits.

Your policy may or may not include rental car coverage. Ask your agent or check your coverage online on our Customer Site.

If your windshield can be repaired we will pay to get it fixed. Windshield replacement is covered under your auto policy, after the deductible is paid.

Your insurance card (a.k.a. your insurance identification card or proof of insurance card) can be found at any time by logging into Customer Site. From there you can print your insurance card and place it in your vehicle. If you have trouble accessing the site, please contact your agent directly or call us at 801-267-5000 and we can mail, email or text you a copy.

Keep a clean driving record, don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or while using a handheld phone or otherwise distracted.  Drive defensively to avoid accidents.  You may also select a higher deductible and avoid making small claims.  You can earn claim free discounts. Bundling your auto insurance with homeowners and/or other policies can also save you money.

Section 303 of the Utah Insurance Code states that all registered motor vehicles in the state must maintain liability coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person, $65,000 for all injured persons and $15,000 for property damage. Driving without insurance or simply allowing insurance to lapse is considered a Class C misdemeanor, which is punishable with fines and license and registration suspensions. Reinstating your driving privileges can also be quite costly.

Liability coverage pays for injury or property damage to others. There are two types:

Bodily injury liability: If you cause an accident that hurts someone else, this helps cover their injuries. It also helps protect you if you’re sued, up to your policy limit.

Property damage liability: If you damage someone else’s property, like their mailbox or vehicle, this helps cover the costs to repair the damages, up to your policy limit

Your independent Bear River Mutual agent can help you figure out the best coverage for you and your family. Utah law mandates that auto insurance policies provide the following:

Liability Coverage – Minimum Required:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $65,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $15,000 per accident for property

Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Utah’s No-Fault law also requires you buy a minimum of $3,000 in PIP coverage. PIP is a broad term for the coverage that will pay for your medical expenses, inability to work, funeral and other benefits in case of an accident involving injuries including death to drivers and passengers in your car or pedestrians struck by your vehicle.

If you’re not concerned about minor cosmetic damage, your vehicle is paid for, or is on its last few good miles or has a low market value, then not buying comprehensive coverage could be a way to save on your insurance premiums.

Your auto insurance policy will usually covers you, your spouse/partner, relatives who live in your home, and other licensed drivers who have permission to drive your insured vehicle subject to all policy conditions and exclusions.

This is a great question to ask your agent. They can help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of certain levels of deductibles and can advise you depending on your situation. Higher deductible policies will mean lower monthly payments, but you will be required to pay more in the event of a claim. A lower deductible policy means higher monthly payments, but you will be responsible for less should you need to file a claim. It is good to always think about how much you are comfortable and willing to pay out-of-pocket if you need to file a claim.

A deductible is the portion of the cost that you, as the insured, are responsible for paying when you are in an accident or your vehicle is lost or stolen. Your insurance coverage pays the rest, up to your policy limit, once your deductible amount has been paid.

The most helpful information includes the names, birthdates, address and driving history of each driver in your household. Information regarding your current insurance policy would also be very helpful.

All Bear River Mutual insurance policies are quoted and sold through independent agents. Any agency representing Bear River Mutual can get you a quote. You can search for an agent here.

Finding and selecting a body shop that you can trust to repair your car can be complicated and confusing. Bear River Mutual has taken the uncertainty and stress out of your auto insurance claims by providing you with access to auto repair shops that have been vetted by Bear River Mutual to ensure they provide the highest-quality service and repairs. Those select shops are part of our Bear Care Direct Repair Program (DRP), and we guarantee their work.

The choice of which body shop you use to repair your vehicle is always yours. You should never feel pressured to use a shop with whom you are not comfortable. We will almost always suggest using a Bear Care Direct Repair Program shop because of the many benefits to you. 

You can always select any shop to do the repairs on your damaged vehicle. However, there are several reasons we strongly recommend using a Bear Care Direct Repair auto body repair facility:

• Convenience – There is no need to have a third party appraise your vehicle’s damage. When you take your vehicle to a Bear Care Direct shop, the required appraisal is pre-approved by Bear River Mutual, and they can schedule to begin your repairs. We will take care of all communication and issues directly with them, so you can relax knowing that your car is in good hands and will be taken care of. With over 40 DRP shops across the state of Utah, access to one of our select partners is convenient. Find one near you. 
• Peace-of-Mind – We guarantee the work of our DRP program shops for as long as you own your vehicle. If you choose your own shop, we cannot guarantee their work.   
• Speed – Because of our relationship with these shops, the communication and repair process begins quickly, ensuring you have your vehicle back much sooner.  

• Quality – We have closely measured and monitored the work of our DRP shops for many years, and they have earned our utmost trust and confidence. Customer satisfaction scores for those who use a DRP shop are, on average, significantly higher than those who do not. 
• Efficiency – Additional damage found during the process won’t hold up your repairs. Our DRP shops are authorized to repair all accident-related damage they discover, even beyond the initial estimate. 

Bear River Mutual policyholders are covered in the United States, its territories, and Canada. You can start your claim online or call us at 801-267-5000 or toll free 800-925-5177 to speak to one of our representatives. Be sure to have the car, insurance and contact information of any other parties involved in the accident. After the claim is filed an adjuster will contact you to help you through the process and answer any other questions you have.

Rental car coverage on your policy will provide a rental vehicle during the period of time your car will not run due to an accident or while being repaired. Your claims rep can provide you the details regarding limitations.

Bear River Mutual will pay the cash value for the covered loss (minus the deductible). If there is any loan balance remaining on your vehicle you will be responsible for that. Gap insurance is one way to make sure any remaining balance is covered. Your independent agent should have options available to you and can help you understand if you should purchase gap insurance or not.

If the cost to repair your vehicle meets or exceeds its fair market value, minus its salvage value, we may consider it a “total loss”. Your vehicle will be inspected to determine the fair market value.  If we take possession of the salvaged vehicle, you or all titled owners and lienholders will be required to sign over the title to us. Payment is made upon agreement with you and or a lienholder depending on loan balances.

Bear River Mutual policyholders can begin the claims process online and anyone can call our office at 801-267-5000 and speak to one of our customer care representatives. Be sure to have the vehicle, insurance and contact information of any other parties involved in the accident.  After the claim is filed a claim representative will contact you to help you through the process and answer any other questions you have.

Estimating value involves the judgement and opinions of experts, but even then opinions on what work should be done and how much it costs can vary. If you have concerns, please let your claims adjuster know so they can work with you to come to a fair and accurate estimate.

Contact your claims adjuster right away as there are deadlines for responding to a filed suit. They can help you with what to do next.

Payment is dependent upon the nature of the claim but usually takes place as soon as an agreed cost or settlement is reached.

The faster you can file your claim the better. Be sure to have available all involved vehicles, insurance and contact information of any other parties involved in the accident

Yes.  This amount will be subtracted from the total damages. Once your claim is finalized, we can assist you with collecting your deductible from the responsible party.

Call and notify us of the claim as soon as possible.

Finding and selecting a contractor that you can trust to repair your home can be complicated and confusing. Bear River Mutual has taken the uncertainty and stress out of your home insurance claims by providing you with access to contractors that have been vetted by Bear River Mutual to ensure they provide the highest quality service and repairs. Those select contractors are part of our Bear Care Home Repair Program, and we guarantee their work.

• Convenience – There is no need to have a third party appraise your home’s damage. When a Bear Care Home Repair contractor comes to your home, the required appraisal is pre-approved by Bear River Mutual, and they can schedule to begin your repairs. We will take care of all communication and issues directly with them, so you can relax knowing that your home is in good hands and will be taken care of. With over 20 Bear Care Home Repair contractors across the state of Utah, access to one of our select partners is convenient. Find one near you. 
• Peace-of-Mind – We guarantee the work of our Bear Care Home Repair program contractors for three years. If you choose your own contractor, we cannot guarantee their work.   
• Speed – Because of our relationship with these contractors, the communication and repair process begins quickly, ensuring you have your home back like it was much sooner.  
• Quality – We have closely measured and monitored the work of our Bear Care Home contractors for many years, and they have earned our utmost trust and confidence. Customer satisfaction scores for those who use a preferred contractor are, on average, significantly higher than those who do not. 

• Efficiency – Additional damage found during the process won’t hold up your repairs. Our Bear Care Home contractors are authorized to repair all claim-related damage they discover, even beyond the initial estimate. 

The choice of which contractor you use to repair your home is always yours. You should never feel pressured to use a contractor with whom you are not comfortable. We will almost always suggest using a Bear Care Home Repair Program contractor because of the many benefits to you. 

You may begin the claims process online or contact one of our representatives directly at 801-267-5000. They will help walk you through the claims process. You may also want to contact your independent agent directly to assist and advise you. If you need assistance from a preferred home contractor, please search our listing of Bear Care providers.

You may begin the claims process online or contact one of our representatives directly at 801-267-5000. They will help walk you through the claims process. You may also want to contact your independent agent directly to get advice and help as you begin your claim – or to even decide if you should file a claim.

Yes, you can purchase earthquake coverage as an added endorsement to your homeowner policy. Your independent Bear River Mutual agent is authorized to add that coverage for you, and can help answer any questions about your needs and risk.

Earthquake insurance is an added endorsement to your existing homeowner policy and provides coverage if your home is damaged by an earthquake.

A standard homeowner policy does not cover damage to your home if it is caused by an earthquake.

Earthquake insurance covers:

• Repairs to your home
• Your personal property due to earthquake damage
• The cost to remove debris
• Extra living expense you might have while your home is repaired or rebuilt

Always refer to your official policy documents for the exact details of your coverage. Your independent agent is a valuable resource to help you understand coverage and the needs you may have.

There is a 30-day waiting period to add earthquake coverage to your home. However, after an earthquake, there is typically a moratorium when no earthquake coverage can be purchased and before the 30-day waiting period would begin. Contact your independent Bear River Mutual agent to learn more.

The deductible on earthquake policies is 10% of the structure’s Coverage A or Coverage C, whichever is greater (see your homeowner policy for those details). The value of rock, stone and/or other masonry is not covered and is deducted from the Coverage A or C amount.

It only pays for damages that exceed the deductible.

There may be a separate deductible for contents, structure and unattached structures like garages, sheds, driveways, or retaining walls.

We hate to see you go, but if you find it necessary to cancel your policy, contact your agent and they can take care of the cancellation for you.

You can do an agent search here as well: Find an Agent

Bear River Mutual is rated A- (Excellent) by AM Best. AM Best is the largest credit rating agency in the world specializing in the insurance industry. For the latest Best’s Credit Rating visit www.ambest.com.

Yes, Bear River Mutual has recently added Equipment Breakdown coverage as an optional coverage on our homeowners policies. This endorsement to the policy provides coverage for things from kitchen appliances to home entertainment equipment to air-conditioning systems.

Learn more about Equipment Breakdown coverage from Bear River Mutual.

Yes, Bear River Mutual has recently added Buried Utility Line (also known as Service Line) coverage as an optional coverage on our homeowners policies. This endorsement to the policy provides coverage for things like:

• Underground piping such as water, sewage, and gas lines
• Any buried connections, valves, or equipment that serve underground piping
• Underground wires such as electrical cable, power lines, and communication or data wiring

Learn more about Buried Utility Line coverage.

The decision of which insurance carrier you use is always up to you. A lender, realtor or other may recommend a company, but they cannot make that decision for you.

A list is not required but is very helpful as you work with your agent to calculate what coverage levels you need. A home inventory, including photographs and receipts, could also prove useful if you ever need to make a claim. Specific limits may apply to high-value items such as jewelry or firearms. Talk to your agent about additional coverage for your unique or high-value personal property.

All Bear River Mutual insurance policies are quoted and sold through independent agents. Any agency representing Bear River Mutual can get you a quote. Click to search for an agent in your area.

Yes, you can your coverage amounts. If you are adding on to your home, finishing your basement, or upgrading other part of your home? You will want to make sure your coverage amount is equal to new value of your home. Call your agent any time you make changes to in or to your home that might affect its value.

The amount of home insurance coverage you need will vary depending on a number of factors. First and foremost, you should have enough protection to cover the cost to rebuild your home and to replace all of your possessions should the worst happen.

Homeowners insurance cover repairs or replacements to your home’s structure, belongings and even covers you if you’re liable for an injury to another person or damage to their property.

Standard home insurance policies offer coverage to protect you from specific kinds of damage. You can always customize your policy with additional coverage depending on your own circumstances. Your independent Bear River Mutual agent is the best source of information to help you understand what will fit your needs.

All Bear River Mutual insurance policies are quoted and sold through independent agents. Any agency representing Bear River Mutual can get you a quote for Renters Insurance. You can search for an agent here.

Only items owned by you are covered under your renters insurance policy.

If you are a Bear River Mutual policyholder you can now file a claim online. You also always have the option to call us directly at 801-267-5000 to speak to one of our customer care representatives or contact your independent Bear River Mutual agent directly. They can also help you decide to file a claim or not.

Your need will be based on the value of all the things you own in your rental unit. Creating an inventory of all of your belongings is a great way to start. Your agent can best help you understand your specific needs.

Liability covers damages caused by negligence. For instance, if you accidentally leave the kitchen sink on and it overflows into your neighbors’ apartment, you could be found liable for that damage—and required to pay for repairs, medical bills related to the accident, as well as defense costs if they bring a suit against you. Renter’s insurance would cover those costs, but liability does not cover the other portions of needed coverage such as personal property, living expenses and other important coverages.

Most apartment complexes and landlords only have insurance that covers the damage to the actual dwelling, which leaves everything of yours—electronics, furniture, clothes, whatever—vulnerable. So, to protect your belongings in case of fire, theft, or damage, you need your own policy, called an HO4 or renter’s insurance policy.

Renters policy premiums are based on many factors such as coverage limits, deductibles, and property area. Your agent can quote you a price based on your specific needs and situation.

A renters insurance policy includes liability coverage, protection for your belongings, coverage for additional living expenses-should the home you’re renting become temporarily uninhabitable, and some medical expenses related to someone being injured on your property. Your independent Bear River Mutual agent is the best source of information to help you understand detailed coverages of your Bear River renters policy

Renters insurance, often called tenants insurance, is an insurance policy that provides some of the benefits of homeowners insurance, but does not include coverage for the dwelling , or the structure.

Bear River Mutual offers umbrella coverage limits of $1,000,000 and $2,000,000. To request any changes to your policy, contact your Bear River Mutual agent.

You can determine your coverage level based on the assets you need to protect. Bear River Mutual offers umbrella coverage limits of $1,000,000 and $2,000,000.

Umbrella insurance is additional insurance coverage to protect your assets from lawsuits and serious claims. Your agent may help you determine if umbrella insurance is right for you.

You must have both HOME and AUTO policies with Bear River Mutual at certain coverage levels to add umbrella insurance coverage. Contact your Bear River Mutual agent to request any additions to your policy.

All Bear River Mutual insurance policies are quoted and sold through independent agents. Any agency representing Bear River Mutual can provide you a quote. You can search for an agent here.

Umbrella liability coverage begins when your auto, home, or other insurance policy coverage ends. Bear River Mutual offers umbrella policy limits of $1,000,000 and $2,000,000. If, for example, you are sued for $1,000,000 as a result of an automobile accident and have a $500,000 liability limit on your auto policy, your umbrella policy would cover you for the additional $500,000.

Umbrella insurance protects your assets by providing excess liability insurance above the limits of your home, auto, or other liability policies. It may also provide primary insurance for some losses not covered by your home or auto insurance. Contact your agent to determine if umbrella insurance may be right for you.