Utah Insurance Department

Office address: 4315 S 2700 W Suite 2300, Taylorsville, UT 84129  
Website: insurance.utah.gov 
Year established: 1896 
Employees: 95+ 
Key people: Jon Pike (insurance commissioner); Jennifer Heaps (executive assistant to the commissioner); Travis Wegkamp, Mark Wiedeman, Patrick Lee, Shelley Wiseman, and Jake Garn (directors) 
Operating budget: N/A 

The Utah Insurance Department (UID) helps protect the financial security of Utah’s people and businesses through fair and accessible insurance regulation. The agency works to make insurance simple, clear, and easy to understand for everyone in the state. 

History of Utah Insurance Department 

UID’s history roots back to Utah’s statehood in 1896, when the groundwork for state insurance regulation began. Below are some of its more recent major activities: 

• 1995: insurance fraud division created to investigate violations and employ law enforcement investigators 
• 2000: mental health insurance coverage addressed in a department bulletin 
• 2003: electronic licensing for non-resident producers and company appointments introduced 
• 2004: bail bond forfeiture judgment enforcement clarified for stronger compliance 
• 2005: prescription drug plan regulation started to align with federal Medicare Part D 
• 2006: flood insurance training required for producers selling National Flood Insurance Program policies 
• 2008: title insurance recovery and education fund assessment began for consumer protection 
• 2009: NAIC/NIPR electronic filing adopted for producer licensing documents 
• 2011: producers authorized to sell on Utah’s health insurance exchange 
• 2014: surplus lines insurance rules updated for specialty insurance oversight 
• 2016: nearly $3 million won for consumers in carrier disputes 
• 2020: COVID-19 response included coverage bulletins and emergency consumer relief 
• 2022: surprise billing protections put in place for patient rights 
• 2023: liquidation of National Annuity Company completed by the insurance commissioner 

In 2024, the Utah Insurance Department issued guidance and support for consumers and providers affected by a major cyberattack on Change Healthcare. This helped Utahns with pharmacy claim disruptions and insurance challenges. 

Utah Insurance Department mandate 

UID’s authority to oversee insurance in the state comes from Title 31A of the Utah Code. The department’s mission is to protect the financial security of Utah residents and businesses by enforcing proper insurance practices.  

The Utah Insurance Department is organized into several divisions and departments, including: 

1. office of the commissioner 
2. administration division 
3. bail bond oversight board staff 
4. captive insurance division 
5. financial regulation and licensing division 
6. producer licensing 
7. fraud division 
8. health and life division 
9. property and casualty division 
10. title and escrow commission staff 
11. professional employer organizations (PEO) 

The insurance commissioner, chosen by the governor of Utah, leads the department. Jon Pike is the current commissioner and was named treasurer-secretary for NAIC 2025. This leadership role highlights his influence both in Utah and at the national level. 

Key responsibilities  

The Utah Insurance Department helps make sure insurance in the state follows the law and serves the public interest. Here’s a look at what the agency is required to do: 

• licensing insurers: approves companies before they can sell insurance 
• licensing agents: grants and renews licenses for insurance agents and brokers 
• consumer protection: investigates complaints and helps resolve disputes 
• fraud investigation: looks into and prosecutes insurance fraud 
• rate review: checks that insurance rates are fair and justified 
• policy form approval: reviews policy documents for legal compliance 
• financial oversight: monitors the financial health of insurance companies 
• market conduct exams: inspects company practices to protect policyholders 
• enforcing insurance laws: makes sure all companies and agents follow Utah law 
• public education: provides resources and guidance for consumers 

The department also helps with disaster response and supports new laws like the No Surprises Billing Act. It keeps public records and offers tools for consumers to check licenses and file complaints. 

Recent initiatives and regulatory focus 

The Utah Insurance Department found a $520 million deficit and risky investments at three A-Cap insurance companies. The department first asked the court to step in but then chose mediation, so the case was dismissed. Utah regulators now keep a close watch on these companies to protect policyholders. 

Also, the UID warned about fake auto insurance sold on WhatsApp in July 2025. It urged people to buy insurance only from licensed agents and official sources. The department took this action to protect consumers after finding scams with stolen agent identities. 

Consumer protection and outreach 

Here are some of the main tools and initiatives that the Utah Insurance Department offers: 

• licensee search: check if an agent or company is licensed 
• disaster preparedness: get tips for insurance before and after disasters 
• NAIC Consumer Portal: access national insurance resources and information 
• finding an agent: locate a licensed insurance agent in Utah 
• legal resources: learn about insurance laws and consumer rights 

These programs help Utahns make smart choices and solve insurance problems quickly. The department’s outreach keeps the public informed and protected at every step.