How Long Should a Car Insurance Claim Take?

Before filing a car insurance claim, the first concern that usually comes to mind is how long it can take to process the claim. Whether you need the car insurance payout to cover your car’s repair/replacement costs, medical bills, or liability costs after an accident, it is essential to know when you expect the car insurance claim to settle.

Usually, car insurance claims take around 2 to 4 weeks, or up to 30 days, if the claim is legitimate and undisputed. However, things can get complicated, and it may take several months if your insurer requires a thorough investigation to verify the validity and legitimacy of your claim.

How Long Should a Car Insurance Claim Take to Settle?

On average, car insurance claims take around 30 days to settle. A valid claim with substantial evidence can even get settled within minutes, or at least within a few hours on the same day. Similarly, it can take a few days, a week, or even a month to process a car insurance claim.

Now you might be wondering, why does the timeframe of the car insurance settlement vary so much? Straightforward claims such as minor property damage or windshield replacement can be processed and approved within a few hours or days, especially if submitted online with complete documentation.

In contrast, more complex cases involving multiple parties, injuries, or disputes over fault can take several weeks or even months to resolve. The length of time also depends on state insurance laws, the insurer’s investigation process, and how quickly both parties provide the necessary information.

Pro Tip: While choosing a car insurance provider, it’s essential to verify how smooth and reliable their car insurance claims process is. If you’re looking for a trusted car insurance company that offers an affordable car insurance policy with a quick and easy claims process, you should explore USA Auto’s extensive car insurance coverage options.

Auto Insurance Claim Settlement Time Limit by State

Many states have mandatory timeframes for acknowledging, investigating, processing, and settling car insurance claims. Other states, however, give insurers the flexibility to act promptly and reasonably when handling claims.

It’s important to note that insurers may extend the claim settlement time, typically beyond the standard 30-to-45-day period, but they must notify the policyholder every 30 days if additional investigation is required to verify the legitimacy of the claim or if a dispute arises.

The table below provides a state-by-state overview of settlement time limits for undisputed claims.

Source: Experian

Legal Time Limit to File a Car Insurance Claim by State

If you have incurred financial loss due to a car accident, you generally have 2 to 4 years from the date of the incident to file a car insurance claim. However, it’s highly recommended to claim insurance at the soonest possible time after the accident.

This makes it easier to investigate your claim while the evidence stays fresh and accessible, and it also helps insurers investigate, process, and settle your claim faster. Regardless, if you were unable to file right away, most states provide a substantial window to submit your claim for bodily injury or property damage coverage. The table below outlines the legal time limits for filing car insurance claims by state.

Source: WalletHub

How to Speed Up the Car Insurance Claim Process?

If you want to receive your car insurance payout faster, it’s essential to file your claim immediately after the accident. Make sure to include complete details and supporting evidence, such as photos, witness statements, or police reports, to help the insurer verify your claim quickly.

Depending on your case, your insurer may assign a claims adjuster to review the damage and assess your loss. Cooperate fully by responding promptly to any requests for information or additional documentation.

Lastly, follow up with your insurer regularly, ideally every few days, to stay updated on your claim progress and take timely action if further details are needed.

Circumstances that Can Delay Your Claim? 

Certain mistakes or unforeseen circumstances can slow down your car insurance settlement. By staying proactive and organized, you can help your insurer process your claim faster and avoid unnecessary delays. Here are some of the most common factors that can delay a car insurance claim as follows.

• Incomplete or missing documentation: Forgetting to submit essential paperwork such as police reports, repair estimates, or photos can slow down the verification process.
• Disputes over fault: When there’s disagreement between drivers or insurers about who caused the accident, the claim often takes longer to investigate.
• Inaccurate or inconsistent information: Providing incorrect details about the accident, vehicle damage, or injuries can trigger additional reviews and requests for clarification.
• Complicated situations: Claims involving multiple vehicles, serious injuries, or extensive damage typically require more time to investigate and evaluate.
• Delayed claim reporting: Waiting too long to notify your insurer about the incident can complicate the process and make evidence harder to verify.
• Unresponsive communication: Not responding promptly to your insurer’s requests or failing to stay in touch with the adjuster can cause unnecessary delays.
• Third-party involvement: If another driver’s insurer is slow to respond or disputes liability, your claim may take longer to resolve. 
• Pending police or legal investigation: When law enforcement or courts are still determining responsibility, your insurer may postpone settlement until the results are available.
• Medical treatment claims: If injuries are involved, insurers may wait until medical assessments and bills are finalized before issuing payment.

What to Do If Your Car Insurance Settlement Is Taking Too Long?

If your car insurance settlement is taking too long, let’s say it’s been over a month, and yet there’s no satisfactory response from your insurer. Even if they’re communicating and keeping you informed, their response and reasons for the delays in your claim settlement seem unreasonable. In this case, here’s what you should do.

• Review your car insurance policy: Go through your policy to understand the terms and conditions of your car insurance coverage and its limits.
• Communicate with the Adjuster: Call your insurance adjuster to provide valid reasons for the delay and request a specific update and timeline. If it’s needed, write an email to your adjuster detailing your claim process and the documents provided.
• Make a Formal Complaint: If you still haven't received any satisfactory response, write a formal complaint to your insurance provider to express your dissatisfaction with the progress of your auto insurance claim.

If these steps don’t help, then you should make a complaint to your state’s insurance department or sue your insurance company for negligence.

If you need suggestions, advice, or if you’re exploring a reliable car insurance provider that provides extensive coverage across the U.S. with a fast and easy claims process, you can contact us for a free quote and consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take for a car insurance claim to be approved?

The approval time for a car insurance claim depends on its complexity. Simple claims can be approved within hours or a few days, while complex claims involving injuries, multiple parties, or disputes may take several weeks or months. On average, most claims are settled within 2 to 4 weeks. Providing complete documentation and staying in touch with your claims adjuster can help speed up the process.

How long do I have to file a car insurance claim after an accident?

The legal time limit, or statute of limitations, varies by state and type of claim. Typically, you have 2–4 years to file a claim for bodily injury or property damage. Filing promptly helps preserve evidence and can speed up the process.

How long should I wait before contacting my insurer about a delayed claim?

It’s best to follow up every few days once your claim is submitted. If a month passes without progress, you should escalate by contacting the adjuster, filing a complaint, or notifying your state’s insurance department.

What is an undisputed claim?

An undisputed claim is one where liability and damages are clear and agreed upon by all parties. These claims are usually processed faster than disputed claims, which require further investigation.