Claims & Disputes
Subrogation Receipt
A subrogation receipt is a document that preserves the insurer's right to sue a third party for recovery after paying an insurance claim to the policyholder.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
A subrogation receipt is a signed acknowledgment from a policyholder (claimant) confirming that the insurer has paid the insurance claim and reserves the right to pursue subrogation against the at-fault party. Subrogation is the insurer's legal right to step into the insured's shoes after paying a loss and pursue the responsible party for reimbursement. By signing a subrogation receipt, the claimant confirms they understand that any settlement or recovery from the at-fault party or their insurer will be partially or fully used to reimburse the insuring company. Without a subrogation receipt, disputes can arise later about the claimant's rights to settlement proceeds versus the insurer's subrogation rights. In property claims (auto, homeowners), subrogation receipts are standard; in liability claims, the doctrine is less commonly applied because the insured is already on the other side of the dispute. Claimants should understand that signing a subrogation receipt does not reduce their claim payment but does limit what they can recover from a third party's insurance later — any recovery goes to the insurer first to recoup the claim payment.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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