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Having your insurance company not responding to a claim can be frustrating and exasperating. In that case, the first thing you can do is document everything, let car accident lawyers in California escalate the matter to your insurance company’s supervisor, and file a formal complaint with the California Department of Insurance (CDI). Remember: insurance companies can’t take all the time they want. California law generally requires them to acknowledge a claim within 15 days and make a coverage decision within 40 days after receiving all necessary information.
If you intend to start a personal injury claim, or even if you’re already pursuing compensation but results are not there, call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807. Fight for the maximum award you’re entitled to by law by teaming up with experienced, winning attorneys. Consultation is free and confidential. Let us know what’s going on with your claim—we can evaluate your case and explain any possible path forward.
Insurance Company Not Responding to a Claim: Why Would They Do That?
There are several reasons why an insurance adjuster may fail to call you back after you file an accident claim.
When an insurance company is not responding to a claim, it does not always mean your case has been denied—but it often signals delays or tactics that work in the insurer’s favor. An insurance adjuster is responsible for investigating the accident and determining how much compensation, if any, will be paid.
Below are some common reasons an adjuster may not respond:
Ongoing investigation
In many cases, insurance adjusters may still be investigating the accident. Some claims are complex, especially those involving multi-vehicle collisions. Contacting every driver, witness, or party involved can take time. In addition, some individuals may be reluctant to speak with an insurance company, which can further delay the process.
Attempting to pressure a low settlement
Sometimes, when an insurance company is not responding to a claim, the delay is intentional. Prolonged silence may be used as a tactic to frustrate you into accepting a low settlement offer. Insurance companies often start with their lowest offer, hoping the insured will accept it simply to move the process forward. While this is not always the case, delays are sometimes part of a broader negotiation strategy.
Failure to meet deadlines
Insurance claims involve strict deadlines for submitting documents and information. An insurance company may request additional materials and impose time limits for compliance. In some cases, the insurer may hope you miss these deadlines. If required documents are not submitted on time, the insurance company may use that failure as grounds to deny the claim.
Financial interest in delaying payment
Insurance companies earn interest on the money they hold. The longer they delay payment, the more interest they may generate on funds that should otherwise be paid to you. As a result, an insurance company not responding to a claim may be motivated by financial gain rather than efficiency.
There are many reasons an insurance company may fail to respond, and not all delays are justified. While insurers are required to act in good faith under California law, some engage in bad-faith tactics. When this happens, an insurance company may be held accountable through a bad faith insurance lawsuit.
What Can I Do if the Insurance Company Doesn’t Respond?
If you have filed a claim and your insurance company is not responding to a claim, there are steps you can take to protect your rights and push the process forward. While delays can be frustrating, especially when you are waiting for compensation, there are practical actions that may help force a response or escalation.
We understand how difficult it can be to put your life on hold while waiting to hear back from an insurance adjuster. If an insurance company is not responding to a claim, consider taking the following steps:
Contact the insurance company by phone
Call the insurance company and request to speak with the adjuster’s supervisor. Supervisors often have access to additional information regarding the investigation and claim status. When communicating, remain calm and professional. Becoming agitated or confrontational may be used against you to delay or reduce payment.
Send written correspondence
Contact the insurance company by mail, preferably through a formal letter. Letters sent on an attorney’s letterhead often receive quicker attention. Including a written request for an explanation of the delay and sending the letter with return receipt requested may prompt faster action from the insurance adjuster.
Document every interaction
Keep detailed records of every call, email, letter, and delay. When an insurance company is not responding to a claim, documentation becomes critical. In extreme situations, this evidence may support a bad faith insurance lawsuit if the insurer fails to act fairly.
Hire an accident attorney
If you do not already have an attorney, consider hiring a car accident attorney to communicate directly with the insurance company on your behalf. After an accident, your recovery should be your priority. Legal representation can relieve stress and prevent insurers from taking advantage of delays or technicalities.
File a claim with your own insurance company
If you initially filed a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer, you may also be able to file a claim with your own insurance company. Your insurer may offer broader coverage or be more responsive than the opposing party’s carrier.
File a complaint with the State Department of Insurance
If an insurance company continues not responding to a claim for months—or longer—you may file a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance. These agencies monitor insurers and enforce compliance with claim-handling regulations.
Team Up with a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer
When an insurance company is not responding to a claim, a personal injury lawyer can step in to protect your rights and push the process forward.
An experienced attorney can handle all communications with the insurer, enforce California’s claim-handling deadlines, gather and preserve evidence, and challenge delay tactics or lowball settlement strategies. If the insurance company continues to act in bad faith, a lawyer can escalate the matter through formal complaints or legal action to pursue the full compensation you are entitled to by law.
Having legal representation levels the playing field and sends a clear message that unnecessary delays will not be tolerated. If you’re experiencing unusual delays and feel your current lawyer is not doing much about it, call Megeredchian Law at (866) 359-0807. We’ll evaluate your case and determine the best course of action for you.
