How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Investigate a Claim?

In most cases, an insurance company has 30 to 45 days to investigate a claim. An insurer generally has 15 to 30 days to acknowledge a claim. They may be required to accept or deny a claim within 45 days of proof of loss.

Many straightforward claims are settled promptly. However, complex claims involving injuries or liability disputes can take months or longer to resolve. 

Get a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the insurance claim process on your side as you ask an insurer to cover your losses. Choose an attorney with relevant case experience to help you with your claim.

For example, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can handle your claim after an auto crash. They can negotiate an insurance claim settlement that matches your expectations. 

What to Know About an Insurance Company’s Right to Investigate a Claim

Insurance companies have the right to look into your claim and make a decision on its validity. Talk with a personal injury lawyer if you are preparing to file a claim against anyone who caused you to suffer losses. Your attorney will teach you about the claims process.

They want you to keep several things in mind during your claim investigation, including:

The Insurance Policy

Insurance policies are contracts that provide specific rules for all parties to follow. These contracts provide some basic rights. Insurance companies are tasked with being fair and timely. At the same time, a policy allows an insurer to be thorough when they investigate your claim.

The Investigation Time Frame vs. the Decision Time Frame

Usually, insurance companies have up to 30 days from the date of receipt to acknowledge the claim you submit. That does not mean they have to decide within that time frame.

An insurer typically has 15 days to investigate your claim. They may have a maximum of 45 days to settle your claim from start to finish.

Meet with a personal injury attorney if you have insurance concerns or questions. Your lawyer will determine the value of your personal injury case and calculate your economic and non-economic damages.

They will also account for a liable party’s insurance policy coverage as they help you pursue compensation from them for the losses that you’ve incurred. 

Why Will an Insurance Company Take a Long Time to Investigate and Resolve a Claim? 

Often, auto insurance claims are investigated and decided on within a reasonable period. Yet delays sometimes occur during the insurance claim process. Here are questions to consider relating to the time frame for an insurer to investigate and resolve your claim.

Why Is There a Delay in an Insurance Company’s Investigation and Resolution of Your Claim?

If a car accident or another incident involves claims from multiple parties, the insurance companies of those involved may need additional time to investigate and resolve them. 

Alternatively, if an insurer has concerns about a claim’s legitimacy or there are coverage disputes, the company may allocate additional time to evaluate it. 

Can an Insurer Request More Time to Review Your Claim?

An insurer can ask for more time to assess your claim. In some situations, the business wants additional time to “make a decision” or to “further investigate” your claim. The company can make a formal request for up to 60 additional days to make a decision.

If you are stuck waiting a long time for an insurer to resolve your claim, take legal action and fight for compensation. If an insurance company denies your claim, the business has to tell you why. On the other hand, if an insurer accepts your claim, the business won’t necessarily give you all of the compensation you have requested.

In this situation, the insurance company may say that they do not believe you should receive full compensation or that you’re partially at fault for your losses.

How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Negotiate a Claim Settlement?

An insurance company could take months or longer to negotiate a settlement for your claim. If no settlement agreement is reached, the next step is to go to court. At this point, it pays to have a personal injury lawyer at your disposal.

Your attorney can explain to a judge or jury why you deserve compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.

Should You Accept a Claim Settlement?

Remember, there’s no need to settle your case for less than what you are owed.

Personal injury attorneys will provide insights into how car insurance companies pay out claims and other topics relating to your case. They will commit the time and resources necessary to get you a settlement offer that gives you adequate compensation. 

What Will Happen if You Have to Go to Trial?

If your case ultimately requires a trial, your lawyer will plan accordingly. They will collect accident scene photos, witness statements, medical records, police reports, and other evidence and craft an argument designed to prove negligence. This argument could compel a judge or jury to award compensatory damages that serve you well moving forward. 

Going to trial can seem like a lot of work, but you have access to legal guidance and support. Your attorney will guide you through the legal process, helping you make informed decisions and ensuring you enter the courtroom confident in your case. 

Learn More About How Long an Insurance Company Has to Investigate a Personal Injury Claim

Speak with personal injury attorneys if you are unsure about how long insurance companies have to investigate claims. Your lawyer can provide information about the timeframe for insurance company claims. If you are ready to file a claim or are in the middle of one, your lawyer will work hard to get you the optimal results from it. 

John Foy & Associates is a personal injury law firm with over 350 years of combined experience. Our attorneys provide legal counsel for personal injury claims.

If you want insights into how long an insurance adjuster has to investigate a claim or other legal topics, we’re here for you. Contact us today.