Each year, motor vehicle accidents cost about $1 trillion a year.
However, your car’s single crash shouldn’t cost that much. But you will still want your money back, and filing a car insurance claim can take a lot of work.
Keep reading to discover what you should do if your car insurance claim is taking too long.
How Long Does It Take?
Keep in mind that each state will have a limit for how long an insurance company can work and pay out your claim. Check with your specific state, but in general, most companies have to decide whether or not to accept your claim within thirty days of filing.
They’ll then pay it out shortly after that. While there are rules, there are some complications that can make it difficult. Some insurance companies need more time to investigate a claim as well.
The claims might take longer if there are multiple vehicles and drivers, where the fault of the accident wasn’t very clear, if there was a lot of property damage, or if there are any disputes about the settlement amount.
What Delays a Claim?
There are a few things that can delay your claim, but understanding them will help you figure out what steps to take next. For example, the insurance company might have poor communication.
When you don’t answer your phone for the insurance provider, then this could delay your claim. Make sure that all of your contact information is updated, and you should also answer your phone if a strange number calls.
You may have been filing a disaster claim. For example, if your car flooded in a hurricane, then other people may be filing those claims too. This can make it challenging when there is an influx of people filing insurance claims.
Next Steps to Take
If your claim is taking too long to process and the insurance company hasn’t reached out to you, then there are a few things you can do.
Sometimes insurance companies will delay their payment by taking longer to respond to claims, asking for more information that takes over a few months or avoiding all of your communications.
Remember that if a significant time has elapsed, you do have rights, even if the insurer doesn’t pay your claim. If your claim is delayed past a reasonable time, then you can file with a government agency.
These departments are in charge of investigating these claims and could help you get the money you’re owed. When you file your complaint, there is also a record of it.
If you don’t get anywhere with the government agency, it might help to hire an attorney for your auto insurance claim.
Discover More About What to Do If Your Car Insurance Claim Is Taking Too Long
These are only a few things you need to know if your car insurance claim is taking too long, but we’re here to help you get your money faster.
We have the experience and expertise needed to help you get your claim settled faster.
Check out our website to get help with getting your settlement paid out.