Insurance Claim Decision Timeline
How long insurers have to decide on a claim, what triggers extensions, and what your rights are when they delay.
Georgia claim decision requirements
After a carrier completes its investigation, Georgia law requires a written acceptance or denial of your claim within 15 business days. If additional time is needed, they must provide written notice of the reason for the delay and a new estimated resolution date.
The investigation clock
The decision clock doesn't start at the loss date — it starts when the carrier has "all items, statements, and forms required by the insurer." This means a carrier can technically delay by requesting additional documentation. Keep records of every document you submit, and when.
Legitimate reasons for extension
- Third-party expert inspection not yet completed
- Waiting for official records (police report, fire marshal report)
- Active litigation or coverage dispute that affects the outcome
What a denial must include
A valid denial must be in writing and cite the specific policy provision, condition, or exclusion that supports the denial. If the denial cites vague language or does not reference your policy directly, that is a red flag worth escalating.
When delays cross the line into bad faith
Unreasonable delay, repeated requests for documents already submitted, and failure to communicate in writing can constitute bad faith handling under Georgia law. See our bad faith guide for details.