Why is my insurance claim taking so long?

Asked by: Cordell Hayes  |  Last update: September 28, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (70 votes)

Several factors can influence the insurance claim process, including: Complexity of the claim: Claims involving multiple parties, disputed liability, or extensive damage may take longer to process. Availability of evidence: The availability and quality of evidence can impact the speed and outcome of the claim process.

Why is my insurance claim taking so long to process?

Your insurance company will investigate who's responsible for the accident, as well as whether there's coverage for the injuries, damage, or other loss you filed the claim for. A coverage investigation can take just as long or even longer than an investigation to determine liability.

What happens if a claim is taking too long?

The law requires insurance companies to acknowledge receipt of a claim within 15 days after they receive it. They must communicate their decision on the claim within 15 business days after receiving all necessary information related to the claim. If they fail to do so, policyholders have the right to sue for delay.

How long does it take for an insurance claim to be taken?

Is there a time limit for insurance claim settlements? The time limit set for the claim settlement process by the IRDAI is within 30 days of raising the claim. Most insurance companies settle the claims within 10 days. Read on to know everything about the claim settlement process.

How can I speed up my insurance claim?

The Best Ways to Speed up the Insurance Claim Settlement Process
  1. Know About Your Policy. When you've got an understanding of your property insurance policy, you have the confidence to protect your rights. ...
  2. Learn About Your Legal Rights. ...
  3. Document Everything. ...
  4. Submit Proof of Your Losses. ...
  5. Get the Right Kind of Help.

How long does an insurance claim take

21 related questions found

Why do insurance companies drag out claims?

Insurance companies may purposely drag out the claims process, hoping that policyholders will grow frustrated and accept a lower settlement or even drop the claim entirely. This may include excessive paperwork requests, slow response times, or frequent requests for additional documentation.

How can I speed up my insurance settlement?

Key Takeaways for Faster Claim Settlement

It involves understanding your insurance policy, documenting all losses and expenses, and being persistent during negotiations. One of the most effective strategies is to engage a public adjuster, such as us at Insurance Claim Recovery Support.

How long does it take an adjuster to look at your car?

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.

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

Most insurance companies are typically given between 15 to 90 days to investigate a claim and accept or deny it, depending on the specific state regulations, the type of the claim, and the case's complexity. For instance: Straightforward property damage claims may be resolved more quickly.

How fast do insurance companies pay out claims?

On average, in the United States, uncomplicated insurance claims are paid within 30 days. However, more complex claims may take much longer. Some delays are unavoidable, but others are intentional efforts by insurance companies to avoid paying what is owed.

Why is my claim taking forever?

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 should a claim take to settle?

Time limits may be extended in certain circumstances. 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 I sue my insurance 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.

Do insurance companies have a time limit?

All states except South Carolina have rules requiring insurers to pay or deny claims within a certain time frame, usually 30, 45, or 60 days.

How to investigate a claim?

It involves many steps, such as collecting and reviewing documents, taking statements, locating and interviewing witnesses, inspecting and photographing the damaged property or accident site, conducting surveillance, analyzing social media accounts, and insurance fraud reporting.

How do insurance companies delay claims?

Among other tactics to cause delay in paying your claims insurers often; ask for unnecessary documentation before processing a claim, fail to provide explanations for the delay hoping that you will not question the late payment, state they are still investigating the claim when there is no good faith reasonable basis ...

What is the timeline for insurance claims?

Timeline on Insurance Claims in California

In California, an insurance company has 85 days to completely settle a claim after it has been filed. However, up until those 85 days, there are some ways that an insurer has to communicate with the injured victim and their attorney.

What to do if an insurance company is stalling?

What You Can Do if the Insurance Company Is Stalling
  1. Ask the adjuster for a complete list of documents and information needed to fully evaluate your claims.
  2. Keep physical copies of all evidence that can support your claim.
  3. Follow up with the insurance company regularly.

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.

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.”

Why is my claims adjuster taking so long?

However, delays can occur due to various reasons such as lack of evidence, legal disputes, or the insurance company trying to minimize their payout. If you believe your personal injury claim is being wrongfully delayed, it is important to take action.

What triggers an insurance investigation?

Inconsistencies and delayed claims can trigger alarm bells, leading the insurance company to closely scrutinize the legitimacy of your case. The duration of your recovery is not only critical for calculating the compensation but also for evaluating the credibility of your claim.

Why do insurance companies want to settle quickly?

The insurance company hopes to get you to settle before you can hire an attorney who knows their tactics. When an insurance company offers you a quick settlement offer, it wants to avoid a lawsuit or going to court. Insurance companies usually want to avoid getting involved in lawsuits and lengthy trials.

How to get more money from an insurance adjuster?

Write a letter to your adjuster explaining why you believe the offer was too low. Include copies of any evidence you've gathered, and ask for a response within a specific timeframe, such as five business days. Be polite but direct.

How can I speed up my claim process?

Gather Evidence

The primary way to speed up your personal injury claim is to gather as much evidence as possible for your claim to be as supported as possible and to prevent the insurance company from reaching back out to help supplement missing information.