| ArizonaAll Arizona rules | Arizona auto insurers must acknowledge electronic claim submissions within 10 business days, third-party claimants included. Otherwise the law sets no number of days: just respond promptly and accept or deny within a reasonable time. If a first-party claim isn't paid within 30 days of a complete proof of loss, the insurer owes interest at the legal rate from the day it got the claim, unless it denied the claim in good faith within those 30 days. The interest rule covers only claims paid to the insured, a named beneficiary or a provider the insured assigned benefits to, so it does not reach third-party claims. The unfair claims list gives the Director an administrative remedy only, with no private right to sue. The 10-business-day acknowledgment section carries a 9/26/2025 effective date. | Respond“Electronic content submissions and communications may include time-sensitive documents and demands. The insurer shall respond with an acknowledgment of receipt within ten business days.” A.R.S. § 20-269, amended effective 9/26/2025 RespondFrom a list that begins: “A person shall not commit or perform with such a frequency to indicate as a general business practice any of the following:” “Failing to acknowledge and act reasonably and promptly upon communications with respect to claims arising under an insurance policy.” A.R.S. § 20-461, azleg.gov text, 2026 session update Accept or denyFrom a list that begins: “A person shall not commit or perform with such a frequency to indicate as a general business practice any of the following:” “Failing to affirm or deny coverage of claims within a reasonable time after proof of loss statements have been completed.” A.R.S. § 20-461, azleg.gov text, 2026 session update If late“any first party claim not paid within thirty days after the receipt of an acceptable proof of loss by the insurer which contains all information necessary for claim adjudication shall be required to pay interest at the legal rate from the date the claim is received by the insurer.” A.R.S. § 20-462, azleg.gov text, 2026 session update If late“D. This section shall apply only to claims that are to be paid by the insurer directly to the insured, to a beneficiary named in the contract, or to a provider who has been assigned the right to receive benefits under the contract by the insured.” A.R.S. § 20-462, azleg.gov text, 2026 session update |
| CaliforniaAll California rules | The insurer must acknowledge a claim and start investigating within 15 calendar days. On a first-party claim, if it wants to inspect the car, it must ask and inspect within 6 business days. It must accept or deny within 40 days of proof of claim and pay within 30 days of accepting, but those two deadlines exclude collision and comprehensive auto repair bills subject to Insurance Code Section 560. The penalty is a state fine up to $5,000 per act, $10,000 if willful; no interest. The 40-day and 30-day time frames exclude automobile repair bills under collision and comprehensive coverage subject to Insurance Code Section 560, which is not in the captured law; whether a given auto claim falls under that exception is a question for the Department of Insurance or a lawyer. On third-party claims, the 6-business-day inspection window runs from when the insurer decides to inspect. The 15-day acknowledgment duty does not apply to a notice of legal action. | If late“Any person who engages in any unfair method of competition or any unfair or deceptive act or practice defined in Section 790.03 is liable to the state for a civil penalty to be fixed by the commissioner, not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each act, or, if the act or practice was willful, a civil penalty not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for each act.” Cal. Ins. Code 790.035, effective 9/25/1989 Respond“Upon receiving notice of claim, every insurer shall immediately, but in no event more than fifteen (15) calendar days later, do the following unless the notice of claim received is a notice of legal action:
(1) acknowledge receipt of such notice to the claimant unless payment is made within that period of time.” 10 CCR 2695.5, effective 7/23/2003 (Cornell LII copy) Accept or deny“Upon receiving proof of claim, every insurer, except as specified in subsection 2695.7 (b)(4) below, shall immediately, but in no event more than forty (40) calendar days later, accept or deny the claim, in whole or in part.” 10 CCR 2695.7, effective 8/30/2006 (Cornell LII copy) Accept or denyFrom a list that begins: “(B) In the case of first-party claims only:” “1. Initial inspection. Except as provided in Subdivision (e)(4)(B)2. or (e)(4)(B)3. of this section, if an insurer chooses to exercise its right to inspect the damaged vehicle, the insurer shall within six (6) business days after receiving the notice of claim:
a. request of the claimant that the claimant make the vehicle available for inspection by the insurer, and
b. provided the claimant makes the vehicle reasonably available for inspection, inspect the damaged vehicle.” 10 CCR 2695.8, effective 1/1/2017 (Cornell LII copy) Pay“Upon acceptance of the claim in whole or in part and, when necessary, upon receipt of a properly executed release, every insurer, except as specified in subsection 2695.7 (h)(1) and (2) below, shall immediately, but in no event more than thirty (30) calendar days later, tender payment or otherwise take action to perform its claim obligation.” 10 CCR 2695.7, effective 8/30/2006 (Cornell LII copy) |
| ColoradoAll Colorado rules | Colorado insurers must decide or pay their own insured's claim within 60 days of a valid and complete claim, unless there is a reasonable dispute. If they miss it, the Commissioner can make them pay the insured 8% yearly interest on claims over $100. An insured whose claim is unreasonably delayed or denied can sue for twice the covered benefit plus attorney fees. For a third-party total loss, payment is due 3 business days after written acceptance and title. The 60-day rule and its penalties cover first party claims and run from a 'valid and complete claim', which the rule defines narrowly (for example, once repairs are completed and the insured authorizes payment, or negotiations or appraisals are finished). The two-times-benefit lawsuit excludes anyone claiming against an insured under a liability policy. The 3-business-day third-party total loss payment rule sits in the rule's rental replacement section. Colorado's statute requires acknowledging claim communications reasonably promptly but sets no day count. | RespondFrom a list that begins: “Committing or performing, either in willful violation of this part 11 or with such frequency as to indicate a tendency to engage in a general business practice, any of the following:” “(II) Failing to acknowledge and act reasonably promptly upon communications with respect to claims arising under insurance policies; or” CRS 10-3-1104, 2026 edition If late“A first-party claimant as defined in section 10-3-1115 whose claim for payment of benefits has been unreasonably delayed or denied may bring an action in a district court to recover reasonable attorney fees and court costs and two times the covered benefit.” CRS 10-3-1116, 2026 edition Accept or deny“shall make a decision on claims and/or pay
benefits due under the policy within sixty (60) days after receipt of
a valid and complete claim unless there is a reasonable dispute
between the parties concerning such claim” 3 CCR 702-5-1-14, effective 9/1/2012 If late“(2) If the claim is more than $100.00, the penalty shall be 8
percent annual interest on the amount of benefits due,
computed from the latest of the time a valid and complete
claim is received” 3 CCR 702-5-1-14, effective 9/1/2012 Pay“The insurer shall issue payment within three (3) business days of the date
of the third-party claimant accepts, in writing, the written settlement offer,
and the insurer has received a transferrable title to the vehicle.” 3 CCR 702-5-2-15, effective 11/1/2018 |
| FloridaAll Florida rules | Once a written settlement is agreed, the insurer must pay within 20 days, or the payment earns 12% yearly interest from the agreement date (from when a signed release is returned, if payment depends on one). The insurer must also acknowledge claim communications within 14 calendar days and start investigating within 10 working days of proof of loss. If the insured asks in writing, it must confirm or deny coverage, or say it's investigating, within 30 days of proof of loss. The 20-day rule in 627.4265 applies to any person who has agreed in writing with an insurer to settle, so it can reach third-party claimants as well as insureds, and the agreement can set a different date. The 14-day acknowledgment rule does not apply to claimants represented by counsel beyond forms and instructions. The 30-day coverage answer in 626.9541 is owed to the insured on written request, and that list applies to acts frequent enough to show a general business practice. | Accept or denyFrom a list that begins: “Committing or performing with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice any of the following:” “e. Failing to affirm or deny full or partial coverage of claims, and, as to partial coverage, the dollar amount or extent of coverage, or failing to provide a written statement that the claim is being investigated, upon the written request of the insured within 30 days after proof-of-loss statements have been completed;” Fla. Stat. 626.9541, 2026 edition Pay“In any case in which a person and an insurer have agreed in writing to the settlement of a claim, the insurer shall tender payment according to the terms of the agreement no later than 20 days after such settlement is reached.” Fla. Stat. 627.4265, 2026 edition If late“but if the payment is not tendered within 20 days, or such other date as the agreement may provide, it shall bear interest at a rate of 12 percent per year from the date of the agreement;” Fla. Stat. 627.4265, 2026 edition Respond“Upon the insurer's receiving a communication with respect to a claim, it shall, within 14 calendar days, review and acknowledge receipt of such communication unless payment is made within that period of time” Fla. Admin. Code 69O-166.024, effective 11/2/1992 Accept or deny“Unless otherwise provided by the policy of insurance or by statutes, such insurer shall within 10 working days of its receipt of proof of loss statements begin such investigation as is reasonably necessary,” Fla. Admin. Code 69O-166.024, effective 11/2/1992 |
| GeorgiaAll Georgia rules | On your customer's own claim under a personal auto policy, Georgia's rule gives the insurer 15 days to acknowledge, 15 days after a completed proof of loss to accept or deny, and 10 days to pay once coverage is confirmed and the amount isn't disputed. If it refuses in bad faith to pay its insured within 60 days of a demand, it can owe up to the greater of 50 percent of its liability or $5,000, plus attorney's fees. Third-party claimants have a similar remedy. The rule covers first party property damage claims under personal private passenger auto policies; if the insurer needs more time it must say so within 5 business days, with a 60-day cap unless requested information is missing. The third-party remedy requires a demand letter by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery, a 60-day wait, and a recovery at least equal to the demand. Both statutes are 2019 official text the collection has not certified as current: check the current Code before relying on them. | If late“the refusal of the insurer to pay the same within 60 days after a demand has been made by the holder of the policy and a finding has been made that such refusal was in bad faith, the insurer shall be liable to pay such holder, in addition to the loss, not more than 50 percent of the liability of the insurer for the loss or $5,000.00, whichever is greater” O.C.G.A. 33-4-6, 2019 official release (public.resource.org copy) If late“Any insurer who breaches this duty may be liable to pay the claimant, in addition to the loss, not more than 50 percent of the liability of the insured for the loss or $5,000.00, whichever is greater, and all reasonable attorney's fees for the prosecution of the action.” O.C.G.A. 33-4-7, 2019 official release (public.resource.org copy) Respond“(1) Every insurer, upon receiving notification of a claim shall, within fifteen (15) days, acknowledge the receipt of such notice by the insured, unless payment is made within that time period.” Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 120-2-52-.03, effective 7/1/2022 Accept or deny“(3) The insurer shall affirm or deny liability on claims within fifteen (15) days of receiving the completed proof of loss from the insured for losses arising from motor vehicle policies” Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 120-2-52-.03, effective 7/1/2022 Pay“(4) Payment shall be tendered within ten (10) days after coverage is confirmed and the full amount of the claim is determined and not in dispute.” Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 120-2-52-.03, effective 7/1/2022 |
| IllinoisAll Illinois rules | Illinois insurers must answer claim communications within 15 working days and offer payment within 30 days of accepting liability on an undisputed amount. On private passenger auto claims, a median collision payment time over 40 days is unreasonable delay, and an insured's claim open past 40 days needs a written explanation (60 days for third-party property damage). For vexatious delay, a court can add attorney fees plus up to 60% of the recovery, $60,000, or the amount above the insurer's pre-suit offer. The 40-day and 60-day figures measure the insurer's median payment period, from notice of loss to final payment or return of the repaired car, so they test the insurer's pattern rather than set a single-claim payment deadline. Days in Part 919 are calendar days unless stated as working days. Section 155 applies in lawsuits over a policy's coverage or loss amount, or over unreasonable delay in settling a claim. | If late“or for an unreasonable delay in settling a claim, and it appears to the court that such action or delay is vexatious and unreasonable, the court may allow as part of the taxable costs in the action reasonable attorney fees, other costs, plus an amount not to exceed any one of the following amounts:” 215 ILCS 5/155, effective 1/1/2004 Respond“"Reasonable Promptness", as used in Section 154.6(b) of the Code, means a maximum of 15 working days from receipt of communication from a claimant or insured.” 50 Ill. Adm. Code 919.40, effective 1/17/2025 Accept or deny“shall be evidenced by a bonafide effort to communicate with all insureds and claimants when liability is reasonably clear within 21 working days after a notification of loss.” 50 Ill. Adm. Code 919.40, effective 1/17/2025 Pay“The company shall affirm or deny liability on claims within a reasonable time and shall offer payment within 30 days after affirmation of liability, if the amount of the claim is determined and not in dispute.” 50 Ill. Adm. Code 919.50, effective 7/1/2004 Pay“An unreasonable delay to pay automobile collision claims exists when the median payment period exceeds 40 calendar days. If a first party physical damage automobile claim remains unresolved for more than 40 calendar days from the date it is reported, the company shall provide a reasonable written explanation for the delay to the insured.” 50 Ill. Adm. Code 919.80, effective 7/22/2002 |
| IndianaAll Indiana rules | Indiana sets no number of days to acknowledge, decide or pay a claim: the insurer must only respond reasonably promptly, investigate promptly, accept or deny within a reasonable time after proof of loss, and settle in good faith once liability is reasonably clear. The Commissioner can impose civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation, or $50,000 if knowing. Whether a delay is too long is a question for the Department of Insurance or a lawyer. These practices are violations when committed often enough to indicate a general practice, and penalties follow a hearing and a cease and desist order. The article creates no private cause of action. | RespondFrom a list that begins: “The following are unfair claim settlement practices:” “(2) Failing to acknowledge and act reasonably promptly upon communications with respect to claims arising under insurance policies.” IC 27-4-1-4.5, Indiana Code 2026 edition Accept or denyFrom a list that begins: “The following are unfair claim settlement practices:” “(3) Failing to adopt and implement reasonable standards for the prompt investigation of claims arising under insurance policies.” IC 27-4-1-4.5, Indiana Code 2026 edition Accept or denyFrom a list that begins: “The following are unfair claim settlement practices:” “(5) Failing to affirm or deny coverage of claims within a reasonable time after proof of loss statements have been completed.” IC 27-4-1-4.5, Indiana Code 2026 edition PayFrom a list that begins: “The following are unfair claim settlement practices:” “(6) Not attempting in good faith to effectuate prompt, fair, and equitable settlements of claims in which liability has become reasonably clear.” IC 27-4-1-4.5, Indiana Code 2026 edition If lateFrom a list that begins: “the commissioner may at his discretion order one (1) or more of the following:” “(1) Payment of a civil penalty of not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for each act or violation. If the person knew or reasonably should have known that he was in violation of this chapter, the penalty may be not more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for each act or violation.” IC 27-4-1-6, Indiana Code 2026 edition |
| MarylandAll Maryland rules | Maryland's rules give the insurer 15 working days to acknowledge a claim and 15 working days after a completed claim form or proof of loss to accept or deny. They define unreasonable payment delay as not paying amounts properly due within 15 working days of that claim form or proof of loss, when coverage, liability and amount aren't seriously disputed. If the insurer fails to act in good faith on your customer's own claim, a court can award interest from when it should have paid. The 15-working-day rules apply when the conduct is frequent enough to be a general business practice, a longer period in the policy controls, and days spent waiting on information the insurer asked for don't count. On a first-party claim, an investigation past 45 days needs a written reason, repeated every 45 days. The good-faith remedy covers first-party property and casualty claims, generally requires a complaint to the Maryland Insurance Administration first, and caps attorney fees at one third of actual damages. A 1.5 percent monthly interest rule applies only to PIP benefits. | If lateFrom a list that begins: “if the trier of fact in an action under this section finds in favor of the insured and finds that the insurer failed to act in good faith, the insured may recover from the insurer:” “(3) Interest on all actual damages, expenses, and litigation costs incurred by the insured, computed:
(i) At the rate allowed under § 11–107(a) of this article; and
(ii) From the date on which the insured’s claim would have been paid if the insurer acted in good faith.” Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-1701, mgaleg.maryland.gov text in effect as of 10/1/2026 RespondFrom a list that begins: “A prohibited unfair claim settlement practice occurs if an insurer commits one or more of the following acts with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice:” “(10) Fails, upon receipt of notification of claims, to acknowledge receipt of the notification within 15 working days, unless payment is made within that period of time.” COMAR 31.15.07.03, effective 1/26/2009 Accept or denyFrom a list that begins: “A prohibited unfair claim settlement practice occurs if an insurer commits one or more of the following acts with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice:” “(12) Fails to affirm or deny coverage of claims within 15 working days after receiving properly completed claim forms or other proofs of loss, unless the provisions of Regulation .04B of this chapter apply or unless there is a time limit specified in the policy.” COMAR 31.15.07.03, effective 1/26/2009 Pay““Unreasonable delay” means, except with respect to claims for personal injury protection benefits made pursuant to Insurance Article, §19-505, Annotated Code of Maryland, the failure to make payment to claimants of amounts properly due them within 15 working days after receipt of a properly completed claim form or other proof of loss unless a longer period of time is provided for in the insurance contract or unless otherwise provided for by law, when there is no significant dispute as to coverage, liability, and amount of damages.” COMAR 31.15.07.02, effective 2/1/2016 PayFrom a list that begins: “A prohibited unfair claim settlement practice occurs if an insurer commits one or more of the following acts with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice:” “(14) Refuses or unreasonably delays payment to claimants of amounts due them when coverage, liability, and amount of damages are reasonably clear.” COMAR 31.15.07.03, effective 1/26/2009 |
| MassachusettsAll Massachusetts rules | On collision claims, the insurer has 7 days to pay after it gets your customer's claim form saying the work is done, and must pay you directly in that time if your customer asked in writing. If it doesn't, your customer can sue, and a court can double damages for an unreasonable refusal. Appraisers must be assigned within 2 business days (claims under $1,500 after the deductible can be excluded), and a third party's written demand gets a written decision within 15 working days. The 7-day payment and double-damages rules apply to collision and limited collision claims, and the court remedy belongs to the insured; missing the 7-day direct payment to the shop also brings penalties set by the appraisers licensing board. The 15-working-day decision covers property damage liability and certain limited collision claims made by written demand. Under an approved direct payment plan, payment is due within 5 business days after the appraisal. If the insurer, shop and customer agree to expedited supplements, the insurer must answer a shop's supplement request within 2 business days. | Accept or deny“The insurer shall, within fifteen working days after receipt of such written demand respond in writing setting forth its decision as to whether it accepts the claim, accepts a part of the claim, rejects the claim, or, if applicable, the amount at which it is willing to compromise the claim and the reasons therefor.” M.G.L. c. 90, § 34O, General Laws text with amendments passed before 5/31/2026 Pay“The insurer shall be required to make payment directly to the repair shop within seven days of receipt of the claim form stating that the work has been completed if the insured has so indicated to the insurer in writing.” M.G.L. c. 90, § 34O, General Laws text with amendments passed before 5/31/2026 If late“where the insurer fails to make payment within seven days of receipt of the above claim form, the insured may commence a civil action for payments claimed to be due. If the court determines that the insurer was unreasonable in refusing to pay said insured's claim, the claimant shall be entitled to recover double the amount of damage plus costs and reasonable attorneys' fees fixed by the court.” M.G.L. c. 90, § 34O, General Laws text with amendments passed before 5/31/2026 Respond“the insurer shall assign either a staff or an independent appraiser to
appraise the damage. Assignment of an appraiser shall be made within two business days
of the receipt of such claim. However, the insurer may exclude any claim for which the
amount of loss, less any applicable deductible, is less than $1,500.00.” 212 CMR 2.04, mass.gov date 9/9/2008 Pay“Unless such direct payment is refused by the claimant, the insurer shall make such payment
at the time of, or within five business days after, the preparation of said appraisal.” 211 CMR 123.05, mass.gov text, undated |
| MichiganAll Michigan rules | Within 30 days of a claim, the insurer must say in writing what proof of loss it needs, and payment is on time if made within 60 days of getting that proof. Late payments to the insured carry 12% yearly simple interest from day 60. A third-party claimant gets that interest only if a court finds the insurer refused payment in bad faith on a claim not reasonably in dispute. The Department's 2025 bulletin lists failing to pay that interest among improper auto claim practices. Failing to pay on time or to pay the interest is an unfair trade practice unless the claim is reasonably in dispute. No interest is due if the claimant rejects an offer and later recovers no more than it, and the 12% runs on the policy limits when the loss exceeds them. Michigan's statute requires prompt acknowledgment and reasonable investigation but sets no day count for either. The DIFS bulletin is agency guidance, issued October 24, 2025, superseding Bulletin 2025-19-INS. | Respond“An insurer shall specify in writing the materials that constitute a satisfactory proof of loss not later than 30 days after receipt of a claim unless the claim is settled within the 30 days.” MCL 500.2006, effective 12/20/2017 Pay“If proof of loss is not supplied as to the entire claim, the amount supported by proof of loss is considered paid on a timely basis if paid within 60 days after receipt of proof of loss by the insurer.” MCL 500.2006, effective 12/20/2017 If late“If benefits are not paid on a timely basis, the benefits paid bear simple interest from a date 60 days after satisfactory proof of loss was received by the insurer at the rate of 12% per annum, if the claimant is the insured or a person directly entitled to benefits under the insured's insurance contract.” MCL 500.2006, effective 12/20/2017 If late“If the claimant is a third party tort claimant, the benefits paid bear interest from a date 60 days after satisfactory proof of loss was received by the insurer at the rate of 12% per annum if the liability of the insurer for the claim is not reasonably in dispute, the insurer has refused payment in bad faith, and the bad faith was determined by a court of law.” MCL 500.2006, effective 12/20/2017 If lateFrom a list that begins: “Improper claims administration practices, particularly for automobile collision and comprehensive
coverages, may include, but are not limited to, the following conduct:” “• Failing to make timely payment on claims that are not reasonably in dispute;
• Failing to pay the statutorily required interest for untimely paid claims;” DIFS Bulletin 2025-25-INS, issued 10/24/2025 |
| MinnesotaAll Minnesota rules | Minnesota's statute covers both your customer's own claim and third-party claims: acknowledge within 10 business days, accept or deny within 30 business days unless the insurer explains the delay, and pay agreed settlements within 5 business days. An insurer that wants to inspect the insured's car before repair must do it within 5 business days if the car can't be safely driven, 15 days otherwise. The Commissioner can fine even a single violation. Health insurance claims are carved out of the acknowledgment rule. The 5-business-day payment clock starts when the insurer receives the agreement or the claimant meets its conditions, whichever is later. The Commissioner need not show a general business practice to act, but the statute also says no single violation is an unlawful trade practice for purposes of section 8.31; whether your customer can sue over a delay is a question for a lawyer. | RespondFrom a list that begins: “The following acts by an insurer, an adjuster, a self-insured, or a self-insurance administrator constitute unfair settlement practices:” “(1) except for claims made under a health insurance policy, after receiving notification of claim from an insured or a claimant, failing to acknowledge receipt of the notification of the claim within ten business days, and failing to promptly provide all necessary claim forms and instructions to process the claim, unless the claim is settled within ten business days.” Minn. Stat. § 72A.201, 2025 edition Accept or denyFrom a list that begins: “The following acts by an insurer, an adjuster, a self-insured, or a self-insurance administrator constitute unfair settlement practices:” “(3)(i) unless provided otherwise by clause (ii) or (iii), other law, or in the policy, failing to complete its investigation and inform the insured or claimant of acceptance or denial of a claim within 30 business days after receipt of notification of claim unless the investigation cannot be reasonably completed within that time.” Minn. Stat. § 72A.201, 2025 edition Accept or denyFrom a list that begins: “In addition to the acts specified in subdivisions 4, 5, 7, 8, and 9, the following acts by an insurer, adjuster, or a self-insured or self-insurance administrator constitute unfair settlement practices:” “(3) regardless of whether the loss was total or partial, in the event that a damaged vehicle of an insured cannot be safely driven, failing to exercise the right to inspect automobile damage prior to repair within five business days following receipt of notification of claim. In other cases the inspection must be made in 15 days;” Minn. Stat. § 72A.201, 2025 edition PayFrom a list that begins: “The following acts by an insurer, an adjuster, a self-insured, or a self-insurance administrator constitute unfair settlement practices:” “(5) notwithstanding any inconsistent provision of section 65A.01, subdivision 3, failing to issue payment for any amount finally agreed upon in settlement of all or part of any claim within five business days from the receipt of the agreement by the insurer or from the date of the performance by the claimant of any conditions set by such agreement, whichever is later;” Minn. Stat. § 72A.201, 2025 edition If late“The commissioner may, in accordance with sections 72A.22 to 72A.25, seek and impose appropriate administrative remedies, including fines, for (1) a violation of this section or the rules adopted pursuant to this section; or (2) a violation of section 72A.20, subdivision 12. The commissioner need not show a general business practice in taking an administrative action for these violations.” Minn. Stat. § 72A.201, 2025 edition |
| MissouriAll Missouri rules | Missouri's rules give the insurer 10 working days to acknowledge your customer's own claim or reply to any claimant, 15 working days after all forms arrive to accept or deny a first-party claim, and 30 days to finish investigating unless that's not reasonably possible. No rule sets a payment deadline. In a suit on the policy, if the insurer refused to pay a loss without reasonable cause, a court can add 20 percent of the first $1,500, 10 percent above that, and attorney fees. The acknowledgment and decision rules are written for first-party claimants; the reply rule covers any claimant, and a first-party investigation that runs long needs written reasons within 45 days and every 45 days after. The vexatious-refusal penalty covers suits on automobile and other policies but expressly excludes automobile liability insurance. | If late“if it appears from the evidence that such company has refused to pay such loss without reasonable cause or excuse, the court or jury may, in addition to the amount thereof and interest, allow the plaintiff damages not to exceed twenty percent of the first fifteen hundred dollars of the loss, and ten percent of the amount of the loss in excess of fifteen hundred dollars and a reasonable attorney's fee;” RSMo 375.420, effective 8/28/1975 RespondFrom a list that begins: “The following conduct by an insurer is deemed to be the type of conduct set forth in section 375.1007(2).” “(A) Failing to acknowledge the receipt of a notification of claim from a first party claimant. For the purposes of this subsection, acknowledgment of receipt by an insurer may be made by either:
1. Making payment within ten (10) working days of receipt;
2. Sending the first party claimant a written acknowledgment within ten (10) working days of receipt and maintaining a copy of the written acknowledgment in the claim file of the insurer; or” 20 CSR 100-1.030, effective 11/30/2019 (PDF) RespondFrom a list that begins: “The following conduct by an insurer is deemed to be the type of conduct set forth in section 375.1007(2).” “(B) Failing to provide an appropriate reply within ten (10) working days on all communications from any claimant that reasonably suggests a response is expected.” 20 CSR 100-1.030, effective 11/30/2019 (PDF) Accept or deny“(A) Within fifteen (15) working days after the submission of all forms necessary to establish the nature and extent of any claim, the first-party claimant shall be advised of the acceptance or denial of the claim by the insurer.” 20 CSR 100-1.050, effective 7/30/2019 (PDF) Accept or deny“(4) Standards for Prompt Investigations of Claims. Every insurer shall complete an investigation of a claim within thirty (30) days after notification of the claim, unless the investigation cannot reasonably be completed within this time.” 20 CSR 100-1.050, effective 7/30/2019 (PDF) |
| MontanaAll Montana rules | For vehicle damage claims of $2,500 or less, the insurer must offer or pay an approved claim within 30 working days of a completed proof of loss, unless it has told the insured why it won't pay in full or asked for more documents. Another section says pay or deny within 30 days (60 if it asks for more) or owe 10% interest, but it is written around medical benefits; whether it covers vehicle claims is for the Insurance Commissioner or a lawyer. 33-18-245 covers only claims solely for property damage of $2,500 or less from motor vehicle use, and does not apply to providers who are prepaid or agree to a different payment schedule. Under 33-18-232, interest is owed only if it exceeds $5, and no private lawsuit under the unfair claims statutes may be based on compliance or noncompliance with that section. The Commissioner may fine an insurer under 33-18-233 for a general practice of slow payment, including on claims in favor of third persons. Separately, under 33-18-242 the insured or a third-party claimant can sue for actual damages caused by a failure to affirm or deny coverage within a reasonable time after proof of loss, without proving a general practice; a third-party claimant must wait until the underlying claim is settled or decided, and an insurer with a reasonable basis to contest the claim is not liable. | RespondFrom a list that begins: “A person may not, with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice, do any of the following:” “(2) fail to acknowledge and act reasonably promptly upon communications with respect to claims arising under insurance policies;” MCA 33-18-201, 2025 edition Accept or denyFrom a list that begins: “A person may not, with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice, do any of the following:” “(5) fail to affirm or deny coverage of claims within a reasonable time after proof of loss statements have been completed;” MCA 33-18-201, 2025 edition Accept or deny“An insurer shall pay or deny a claim within 30 days after receipt of a proof of loss unless the insurer makes a reasonable request for additional information or documents in order to evaluate the claim.” MCA 33-18-232, 2025 edition If late“If an insurer fails to comply with this section and the insurer is liable for payment of the claim, the insurer shall pay an amount equal to the amount of the claim due plus 10% annual interest calculated from the date on which the claim was due.” MCA 33-18-232, 2025 edition Pay“an insurer shall make an offer to pay or shall pay all approved claims for covered services or damages that solely involve the recovery of property damages in an amount of $2,500 or less arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle within 30 working days of receipt of a proof of loss that is correctly completed and submitted to the insurer.” MCA 33-18-245, 2025 edition |
| New JerseyAll New Jersey rules | On your customer's own collision or comprehensive claim, an insurer that wants to inspect before repair has 7 working days after notice of loss to inspect, start negotiating and make a good faith offer. Once your customer accepts, payment is due within 5 working days, and the claim should be paid within 30 calendar days of notice unless clearly justified. Under the state's unfair practices law, the Commissioner can fine up to $1,000 per violation, $5,000 if knowing. N.J.A.C. 11:3-10 covers collision and comprehensive claims, the insured's own coverage, so these deadlines don't reach third-party liability claims. Total losses get 14 working days for the inspection and offer steps, and any claim element unresolved after 30 days needs a written explanation, repeated every 30 days. The rule text is the Department's own publication, which can lag the official Code. The Department's general claim-handling rules (N.J.A.C. 11:2-17) are not in this collection. | RespondFrom a list that begins: “Committing or performing with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice any of the following:” “(b) Failing to acknowledge and act reasonably promptly upon communications with respect to claims arising under insurance policies;” N.J.S.A. 17:29B-4, text through P.L.2026, c.50 If late“the commissioner may order payment of a penalty not to exceed $1,000.00 for each and every act or violation unless the person knew or reasonably should have known he was in violation of this chapter, in which case the penalty shall be not more than $5,000.00 for every act or violation.” N.J.S.A. 17:29B-7, effective 1/11/1982, text through P.L.2026, c.50 Accept or deny“(a) If the insurer intends to exercise its right to inspect, or cause to be inspected by an independent appraiser, damages prior to repair, the insurer shall have seven working days following receipt of notice of loss to inspect the insured's damaged vehicle, which is available for inspection, at a place and time reasonably convenient to the insured; commence negotiations; and make a good faith offer of settlement.” N.J.A.C. 11:3-10.3, DOBI copy, readopted 11/3/2021 (PDF) Pay“(k) The insurer must mail or hand deliver to the insured or the designated representative its proof of loss or payment within five working days after the insured has accepted the insurer's offer.” N.J.A.C. 11:3-10.3, DOBI copy, readopted 11/3/2021 (PDF) Pay“(a) Unless a clear justification exists, physical damage claims will have a maximum payment period of 30 calendar days. A payment period is the period between the date of the receipt of the notice of loss by the insurer, and:” N.J.A.C. 11:3-10.5, DOBI copy, readopted 11/3/2021 (PDF) |
| New YorkAll New York rules | New York's rules bind the insurer. It must acknowledge a claim within 15 business days and accept or deny within 30 working days of a properly executed proof of loss. On collision and comprehensive claims, an insurer that wants to inspect has 6 business days from notice of claim to do it and to make a good faith offer to repair. Agreed settlements must be paid within 5 business days. The penalty is a Department fine per violation; no late-payment interest appears. Third-party property damage claims under auto liability policies follow 11 NYCRR 216.10: acknowledgment or payment within 15 business days, a written offer or denial within 10 business days after the investigation ends, and a decision within six months of the notice of loss; the 5-business-day payment rule also applies to them. The 2601 penalties reach acts done without just cause and often enough to be a general business practice. The Part 216 text comes from the Legal Information Institute mirror, not the official publisher, so verify the current official text before relying on a deadline. | Accept or deny“After receiving a properly executed proof of loss, the insurer shall advise the claimant of acceptance or denial of the claim within thirty working days;” N.Y. Ins. Law 2601, revised 1/4/2019 If late“If it is found, after notice and an opportunity to be heard, that an insurer has violated this section, each instance of noncompliance with subsection (a) hereof may be treated as a separate violation of this section for purposes of ordering a monetary penalty” N.Y. Ins. Law 2601, revised 1/4/2019 Respond“Every insurer, upon notification of a claim, shall, within 15 business days, acknowledge the receipt of such notice. Such acknowledgment may be in writing.” 11 NYCRR 216.4 (Cornell LII copy) Accept or deny“it shall have six business days following receipt of notice of claim to inspect the insured's damaged motor vehicle, which is available for inspection, during normal business hours at a place and time reasonably convenient to the insured. In addition, negotiations shall commence and a good faith offer of settlement, sufficient to repair the vehicle to its condition immediately prior to the loss, shall be made within the aforesaid six-day period” 11 NYCRR 216.7, effective 6/9/2021 (Cornell LII copy) Pay“Every insurer shall pay any amount finally agreed upon in settlement of all or part of any claim not later than five business days from the receipt of such agreement by the insurer, or from the date of the performance by the claimant of any condition set by such agreement, whichever is later,” 11 NYCRR 216.6, effective 6/9/2021 (Cornell LII copy) |
| North CarolinaAll North Carolina rules | For claims arising on or after October 1, 2026, session-law text adds to the statute a duty to mail or deliver payment within 10 business days after the claim settles, supplements included, matching the Department's rule. The insurer must also inspect the car, physically or digitally, within 10 business days of the claim, or explain the delay. The act rewrites only subsection (b) of G.S. 58-3-180, and that section's unchanged penalty clause caps the civil fine for a violation at $2,000. S.L. 2026-41 applies to claims arising on or after 10/1/2026 and is not yet shown in the G.S. 58-3-180 page text. The Department's inspection and payment rules count as violations when frequent enough to show a general business practice; the inspection rule covers covered first-party claims and third-party claims once liability is established. No captured text adds interest for late payment, and a violation of G.S. 58-63-15(11) does not by itself give anyone but the Commissioner a cause of action. | RespondFrom a list that begins: “Committing or performing with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice of any of the following:” “b. Failing to acknowledge and act reasonably promptly upon communications with respect to claims arising under insurance policies;” G.S. 58-63-15, ncleg.gov text through S.L. 2026-30 Pay“(2) Mail or deliver loss and claim payments within 10 business days after the claim is settled. Supplemental claims shall be handled in the same manner."
SECTION 32.3.(b) This section becomes effective October 1, 2026, and applies to claims arising on or after that date.” S.L. 2026-41, s. 32.3, effective 10/1/2026 If late“(c) Any person who violates this section is subject to the applicable provisions of G.S. 58-2-70 and G.S. 58-33-46, provided that the maximum civil penalty that can be assessed under G.S. 58-2-70(d) for a violation of this section is two thousand dollars ($2,000).” G.S. 58-3-180, ncleg.gov text through S.L. 2026-30 Accept or deny“(2) An insurer shall perform a physical or digital inspection of the damaged vehicle within 10 business days of receipt of the claim. If the insurer cannot perform the inspection in the timeframe, the insurer shall provide the claimant with a verbal or written explanation of the reason the inspection has not occurred.” 11 NCAC 04 .0419, effective 10/1/2020 Pay“(b) When a motor vehicle is damaged and the claim is covered by an insurer, the insurer shall adhere to the following procedures concerning loss and claim payments.
(1) Loss and claim payments shall be mailed or delivered within 10 business days after the claim is settled.” 11 NCAC 04 .0421, effective 10/1/2020 |
| OhioAll Ohio rules | Ohio's rules bind the insurer. It must acknowledge a claim within 15 days, decide to accept or deny within 21 days of a properly executed proof of loss, pay an agreed settlement or authorize agreed repairs within 5 days, and pay its own insured within 10 days of accepting an undisputed claim. The rules set no late-payment penalty. Ohio's general interest law covers money due on a settlement; whether it applies to a late claim payment is a question for a lawyer. Days are calendar days, extended when the last day falls on a weekend or holiday. Rule 3901-1-54 covers first and third party claimants but says it creates no private cause of action; the 5-day payment rule in 3901-1-07 is a violation only when done often enough to show a general business practice. If an investigation runs past 21 days, the insurer must update the claimant in writing at least every 45 days. | If late“upon any settlement between parties, upon all verbal contracts entered into, and upon all judgments, decrees, and orders of any judicial tribunal for the payment of money arising out of tortious conduct or a contract or other transaction, the creditor is entitled to interest at the rate per annum determined pursuant to section 5703.47 of the Revised Code,” ORC 1343.03, effective 9/8/2016 PayFrom a list that begins: “It shall be deemed an unfair or deceptive practice to commit or perform with such frequency as to indicate a general business practice any of the following:” “(16) Failing to pay any amount finally agreed upon in settlement of all or part of any claim or authorized repairs to be made upon final agreement not later than five days from the receipt of such agreement by the insurer at the place from which the payment or authorization is to be made” OAC 3901-1-07, effective 2/14/2022 Respond“An insurer shall acknowledge the receipt of a claim within fifteen days of receiving such notification. An insurer may satisfy this requirement by making payment within this fifteen day period.” OAC 3901-1-54, effective 2/14/2022 Accept or deny“An insurer shall within twenty-one days of the receipt of properly executed proof(s) of loss decide whether to accept or deny such claim(s). If more time is needed to investigate the claim than the twenty-one days allow, the insurer shall notify the claimant within the twenty-one day period,” OAC 3901-1-54, effective 2/14/2022 Pay“An insurer shall tender payment to a first party claimant no later than ten days after acceptance of a claim if the amount of the claim is determined and is not in dispute,” OAC 3901-1-54, effective 2/14/2022 |
| PennsylvaniaAll Pennsylvania rules | Pennsylvania insurers must acknowledge a claim within 10 working days, finish investigating within 30 days, and tell their own insured within 15 working days of proof of loss whether the claim is accepted or denied. No captured rule sets a deadline to pay after agreement, only a duty to settle promptly and in good faith; ask the Insurance Department or a lawyer about timing. A court finding bad faith toward the insured can award interest at prime plus 3%, punitive damages and attorney fees. The 15-working-day accept-or-deny rule covers first-party claimants; the acknowledgment and investigation rules apply to any claim, and if an investigation runs past 30 days the insurer must send a written explanation then and every 45 days after. The 8371 bad-faith remedy runs to the insured only. The 1171.5 list applies to acts frequent enough to indicate a business practice. Separately, a licensed appraiser must inspect a vehicle within six working days of assignment unless circumstances make it impossible (63 P.S. 861). | If late“In an action arising under an insurance policy, if the court finds that the insurer has acted in bad faith toward the insured, the court may take all of the following actions:
(1) Award interest on the amount of the claim from the date the claim was made by the insured in an amount equal to the prime rate of interest plus 3%.” 42 Pa.C.S. 8371, effective 7/1/1990 PayFrom a list that begins: “Any of the following acts if committed or performed with such frequency as to indicate a business practice shall constitute unfair claim settlement or compromise practices:” “(vi) Not attempting in good faith to effectuate prompt, fair and equitable settlements of claims in which the company's liability under the policy has become reasonably clear.” 40 P.S. 1171.5, amended 7/15/2024 Respond“Every insurer, upon receiving notification of a claim, shall, within 10 working days, acknowledge the receipt of the notice unless payment is made within the period of time.” 31 Pa. Code 146.5, effective 12/16/1978 Accept or deny“Every insurer shall complete investigation of a claim within 30 days after notification of claim, unless the investigation cannot reasonably be completed within the time.” 31 Pa. Code 146.6, effective 12/16/1978 Accept or deny“Within 15 working days after receipt by the insurer of properly executed proofs of loss, the first-party claimant shall be advised of the acceptance or denial of the claim by the insurer.” 31 Pa. Code 146.7, effective 5/22/1982 |
| TennesseeAll Tennessee rules | Tennessee's rules give the insurer 30 days to acknowledge a claim and 30 days to answer its insured's other messages. On its insured's claim, it has 60 days after a complete proof of loss to accept or deny, or must explain and update every 60 days, then 30 days to pay once the amount is settled. The rules set no interest and are enforced under a statute not in this collection: penalties are a question for the Department of Commerce and Insurance or a lawyer. These rules bind property and casualty insurers, and the decision and payment deadlines are written for first-party claimants; a documented fraud suspicion relaxes the decision deadline. For third-party claimants the rules only require telling them in writing that they can contact the Department. The rules say they create no private cause of action. The Tennessee Code itself is not in this collection, so any statutory penalty or interest rule is not shown here. | Respond“(1) Every insurer, upon receiving notification of a claim, shall, within thirty (30) days, acknowledge the receipt of such notice unless payment is made within that period of time.” Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-01-05-.07, effective 10/9/2017 (PDF) Respond“(3) An appropriate reply shall be made within thirty (30) days on all other pertinent communications from a first party claimant which reasonably suggest that a response is expected.” Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-01-05-.07, effective 10/9/2017 (PDF) Accept or deny“(1) Within sixty (60) days after receipt by the insurer of properly completed and executed proofs of loss and such information or documents required under the policy, the first party claimant shall be advised of the acceptance or denial of liability for the claim by the insurer.” Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-01-05-.08, effective 10/9/2017 (PDF) Accept or deny“(2) If the insurer needs more time to determine whether liability for a first party claim should be accepted or denied, it shall so notify the first party claimant within sixty (60) days after receipt of the proofs of loss and such information or documents required under the policy, giving the reasons more time is needed.” Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-01-05-.08, effective 10/9/2017 (PDF) Pay“(6) The insurer shall tender payment within thirty (30) days of affirmation of liability, if the amount of the claim is determined and not in dispute, unless the policyholder does not want payment within thirty (30) days.” Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0780-01-05-.08, effective 10/9/2017 (PDF) |
| TexasAll Texas rules | Texas's prompt-pay law protects only the policyholder. Within 15 days of notice, the insurer must acknowledge the claim and start investigating; it must accept or reject within 15 business days of getting everything it asked for (45 more days if it says why), then pay within 5 business days. Breaking these rules, or delaying payment over 60 days, costs 18% yearly interest plus attorney fees. For third-party claims, a rule presumes acknowledging any communication within 15 business days is reasonably prompt. Chapter 542, Subchapter B covers only first-party claims made by an insured, policyholder or beneficiary and paid directly to them. Surplus lines insurers get 30 business days to acknowledge and 20 business days to pay, and the claim-handling deadlines stretch 15 days after a declared weather catastrophe or major natural disaster. Section 542.060(c) sets a different interest rate in actions governed by Chapter 542A, which covers real-property weather claims. | Respond“Not later than the 15th day or, if the insurer is an eligible surplus lines insurer, the 30th business day after the date an insurer receives notice of a claim, the insurer shall:
(1) acknowledge receipt of the claim;
(2) commence any investigation of the claim; and” Tex. Ins. Code 542.055, effective 4/1/2005 Accept or deny“an insurer shall notify a claimant in writing of the acceptance or rejection of a claim not later than the 15th business day after the date the insurer receives all items, statements, and forms required by the insurer to secure final proof of loss.” Tex. Ins. Code 542.056, effective 4/1/2005 Pay“if an insurer notifies a claimant under Section 542.056 that the insurer will pay a claim or part of a claim, the insurer shall pay the claim not later than the fifth business day after the date notice is made.” Tex. Ins. Code 542.057, effective 4/1/2005 If late“the insurer is liable to pay the holder of the policy or the beneficiary making the claim under the policy, in addition to the amount of the claim, interest on the amount of the claim at the rate of 18 percent a year as damages, together with reasonable and necessary attorney's fees.” Tex. Ins. Code 542.060, effective 9/1/2017 RespondFrom a list that begins: “Unfair claim settlement practices means committing or performing any of the following:” “(2) failing to acknowledge with reasonable promptness pertinent communications with respect to claims arising under its policies, provided that "pertinent communications" will exclude written communications that are direct responses to specific inquiries made by the insurer after initial report of a claim. An acknowledgment within 15 business days is presumed to be reasonably prompt;” 28 TAC 21.203, effective 11/7/2021 |
| VirginiaAll Virginia rules | Virginia's rules give the insurer 15 calendar days to acknowledge a claim and 15 calendar days after a proof of loss to accept or deny its insured's claim, with written updates every 45 days while investigating. No rule sets a payment deadline. If a court finds the insurer refused its insured's auto property damage claim in bad faith, it owes double the judgment, interest from 30 days after the written claim, and attorney fees; third-party claims of $3,500 or less can be doubled too. The 15-day decision and 45-day update rules cover first-party claimants; the acknowledgment rule's 'claimant' includes third-party claimants. Before making a demand under 8.01-66.1, the claimant must give the insurer 45 days' notice with enough information to assess the claim, and an insurer that tenders the policy limits or the amount demanded, whichever is less, within 45 days of that notice faces no bad-faith action under it. | If late“the company shall be liable to the insured in an amount double the amount of the judgment, plus interest from 30 days after the date the claim was submitted in writing to the insurer or its authorized agent, together with reasonable attorney fees and expenses.” Va. Code § 8.01-66.1 If late“whenever any insurance company licensed in this Commonwealth to write insurance as defined in § 38.2-124 denies, refuses or fails to pay to a third party claimant, on behalf of an insured to whom such company has issued a policy of motor vehicle liability insurance, a claim of $3,500 or less made by such third party claimant” Va. Code § 8.01-66.1 Respond“A. An insurer, upon receiving notification of a claim shall, within 15 calendar days, acknowledge the receipt of such notice to the claimant unless payment is made within such period of time” 14VAC5-400-50, effective 1/1/2018 Accept or deny“A. Within 15 calendar days after receipt by the insurer of any required properly executed proof of loss, a first party claimant shall be advised of the acceptance or denial of the claim by the insurer.” 14VAC5-400-60, effective 1/1/2018 Accept or deny“B. If an investigation of a first party claim has not been completed, an insurer shall, within 45 calendar days from the date of the notification of a first party claim and every 45 calendar days thereafter, send to the first party claimant a written notice setting forth the reasons additional time is needed for investigation.” 14VAC5-400-60, effective 1/1/2018 |
| WashingtonAll Washington rules | Washington's rules bind the insurer: acknowledge a claim within 10 business days, finish investigating within 30 calendar days, and tell its own insured within 30 days whether the claim is accepted or denied, with written reasons every 30 days if it needs longer. Payment on a settled claim should go out within 15 business days of signed releases. If the insured sues over an unreasonable denial, a court finding that or a broken rule can raise damages up to triple and must award attorney fees. The lawsuit right in RCW 48.30.015 belongs to the insurer's own insured, who must give the insurer and the Insurance Commissioner 20 days' written notice before suing. The 30-day accept-or-deny rule is written for first party claimants; WAC 284-30-330(6) separately requires prompt payment of property damage claims to innocent third parties when liability is reasonably clear. The WAC text quoted is the version effective October 18, 2026. | If late“The superior court may, after finding that an insurer has acted unreasonably in denying a claim for coverage or payment of benefits or has violated a rule in subsection (5) of this section, increase the total award of damages to an amount not to exceed three times the actual damages.” RCW 48.30.015 Respond“Within 10 business days after receiving a notification of claim under an individual insurance policy, or within 15 business days with respect to claims arising under group insurance contracts, the insurer must acknowledge its receipt of the notice of claim.” WAC 284-30-360, effective 10/18/2026 Accept or deny“Every insurer must complete its investigation of a claim within 30 calendar days after a notification of claim, unless the investigation cannot reasonably be completed within that time.” WAC 284-30-370, effective 10/18/2026 Accept or deny“Within 30 calendar days after receipt by the insurer of a notification of claim, the insurer must notify the first party claimant whether the claim has been accepted or denied.” WAC 284-30-380, effective 10/18/2026 Pay“procedures which are not designed to deliver payment, whether by check, draft, electronic funds transfer, prepaid card, or other method of electronic payment to the payee in payment of a settled claim within 15 business days after receipt by the insurer or its attorney of properly executed releases or other settlement documents are not acceptable.” WAC 284-30-330, effective 10/18/2026 |
