How long does it take for an insurance adjuster to make a decision?

Asked by: Ms. Aida Gislason  |  Last update: August 2, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (19 votes)

Whether you're dealing with a car insurance claim or a homeowner's claim, the insurance adjuster typically has 14 days to issue an initial response and 90 days to make at least a partial payment. However, this timeline doesn't guarantee you'll receive the full compensation you're owed within 90 days.

Why do insurance adjusters take so long?

It can take quite a while to investigate an accident, especially when it comes to determining liability for the accident. The insurance company has to collect information about the claim, review evidence, and carry out other tasks to ensure the claim is valid and make a plan for moving forward with it.

How long does an insurance company take to make a decision on claim?

Typically, insurance companies have 15 days to acknowledge receipt of the claim you submit. That does not mean they have to decide within that time frame. They then have 15 days to investigate the claim. They have 40 days to settle the claim from start to finish.

How long does it take an insurance adjuster to make an offer?

Some insurance adjusters respond to demand with an offer of compensation well within the allotted thirty (30) day time frame, while others, taking the previously mentioned factors, can understandably exceed the given period.

How long does it take for an adjuster to write a check?

Payments Must Be Made Within 30 Days of Settlement

On average, insurers send a check quicker, in about two weeks. Despite this, there are situations, such as when liens are involved, where it may be longer before you actually see the money.

How to ACTUALLY work as a remote desk adjuster

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How long does it take to hear back from an adjuster?

Standard Waiting Time

Typically, after reporting a claim to your insurance provider, you can expect a claims adjuster to reach out within 24 to 48 hours. This initial contact will be to gather more details about the incident and potentially schedule a time for an in-person inspection of the damages.

What not to tell a claims adjuster?

Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include: “I'm sorry.” “It was all/partly my fault.” “I did not see the other person/driver.”

Do insurance adjusters try lowball?

This strategy is very common in states that follow the principle of pure comparative fault, like California. Under California's laws, your damages will be reduced depending on your percentage of fault. By shifting some of the blame to you, the insurance company could get away with paying less than they should.

How long does it take to make a settlement offer?

If you still cannot agree during the mediation, you might decide to file a lawsuit. Overall, the settlement negotiation process typically takes a few weeks to a few months.

Who gets the insurance check when a car is totaled?

If you own the car without any loans or liens, you will receive a check for the value assessed by the insurance company. If there is a loan, the check usually goes first to the leasing company or the lender. If you owe money on the vehicle, you should notify the lending company that your car has been totaled.

Can I sue my insurance company for taking too long?

The answer to this question is complex, but California health insurance providers are bound by state law to respond to claims within a specific amount of time. If they fail to do so, you may have the basis for a lawsuit against your insurer due to bad faith.

How do I get more for my totaled car?

6 Steps to get the most money from insurance for your totaled car
  1. Ask for the valuation report. ...
  2. Conduct your research on the value of your vehicle. ...
  3. Gather and provide supporting documentation. ...
  4. Consider getting a third-party appraisal. ...
  5. Negotiate with your insurance company. ...
  6. Get what is rightfully yours.

How often do insurance companies deny claims?

Companies' denial rates vary more than would be expected, ranging from as low as 2% to as high as almost 50%. Plans' denial rates often fluctuate dramatically from year to year.

How do I get my insurance adjuster to respond?

  1. 5 Tips for Getting Speedy Responses from Claims Adjusters. by Jodi Mathy.
  2. Know that your claims adjuster is trying. ...
  3. Give them at least 24 hours to respond. ...
  4. Leave good voicemails. ...
  5. Email is generally better than calling. ...
  6. If your claims adjuster is truly MIA, escalate it.

How long does a compensation claim take to settle?

Claims handled through the portal usually take around 4-9 months to settle – based on clients' accepting the first settlement offer. Clinical Negligence: Clinical negligence cases can take anything from 18 months to even 2-3 years to settle.

Can you negotiate with insurance adjusters?

Yes, you absolutely can and should negotiate with insurance adjusters. Negotiation is a normal part of the claims process. The first offer is usually not the final one. Insurance companies often start low to see if you'll accept less than what you're entitled to.

What is the longest a settlement can take?

What is the longest a settlement can take? The duration of a personal injury settlement can vary dramatically, with complex cases potentially taking several years to resolve, though there's technically no absolute maximum time limit beyond the statute of limitations.

How long does it take to get money after claim settled?

How many days will it take for EPF claim settlement? In online mode, it takes 5-30 days and in offline mode, it takes 20-30 days to get the money into the account. Once EPF settles the account the EPF site shows the message about the account being settled with the date of NEFT amount.

How long does it take to get a settlement decision?

How long does it take to process a UK Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application? Processing times for a UK Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) application are generally around 6 months.

What are insurance adjusters looking for?

Adjusters inspect property damage or personal injury claims to determine how much the insurance company should pay for the loss. They might inspect a home, a business, or an automobile. Adjusters interview the claimant and witnesses, inspect the property, and do additional research, such as look at police reports.

Why is the first settlement offer so low?

Why Do They Always Lowball On The First Settlement Offer? If the insurance company is lucky enough that you accept the first low offer, it's better for them. The less money the insurance company gives you, the better their bottom line.

Do insurance adjusters get bonuses for denying claims?

Insurers are driven to increase their profits. In that vein, some of them give bonuses to adjusters who successfully and consistently deny claims. Adjusters who pay too many claims may find themselves without a job.

How do you beat claims adjuster?

What Is the Single Best Way to Scare an Insurance Adjuster?
  1. Write a convincing demand letter to your insurance company.
  2. Carefully review any settlement offers you receive.
  3. Reject a settlement offer in writing on your behalf.
  4. Counter your lowball settlement offer.

How long does it take for an insurance adjuster to call?

Usually, you'll hear from an insurance adjuster within three days of making the claim to discuss matters. If they need to survey the damage, it can be a few more days. If you use a repair garage that is affiliated with (or at least approved by) your insurance company, the process can speed up a bit.

What should you not say to a loss adjuster?

Understand that everything you say whether in person or over the phone, can be used against you in their final assessment. Avoid providing incomplete or potentially detrimental information that could be used to lower the settlement offer, like failing to mention pre-existing damage.