How Long Does a Car Insurance Settlement Take?
Car accidents are scary. They not only cause immediate concerns – calling 911, making sure you’re okay, wondering what to do with your car – but the factors that need to be accounted for afterward can be grueling. Medical bills, car repairs, police reports, and insurance claims can all drag on far longer than the accident itself. More often than not, you’ll have to file a claim through your auto insurance company for the damages to your vehicle. Now the process of filing a claim is pretty straightforward, but the timeline is not so cut and dry.
Types of Claims
How long insurance claims take to settle is dependent on the type of claim being processed. Some claims are a bit faster to process due to the number of factors that need to be accounted for.
Each state law has mandated filing times for auto insurance claims. The faster you file, the more likely it is your claim can be handled quickly. Likewise, every insurance company has a different policy for how long they accept claims. Always be aware of the turnaround time in your insurance coverage, which can be different from what is required by the state. If you file too late, your insurance company can deny your claim.
The length of time your insurance claim takes to be settled ultimately depends on the accident itself. If it’s clear cut – easy to assess, only involves property, and the person at fault is clear about that – then it could be handled relatively quickly. Factors that can influence the general time frame of your claim include state laws, your insurance company, and whether personal injuries are involved.
Auto insurance claims can also involve many people such as insurance adjusters from both parties company, repair shop workers, health insurance companies, witnesses and the reporting police officer, and a personal injury lawyer.
So as you can see, there is no straight answer to how long an insurance claim takes to settle. The best thing for you to do is file a claim and make sure everything is completed on your part. Give the insurance company all the information they need, and quickly, so they can get to work on settling your claim.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a collision and are seeking help, call 1-800-411-PAIN and get the help you need! We will refer you to the attorneys that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve and the medical attention you need. If you have been hurt in an accident, call 1-800-411-PAIN, and we will guide you in finding you the best medical and legal professionals.