In a typical sequence for initiating litigation, who receives the summons and complaint first?

• A. Insured, claims rep, defense counsel
• B. Defense counsel, insured, claims rep
• C. Insured, claims rep, defense counsel
• D. Claims rep, insured, defense counsel

Answer: (C)

In initiating litigation, service of process is typically on the insured named in the policy. The insured needs to receive the summons and complaint first so they can respond and manage early steps of the case. Once the insured is served, they notify the insurer through the claims representative, who then reviews coverage and coordinates the defense. The insurer uses that notice to appoint defense counsel to handle the defense. So the natural flow is: the insured first receives the summons and complaint, the claims representative becomes aware next to manage the claim, and defense counsel is engaged afterward to represent the insured.