How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Investigate a Claim?

• March 19, 2025
• The Stoddard Firm
• Personal Injury

You’ve filed an insurance claim after an accident. Now you’re waiting. A common question is: how long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim? In Georgia, there are specific legal deadlines that insurance companies must adhere to. However, delays are frequent, and not all of them are accidental. Some delays are strategically designed to discourage claimants.

Knowing these deadlines and potential tactics is crucial to navigating the claims process effectively. Here’s what you need to know to protect your interests.

Insurance Claim Investigation Process

What Happens During an Insurance Claim Investigation?

After you file a claim, the insurance company launches an investigation. Here’s what typically happens:

• They review the details of the accident, including police reports and medical records.
• They talk to witnesses and anyone involved in the incident.
• They inspect property damage or injuries to confirm the claim’s legitimacy.
• They consult experts—medical professionals, financial analysts, accident reconstructionists—to evaluate damages.
• They check for pre-existing conditions or prior claims that might affect compensation.

Sounds straightforward, right? The reality is that insurance companies don’t just investigate to determine the truth; they investigate to protect their bottom line. Some may take it a step further, monitoring claimants on social media or even conducting surveillance to find anything that could be used to minimize or deny a payout.

Delays can also be a strategy—repeated document requests, miscommunications, or excessive scrutiny may frustrate claimants into accepting lower settlements. Knowing what to expect can help you stay ahead of these tactics and ensure you’re treated fairly.

Types of Claims That Require Investigation

Not all claims go through the same level of scrutiny. The complexity of an investigation depends on factors like the severity of injuries, disputed liability, and policy limits. Some of the most common claims that undergo extensive review include:

• Car accidents: Determining fault, reviewing medical expenses, and assessing property damage.
• Slip and fall incidents: Examining property conditions, surveillance footage, and liability factors.
• Workplace injuries: Evaluating employer liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
• Medical malpractice: Analyzing treatment records, consulting expert witnesses, and determining negligence.

How Long Do Insurance Companies Have to Investigate a Claim in Georgia?

General timeframes for Claim Investigation under Georgian law

Georgian law sets specific deadlines for insurers handling claims:

• 15 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim.
• 30 days to approve or deny a claim after receiving proof of loss.
• 60 days to make a final decision in most cases.

However, insurers can request additional information, which may extend the process. Some delays are unavoidable, especially if a case is complex, but if an insurance company is dragging its feet without good reason, that could be considered bad faith.

What the Law Says About Insurance Companies’ Responsibilities

Insurance companies are legally required to act in good faith when handling claims. Under Georgia law, insurers must conduct fair and timely investigations, avoiding any deceptive or unfair settlement practices. If an insurance company unnecessarily delays a claim, denies it without proper justification, or fails to communicate effectively, it could be violating Georgia’s Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act.

If an insurer is found guilty of bad faith practices, it could face penalties, including fines or being required to pay additional damages to the policyholder. If you believe your claim is being unfairly delayed or denied, consulting an attorney can help you understand your rights and take action against the insurance company.

Factors that can affect the investigation time

Even though deadlines are in place, certain factors can cause delays, including:

• Complex accidents that require in-depth investigations.
• Disputes over liability or damages.
• Waiting on medical evaluations or documentation.
• Internal insurance company delays due to backlog or staffing issues.

Severe injury cases or multi-party accidents often take longer to resolve. If an insurance company is stalling, having legal support can help speed things along.

What If the Insurance Company Misses the Deadline?

If your insurer doesn’t follow legal timeframes, you have options:

• Filing a complaint with the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner if they believe their claim is being unfairly delayed or denied.
• Seek penalties or bad-faith damages against the insurer.
• Consult a personal injury attorney to explore legal action.

Holding insurers accountable ensures you receive the compensation you deserve.

How to Speed Up the Insurance Claim Investigation

You may not have full control over how long an investigation takes, but you can take steps to keep things moving:

• Submit all necessary documents upfront, including medical records and repair estimates.
• Check in regularly to make sure your claim is being processed.
• Respond quickly to any additional requests for information.
• Consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to apply legal pressure if necessary.

It also helps to keep detailed records of all communication with the insurance company—emails, phone calls, letters—so you have a timeline of events. This documentation can be crucial if you ever need to challenge an unfair delay.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

Denial isn’t the end of the road. If an insurance company refuses to pay, here’s what you can do:

• Request a written explanation for the denial.
• Gather additional evidence to strengthen your case.
• File an appeal with the insurance company.
• Get legal representation to challenge the decision in court if necessary.

Many insurers count on people accepting denials without pushing back. But with the right legal support, you can fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.

Why You Need an Experienced Atlanta Insurance Lawyer

Dealing with insurance companies can be exhausting—especially when they delay or deny claims unfairly. If you’re wondering how long an insurance company has to investigate a claim, The Stoddard Firm has the experience to fight back against delays and denials.

If your claim is under investigation or has been denied, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation.