How long does an insurance company have to settle a claim in California?

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The process of settling an auto insurance claim in California can be a long and arduous one. Knowing how long it takes to settle a claim is important for any driver in the state. Fortunately, California state law requires insurance carriers to settle claims within 85 days after the date of filing. This timeline is in place to ensure that drivers receive the compensation they are due in a timely manner.

The 85-day timeline is just the beginning of the process. Before a claim can be settled, insurance companies must contact claimants and investigate the claim. This process can take several weeks or even months depending on the complexity of the claim. The insurance company must also review any evidence submitted by the claimant and make a decision on the claim.

In addition to the 85-day timeline, California state law also requires insurance companies to contact claimants within 15 days of the date of filing. This is to ensure that claimants are kept up to date on the progress of their claim. The insurance company must also provide claimants with a written notice of their decision within 15 days of making the decision.

The 85-day timeline is in place to ensure that claimants receive the compensation they are due in a timely manner. However, it is important to remember that the timeline can be extended if the insurance company needs more time to investigate the claim. In such cases, the insurance company must notify the claimant in writing of the extension.

It is important to note that the 85-day timeline is not the only deadline that applies to auto insurance claims in California. Other deadlines come into play when contacting claimants and completing other steps in the auto insurance claim process. It is important to familiarize yourself with all applicable deadlines to ensure that your claim is handled properly.

Overall, California state law requires insurance carriers to settle claims within 85 days after the date of filing. This timeline is in place to ensure that drivers receive the compensation they are due in a timely manner. It is important to familiarize yourself with all applicable deadlines to ensure that your claim is handled properly. Knowing how long it takes to settle a claim is important for any driver in the state, so make sure to keep track of the timeline and stay up to date on the progress of your claim.