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How long does an insurance company have to respond to a claim?
Most states give insurers a set number of days to acknowledge, decide and pay a claim, but the rules differ and many protect only the insurer's own customers. 33 of 51 jurisdictions set a specific acknowledgment deadline; the rest require insurers to act "promptly" or "within a reasonable time". Talks with an insurer never pause your lawsuit deadline.
- All 50 states + DC
- Checked 2026-11-14
- Official sources
| State | Acknowledge | Accept or deny | Pay | Who it covers and details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 15 days (first-party claims) | 30 days after proof of loss (first-party claims) | 30 days after accepting liability and agreeing on the amount | Alabama Department of Insurance rules require acknowledgment within 15 calendar days and an accept/deny status within 30 days of proof of loss, but these protect the insurer's own policyholders. Payment is due within 30 days of a settlement agreement. |
| Alaska | 10 working days | 15 working days after receiving claim documentation (first-party claims) | 30 working days for undisputed amounts (first-party claims) | Insurers must acknowledge in writing within 10 working days, including to third-party claimants, and normally finish investigating within 30 working days. The 15- and 30-working-day accept/deny and payment deadlines apply to the insurer's own policyholders (first-party claims). |
| Arizona | 10 working days | 15 working days after proof of loss (first-party claims) | 30 days after acceptable proof of loss (first-party claims; interest if late) | Insurers must acknowledge any claim, including third-party claims, within 10 working days. Accept/deny within 15 working days and the 30-day payment rule protect first-party claimants only. |
| Arkansas | 15 working days | 15 working days after proof of loss (first-party claims) | 10 working days after the claim is processed and ready for payment | Arkansas Rule 43 requires insurers to acknowledge any claim, including a third-party claim, within 15 working days and generally finish investigating within 45 calendar days. The 15-working-day accept/deny rule protects first-party claimants. |
| California | 15 calendar days | 40 calendar days after receiving proof of claim | 30 calendar days after accepting the claim | California's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations require insurers to acknowledge a claim and start investigating within 15 calendar days, accept or deny within 40, and pay within 30 days of acceptance. They also protect third-party claimants. |
| Colorado | No set number | 60 days after a valid and complete claim (first-party claims) | 60 days after a valid and complete claim (first-party claims) | Colorado Division of Insurance Regulation 5-1-14 requires a decision and/or payment within 60 days of a valid, complete first-party claim unless there is a reasonable dispute. No specific acknowledgment deadline; third-party claims fall under the general 'promptly' standard. |
| Connecticut | No set number | No set number | No set number | Connecticut's Unfair Insurance Practices Act sets no day count for auto claims: insurers must acknowledge and act on claim communications with 'reasonable promptness' and affirm or deny coverage 'within a reasonable time' after proof of loss. |
| Delaware | 15 working days (claims by insureds) | 30 days after proof of loss | No set number | Delaware Regulation 902 requires insurers to acknowledge insureds' claim communications within 15 working days, begin investigating within 10 working days, and affirm or deny within 30 days of proof of loss (or explain why). No specific payment deadline. |
| District of Columbia | No set number | No set number | No set number | D.C.'s unfair claims practices law sets no specific day counts for auto claims: insurers must acknowledge and act 'reasonably promptly' on claim communications and affirm or deny coverage 'within a reasonable time' after proof of loss. |
| Florida | No set number | 30 days after proof-of-loss statements, on the insured's written request (first-party) | No set number | Insurers must acknowledge claim communications 'promptly'. On the insured's written request, they must affirm or deny coverage within 30 days after proof of loss. Injured third parties can demand the at-fault driver's policy limits, due within 30 days. |
| Georgia | 15 days | 15 days after receiving the completed proof of loss (motor vehicle policies) | 10 days after coverage and amount are agreed | Georgia's numeric deadlines apply to an insurer handling its own policyholder's property damage claim (first-party). For other claimants, O.C.G.A. 33-6-34 only requires reasonably prompt acknowledgment, investigation and decision. |
| Hawaii | 15 working days | No set number | 30 calendar days after accepting liability, if the amount is not in dispute | Insurers must answer claim communications within 15 working days, including from people who are not their customer, decide coverage within a reasonable time, and pay undisputed amounts within 30 calendar days. Violations count when they are a general business practice. |
| Idaho | No set number | No set number | No set number | Idaho sets no specific day counts. Under its Unfair Claim Settlement Practices law, insurers must act 'reasonably promptly' on claim communications and accept or deny coverage within a reasonable time after proof of loss. |
| Illinois | 15 working days | No set number | 30 days after accepting liability, if the amount is not in dispute | Insurers must reply to any claimant within 15 working days and pay undisputed amounts within 30 days. A third-party claimant must get a written denial explanation within 30 days, and a written delay explanation if a car damage claim is unresolved after 60 days. |
| Indiana | No set number | No set number | No set number | Indiana sets no specific day counts. Its Unfair Claim Settlement Practices law requires insurers to acknowledge and act 'reasonably promptly' on claim communications and accept or deny coverage within a reasonable time after proof of loss. |
| Iowa | 15 days | 30 days after receiving proof of loss (first-party claimants) | 30 days after accepting liability, if the amount is not in dispute | Property and casualty insurers must acknowledge a claim within 15 days and reply to any claimant's pertinent communications within 15 days. The 30-day accept-or-deny rule covers first-party claims; undisputed amounts must be paid within 30 days. |
| Kansas | 10 working days | 15 working days after receiving proof of loss (first-party claims) | No set number | Kansas adopts the NAIC model rules: insurers must acknowledge a claim and reply to claimants within 10 working days. The 15-working-day accept-or-deny rule covers first-party claims; unrepresented third-party claimants get 60 days' written warning before a deadline expires. |
| Kentucky | No set number | No set number | 30 days after notice and proof of claim (to the named insured or health care provider) | Kentucky's Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act requires prompt, good-faith handling without fixed response deadlines. Payments owed to the policyholder are due within 30 days of proof of claim, or 12% yearly interest applies. |
| Louisiana | 14 days to start adjusting the claim | 30 days after satisfactory proof of loss (written offer on property damage claims) | 30 days after a written settlement agreement (third-party property damage and medical expense claims) | Insurers must start adjusting property damage and medical expense claims within 14 days of notice, make a written offer on property damage within 30 days of proof of loss, and pay third-party claimants within 30 days of a written settlement. |
| Maine | No set number | No set number | 30 days after proof of loss (claims under the policy) | Maine's unfair claims law has no fixed acknowledgment or decision deadline: insurers must act 'with reasonable promptness' and affirm or deny 'within a reasonable time.' Policy benefits are due within 30 days of proof of loss, which mainly protects policyholders. |
| Maryland | 15 working days | 15 working days after receiving properly completed claim forms or proof of loss (affirm or deny coverage) | No set number | Maryland regulations require insurers to acknowledge a claim and answer claimants' letters within 15 working days, and to affirm or deny coverage within 15 working days of complete claim forms. 'Claimant' includes third-party claimants. |
| Massachusetts | No set number | No set number | No set number | Massachusetts sets no fixed day counts: under ch. 176D the insurer must reply 'reasonably promptly' and settle promptly once liability is reasonably clear. Injured third parties can send a ch. 93A demand letter; an insurer that does not make a reasonable written offer within 30 days risks higher damages. |
| Michigan | No set number | 30 days to tell you in writing what proof of loss is needed | 60 days after satisfactory proof of loss | Michigan treats a claim as paid on time if paid within 60 days of proof of loss; late payment to the insured earns 12% interest. Third-party injury claimants get that interest only if a court finds a bad-faith refusal when liability was not reasonably in dispute. |
| Minnesota | 10 business days | 30 business days after notice of claim (or explain the delay); 60 business days after proof of loss for the insured | 5 business days after a settlement is agreed | Minnesota's Unfair Claims Practices law protects both policyholders and third-party claimants: acknowledge in 10 business days, accept/deny or explain the delay within 30 business days, and pay an agreed settlement within 5 business days. |
| Mississippi | No set number | No set number | No set number | Mississippi has no statute or regulation setting day limits for handling auto injury claims. Delays are policed mainly through bad-faith lawsuits against the insurer. |
| Missouri | 10 working days (policyholder claims) | 15 working days after all forms are submitted (policyholder claims) | No set number | Missouri rules require insurers to acknowledge a policyholder's claim within 10 working days, finish investigating within 30 days, and accept or deny within 15 working days of complete forms. Any claimant's letters must get a reply within 10 working days. |
| Montana | No set number | 30 days after proof of loss (60 days if more information is reasonably requested) | 30 days after proof of loss (pay or deny) | Montana insurers must pay or deny a claim within 30 days of proof of loss (60 if they ask for more information), with 10% interest if late. Acknowledgments only need to be 'reasonably prompt' under the Unfair Claim Settlement Practices law. |
| Nebraska | 15 working days | 15 working days after settlement information or proof of loss (or explain the delay) | 15 working days after the claimant accepts the offer | Nebraska's Unfair Property and Casualty Settlement Practices Rule covers first- and third-party claimants: acknowledge within 15 working days, accept or deny within 15 working days of proof of loss, and pay within 15 working days of acceptance. |
| Nevada | 20 working days | 30 working days after proof of loss (first-party claims) | 30 days after accepting the claim (first-party claims) | Nevada's claim rules require every insurer to acknowledge a claim within 20 working days. The 30-working-day decision and 30-day payment deadlines protect the insurer's own policyholders; third-party claimants get no fixed decision date. |
| New Hampshire | 10 working days | 30 days after notice of the claim | 5 days after agreement or receipt of requested documents | New Hampshire's claim settlement rules require property/casualty insurers to start investigating within 5 working days, acknowledge within 10 working days, decide coverage within 30 days and pay within 5 days of agreement, or send written delay letters. They cover insureds and claimants. |
| New Jersey | 10 working days | Third-party claims: bodily injury within 90 days and property damage within 45 days of notice, unless clearly justified | 10 working days after a settlement agreement | New Jersey's claim rules require insurers to acknowledge within 10 working days, investigate within 10 working days, and generally resolve third-party injury claims within 90 days (property damage 45 days) of notice, then pay agreed settlements within 10 working days. |
| New Mexico | No set number | No set number | No set number | New Mexico's Unfair Claims Practices law sets no day counts for ordinary claims: insurers must acknowledge and act 'reasonably promptly' and decide 'within a reasonable time'. Catastrophic claims must be settled within 90 days. |
| New York | 15 business days | 15 business days after receiving proof of loss and requested items | 5 business days after receiving the settlement agreement | New York's Regulation 64 requires insurers to acknowledge any claim within 15 business days, accept or reject in writing within 15 business days of proof of loss (or explain the delay), and pay within 5 business days of an agreed settlement. |
| North Carolina | No set number | No set number | No set number | North Carolina's Unfair Claim Settlement Practices law sets no day limits for auto claims: insurers must acknowledge 'reasonably promptly', affirm or deny 'within a reasonable time' after proof of loss, and try in good faith to settle when liability is reasonably clear. |
| North Dakota | No set number | No set number | No set number | North Dakota's unfair claim settlement law sets no day limits: insurers must acknowledge claim communications 'with reasonable promptness', affirm or deny 'within a reasonable time' after proof of loss, and try in good faith to settle when liability is clear. |
| Ohio | 15 days | 21 days after receiving proof of loss | 10 days after accepting the claim (first-party claimants only) | Ohio's claim rule requires insurers to acknowledge a claim within 15 days and accept or deny within 21 days of proof of loss (or explain the delay, with updates every 45 days). The 10-day payment deadline protects only the insurer's own policyholders. |
| Oklahoma | 30 business days | 45 days after proof of loss is filed | No set number | Oklahoma's Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act requires insurers to acknowledge a policyholder's claim within 30 business days and accept or deny within 45 days of proof of loss. These rules mainly protect policyholders; third-party deadlines are not specified. |
| Oregon | 30 days | 30 days after proof of loss (first-party claimants only) | No set number | Oregon's claim rules require insurers to acknowledge any claim, including a third-party claim, within 30 days. The 30-day accept/deny deadline, with updates every 45 days, protects the insurer's own policyholders. |
| Pennsylvania | 10 working days | 15 working days after proof of loss (first-party claimants only) | No set number | Pennsylvania's unfair claims rules require every insurer to acknowledge a claim within 10 working days. The 15-working-day accept/deny rule protects policyholders; third-party claimants must get 60 days' notice before a time limit expires. |
| Rhode Island | 15 days | 21 days after proof of loss (first-party claimants only) | 30 days after the insurer accepts liability (undisputed amounts) | Rhode Island's property/casualty claim rule requires insurers to acknowledge any claim in writing within 15 days and pay undisputed amounts within 30 days of accepting liability. The 21-day accept/deny deadline protects policyholders only. |
| South Carolina | No set number | No set number | No set number | South Carolina sets no fixed day count for car insurance claims. Insurers must acknowledge claim communications 'with reasonable promptness' and settle in good faith (S.C. Code 38-59-20), including third-party liability claims; insureds can seek attorney fees if a claim is unpaid 90 days after demand without reasonable cause. |
| South Dakota | 30 days (claims by insureds) | No set number | No set number | In dealing with its own insured, an insurer must acknowledge and act on claim communications within 30 days and promptly explain any denial (SDCL 58-33-67). No specific day limits were found for third-party claimants. |
| Tennessee | 30 days | 60 days after proof of loss (first-party only) | 30 days after accepting liability | Insurers must acknowledge a claim within 30 days. For their own policyholders they must accept or deny within 60 days of a completed proof of loss and pay within 30 days of accepting. Third-party claimants get no fixed decision deadline. |
| Texas | 15 days | 15 business days after receiving all requested items | 5 business days after notice of acceptance | Texas's Prompt Payment of Claims Act gives these deadlines, but only for first-party claims (your own policy, e.g. collision, PIP, UM). Claims against the at-fault driver's insurer are not covered by these day limits. |
| Utah | 15 days | 30 days after complete proof of loss (first-party only) | No set number | Insurers must acknowledge a notice of loss within 15 days and answer a claimant's request within 15 days. Their own policyholders must get an accept/deny decision within 30 days of a complete proof of loss. |
| Vermont | 10 business days | 15 business days after proof of loss (first-party); third party: written update within 30 business days if more time needed | 10 business days after settlement is agreed | Vermont's Fair Claims Practices Regulation covers both your own insurer and the other driver's: acknowledgment within 10 business days, replies to questions within 10 business days, and payment within 10 business days of an agreed settlement. |
| Virginia | 15 calendar days | 15 calendar days after proof of loss (first-party only) | No set number | Insurers must acknowledge a claim and answer claimant letters that need a reply within 15 calendar days. Their own policyholders must hear acceptance or denial within 15 calendar days of a proof of loss, with investigations normally done within 45 days. |
| Washington | 10 business days | 30 calendar days (first-party only) | No set number | Insurers must acknowledge a claim and answer claimant communications within 10 business days; 'claimant' includes third-party claimants. Your own insurer must accept or deny within 30 calendar days of notice, with updates every 30 days if it needs longer. |
| West Virginia | 15 working days | 10 working days after completing the investigation | 15 working days after receiving the settlement agreement | Insurers must acknowledge a claim and start investigating within 15 working days, deny or make a written offer within 10 working days of finishing the investigation, and pay within 15 working days of a settlement. Third-party claimants can complain only to the Insurance Commissioner. |
| Wisconsin | No set number | No set number | 30 days after written notice of the covered loss and its amount | Insurers must pay claims promptly; a claim is overdue if unpaid 30 days after the insurer receives written notice that the loss is covered and of its amount, and overdue payments earn 7.5% yearly interest. |
| Wyoming | No set number | 45 days after receiving the claim and supporting bills | 45 days after receiving the claim and supporting bills | Claims for benefits under a property or casualty policy must be accepted or rejected and paid within 45 days of receiving the claim and supporting bills. Otherwise insurers must act 'reasonably promptly' under the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices law. |
Many deadlines start only once the insurer has the documents or proof of loss it asked for. Sources are listed on each state page. This is general information, not legal advice.
If the insurer is slow
- Send your claim, bills and follow-ups in writing (email is fine) and keep copies with dates.
- Ask in writing which documents are missing; many deadlines restart only when the insurer receives what it asked for.
- File a complaint with your state's department of insurance if a legal deadline passes.
- Watch the lawsuit deadline: it keeps running during negotiations.
Got an offer? Check if it is fair, or start with ademand letter.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does an insurance company have to respond to a car accident claim?
- It depends on the state. 33 jurisdictions set a specific number of days to acknowledge a claim; Texas, for example, requires acknowledgment within 15 days. Others only require insurers to act promptly or within a reasonable time. Many numeric deadlines protect the insurer's own policyholders; claims against the other driver's insurer are often covered only by the general duty to act promptly and in good faith.
- What can I do if the insurance company is not responding?
- Put your claim and follow-ups in writing, keep copies, and file a complaint with your state's department of insurance if the insurer misses a legal deadline. Keep an eye on the lawsuit deadline: talks with an insurer do not stop that clock.
- Does the insurer's deadline stop the statute of limitations?
- No. Negotiating with an insurer does not pause the deadline to file a lawsuit. If the deadline is close and the claim is not settled, a lawsuit may need to be filed to protect it.