When an accident happens and you need your insurance company most, waiting for compensation can feel like an eternity. You deserve prompt payment for your covered losses, whether you are dealing with a car accident that left you injured or property damage that disrupted your life. In these situations, it is important to understand your rights under Missouri law and work with an attorney who can hold your insurance company accountable for meeting its legal obligations.
The Typical Timeline for Insurance Claim Processing in Missouri
Under the Missouri Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act, insurers have 30 days to investigate your claim once you have submitted the necessary documentation. You are required to provide completed claim forms and supporting information within 10 days of filing your initial claim. For complex cases, the insurance company has the right to request extensions.
Once your insurer receives all required documentation, it must accept or deny your claim within 15 working days. This decision does not necessarily include the final settlement amount, which may come after their investigation concludes. If you have questions about your claim status, your insurance company must respond within 10 working days.
What Factors Affect How Long Insurance Claims Take?
Several factors can influence how long your insurance claim takes to resolve. Straightforward cases with minor injuries and minimal property damage typically move faster through the system, sometimes settling within weeks.
Complex claims often face longer processing times due to several factors:
- Multiple parties involved in the incident who may share responsibility
- Significant property damage that requires detailed assessments and repair estimates
- The need for extensive and specialized medical treatment
- Disputed liability or coverage issues that require additional investigation
- High-value claims that trigger more scrutiny from insurance adjusters
When Do Insurance Delays Become Bad Faith Practices?
When an insurance company acts unreasonably or fails to fulfill its contractual obligations, its actions may constitute bad faith. Bad faith occurs when an insurer deliberately violates the duty of good faith and fair dealing it owes to policyholders. Companies that unreasonably refuse to pay valid claims or use stalling tactics may be liable for damages beyond your original claim.
Examples of bad faith practices may include:
- Failing to investigate your claim properly or thoroughly
- Denying coverage without providing adequate explanation or justification
- Ignoring evidence that clearly supports your claim
- Requesting unnecessary documentation repeatedly to delay processing
- Offering settlements far below your claim’s actual value without a reasonable basis
- Failing to respond to communications within the required legal timeframes
When insurers engage in bad faith conduct, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the company. You can recover additional damages in a bad faith insurance claim, including punitive damages, attorney fees, and compensation for the emotional distress caused by the insurer’s wrongful conduct.
What to Do If Your Insurance Claim Is Delayed
When your insurance company drags its feet or wrongfully denies your claim, you need an attorney who understands insurance law on your side. A Kansas City personal injury lawyer can communicate directly with your insurer, analyze whether their delays constitute bad faith, and take legal action to enforce your rights.
If you are dealing with an unreasonably delayed insurance claim, document everything related to your case and seek legal assistance immediately. Contact an attorney today to discuss your options for pursuing the compensation you deserve.