- How long does it take for insurance to pay out after an accident?
- Do insurance companies have claim time limits?
- Why do some claims take longer to process?
- How to prevent delays when filing an insurance claim
- What to do if your insurance claim is taking a long time
- When will car insurance not pay out?
- FAQ: Car insurance claim timeframes
How long does it take for insurance to pay out after an accident?
On average, it takes 30 days for a car insurance settlement to be paid, but accidents involving multiple vehicles, serious injuries, fault disputes, or lawsuits can all extend the process. A smaller insurance company with fewer adjusters may take longer than a major carrierAn insurance carrier is the company that provides your car insurance policy and pays claims..
Situations where a claim might take longer include:
- Accidents involving multiple vehicles
- Accidents with multiple people injured, especially serious injuries
- Situations where fault isn't clear
- Lawsuits or settlement disputes
- Working with a smaller insurance company that has limited claims resources
Every claim is a little different, so it's best to ask your adjuster for an estimate of how long the claim process will take.
How long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim?
In most states, insurance companies have to accept or deny your claim within 15 to 40 days. The adjuster will need to complete the investigation in that time frame. The time it takes to investigate a claim depends on the type of claim and the severity of the damage. For some small claims, you may only need to submit photos of the damage, and that's the extent of the investigation. In a more serious accident, the adjuster will likely need to see the damage, investigate the circumstances of the accident, talk to witnesses, and determine fault.
How long does it take for a claims adjuster to contact you?
You should hear from your adjuster within a two to three business days of filing your claim. This may be in the form of an email, a phone call or a letter in the mail. The initial contact will likely confirm that the claim has been received and is being investigated and provide you with the next steps.
How long does it take to get an insurance check?
Once the claim is closed, you can expect a check within 5 to 30 days, depending on state law. The time it takes to settle a claim and the time between finalizing the settlement and receiving the insurance check are two different timeframes. While the timeframe for an insurance claim investigation, determining fault, and agreeing on the settlement amount can vary, the time to get a check once all of that is done is generally set by law.
How long does it take to get an insurance check for a totaled car?
You can expect a total loss claim check within 5 to 30 days of filing the claim. The insurance company will issue it as soon as the vehicle is declared a total loss and a settlement amount, based on the vehicle's actual cash valueActual Cash Value (ACV) is the current market value of your car, considering depreciation. It's the amount your insurance will pay if your car is totaled or stolen., is determined. If you have a loan, the check will go to your lender and not directly to you; you'll receive any remaining amount after the loan is paid.
Do insurance companies have claim time limits?
Yes, insurance companies must comply with claim time limits set by state law. The time framesand the steps of the process they apply to vary by state, with most requiring acknowledgment of a claim within 10 to 15 business days and 30 to 60 days to settle. In some states, the law simply requires a "reasonable time". Some states also have laws requiring payment of the settlement within 30 days of acceptance of liability.
Here are some examples of state laws:
- California - Insurers have 40 days to accept or reject a claim and then 30 days to issue payment once a settlement is agreed upon.
- North Carolina - Insurers have 30 days to acknowledge a claim and then 10 days after settlement to pay the claim.
- Texas - Insurers have 30 days to accept or reject a claim and then five days to issue payment once a settlement is agreed upon.
Why do some claims take longer to process?
Claims take longer to process when there are multiple or severe injuries, a dispute over fault, or negotiations over settlement amounts. If you work with a small insurance carrier, it could take longer due to a smaller claims team.
Common reasons for a longer claims timeframe include:
- Severity of the injuries: If a driver is badly injured in a car accident, expect the settlement to take longer. The driver has to finish treatment in order to determine how much money they can get.
- Dispute over which driver was responsible: After an accident, it’s not always immediately clear who was responsible. If there is a dispute about each driver’s negligence, it’s going to take the insurance companies longer to settle the claim.
- Back-and-forth negotiations: In general, settlement negotiations can take a lot of time. There’s usually a good amount of back-and-forth between lawyers, victims, and the car insurance companies.
How to prevent delays when filing an insurance claim
To prevent delays when filing an insurance claim, gather and provide all available documentation, educate yourself about the laws related to claims in your state, and proactively keep in touch with your adjuster.
- Gather as much information as possible: After the accident, take lots of photos of the damage, write down when and where the accident took place, and a description of what happened. That way, the insurance company won’t have to track down this information in the future.
- Research the laws in your state: As mentioned, some states require insurance companies to settle claims within a certain time period. Know the laws in your state, and if the insurance company is taking too long, let them know or hire a lawyer to back you up.
- Be proactive: The truth is, settling claims can take time. If you feel like your insurer is dragging their feet, don’t be afraid to reach out proactively and get an update. Don’t wait for them to contact you.
- Keep a log of every conversation you have with the insurer, including the date and next steps.
- Respond to requests and complete paperwork as soon as possible to keep things moving forward.
- Digitize copies of accident reports and damage evidence in case you need to share them quickly.
TIPCarefully research your insurance company before you buy a policy. Working with a reputable insurance company is the best way to ensure timely claims processing. Don't choose your insurance just for a cheap rate; it may cost you in the long run. "It's important to choose a reputable insurance provider to avoid issues like delayed claims," says Lauren Mckenzie, a licensed insurance broker at LearnandServe.org, an affiliate of A Plus Insurance.
What to do if your insurance claim is taking a long time
If your insurance company is taking a long time to process a claim, reach out to the adjuster who is overseeing your claim and ask for an update, and what you can do to expedite things. If your state specifies a time limit in which insurers must resolve claims, and that date passes, notify your insurance company right away. Depending on your state's laws, you might have grounds for a lawsuit if the claim doesn't get resolved promptly.
Cooperate with the adjuster to keep the process moving smoothly, and understand that not all delays are within their control. Other drivers and the other insurance company can cause delays.
"The best thing you can do to speed up the claim process is to make sure you are cooperating," Mckenzie says. "In many cases, insurance adjusters need additional information from you and other drivers involved. And if someone can't be reached, it slows the claims process down."
What to do if you think the insurance company is stalling
If you think the insurance company is purposefully delaying your claim, request an explanation from the adjuster and a supervisor, if necessary. To escalate your concerns, reach out to your state's insurance department or hire a public adjuster; a lawyer is an option of last resort.
Here are the steps to take if you feel your claim is being unjustly delayed:
- Start by speaking with your adjuster, and ask for an explanation for the delay
- If the adjuster isn't being helpful, ask to speak to a supervisor.
- If you aren't satisfied with the explanation for the delay and feel that it is unfair, reach out to your state's insurance department for assistance.
- Hire a public adjuster to work with you on your claim.
- As a last resort, you may need to hire a lawyer.
Can you sue an insurance company for taking too long?
You can sue your insurance company for taking too long to resolve a claim, but bear in mind that if your state doesn’t have laws around the length of time an insurer has to resolve a claim, you may not have grounds for a lawsuit.
Speak to a lawyer if you feel your claim is being unduly delayed; many lawyers offer a free consultation and can determine whether or not you have a case during that process. Bear in mind that lawyers are expensive; make sure a lawsuit is worthwhile before you start the process.
When will car insurance not pay out?
Car insurance claims may not be paid if the damage isn't covered by your policy, your coverage wasn't in force at the time, your claim is found to be fraudulent or you provided false information on your insurance application.
- The damage isn't covered by your policy. For example, if you are in an at-fault accident and don't have collision coverage, the damage to your car isn't covered.
- Your insurance lapsed for non-payment.
- Your coverage was not yet in force.
- The claim is found to be fraudulent.
- The insurance company discovered you provided untrue information on your application that would have affected its choice to insure you or the rate you pay.
- The details of the accident can't be verified.
Insurance companies investigate every claim and may deny coverage in accordance with your policy terms, which include standards of evidence for a loss. Your insurer may deny a claim if it can't verify how the damage was caused. Filing a police report helps.
"If you get into an accident and don't call the police, there's no official report to verify the details of the incident. If the claim adjuster can't determine what happened and who was liable using other evidence, your claim might get denied, " Mckenzie says.
FAQ: Car insurance claim timeframes
What if the insurance company doesn’t pay what they promised?
If you receive a settlement that is lower than what you were promised, don't cash the check. Immediately contact the adjuster for an explanation, and take steps to appeal the decision in accordance with your insurer's appeals process. Complex disputes may require the help of a lawyer.
What is bad faith in an insurance claim?
Bad faith in an insurance claim means that your insurance company has deliberately done something to avoid paying a claim in full. Examples include denying legitimate claims, underpaying claims, taking a long time to process a claim or misrepresenting your policy so you get a lower payout. If you suspect insurance bad faith, address the issue with your insurance company, and if that does not resolve the issue, be prepared to consult an attorney.
When does an insurance company need to provide a payout?
Your insurance company is obligated to provide a payout when you experience a loss that is covered under the terms of the policy, as long as your policy was in force and the insurer can't prove any reason for denying the claim. You have the right to dispute a claim denial.
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