For most car insurance claims, expect the process to take approximately 2 to 4 weeks on average. Simple cases (like minor damage or windshield repairs) may be settled in just a few days, while complex claims involving injuries or disputes can take months.
In Illinois, insurers are required to pay claims within 30 days of receiving proof of loss, as long as there are no complications. Delays can occur if the fault is disputed or medical treatment is ongoing.
If you need help with an auto insurance claim or have questions about coverage, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060. We’re here to assist you.
Why do some car insurance claims take longer than others?
Not all auto insurance claims are equal – some are settled almost immediately, while others drag on. The time it takes to process a claim depends on a variety of factors:
- Type and Complexity of the Claim: A simple claim (e.g., a cracked windshield) is usually quick to handle. In contrast, a multi-car accident with injuries is more complex, requiring investigation and often taking much longer to resolve.
- Severity of Injuries: Claims involving bodily injuries typically take the longest. The insurer must review medical records and bills, and often, they wait until treatment is complete to know the full costs. That means injury claims might stay open for many months – one source noted an injury-involved claim could take a year or more to conclude.
- Clear Liability vs. Disputes: If it’s obvious who was at fault (say, you have a clear police report), the claim can move faster. But if drivers disagree about what happened or who caused the accident, the insurance companies will need extra time to investigate and possibly gather witness statements or police reports. Any dispute over fault or the amount of damages can slow down the process.
- Documentation and Evidence: The more quickly you provide necessary documents (such as the accident report, photos of damage, repair estimates, medical reports, etc.), the faster the adjuster can process your claim. Missing or incomplete information can cause back-and-forth delays.
- State Regulations: U.S. state laws often require that insurers handle claims “promptly” or within certain time frames. For instance, many states set a 30-day window for an insurance company to accept or deny a claim after you submit proof of loss. These rules are there to protect consumers and encourage timely settlements.
Understanding these factors can help manage your expectations. Next, we’ll look at specific claim scenarios and how long they typically take.
How fast can a minor claim like a broken windshield be resolved?
Windshield claims are fast and simple.
If your windshield is cracked or shattered, insurers often connect you with an approved glass company, and the replacement can usually be done within a day or two. There’s minimal paperwork, and in some cases, no deductible is required. It’s one of the quickest claims to resolve.
How Long Does It Take to Repair Your Car and Settle a Claim?
When your car is damaged (but not totaled), here’s what to expect:
- Claim Filing & Adjuster Contact: Once you report the accident, an adjuster usually reaches out within 1–2 days. Some insurers let you submit damage photos via app or email to speed things up.
- Damage Assessment: The adjuster or appraiser reviews the damage, either in person or through photos. Using a preferred repair shop can speed up approval, but you can choose any shop you like.
- Repair Timeline: Most moderate repairs take 1–2 weeks. More serious damage or parts delays can stretch it to 3–4 weeks or more. Busy shops (e.g., after storms) may also slow things down.
- Claim Closure: Once repairs are done, the shop bills your insurer. If you’re using a preferred shop, the insurer typically pays them directly. You’ll just owe your deductible. Claims usually close shortly after payment.
- Rental Car Coverage: If your policy includes it, a rental car may be provided while your car is in the shop.
What Happens If Your Car Is Totaled?
If repair costs exceed your car’s value, the insurer will declare it a total loss and offer a settlement based on its actual cash value. This process can take a bit longer than a standard repair due to valuation and paperwork.
Tips:
- Research your car’s value so you’re ready to negotiate.
- Once you agree on a payout and sign over the title, the insurer will issue payment and take the vehicle.
- Expect your check within 1–2 weeks after finalizing the settlement.
In total, most damage claims wrap up in a few weeks, whether it’s a repair or a total loss. Delays may occur due to parts, paperwork, or further damage discovered during repairs.
Why do car insurance claims with injuries take so long to settle?
When injuries result from a car accident, the claim can become more complicated and usually takes significantly longer to resolve than a property-damage-only claim. Here’s why bodily injury claims are often slow:
- Ongoing Medical Treatment:
Injury claims often aren’t settled until treatment is complete or the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. Insurers need final bills and medical reports to assess the full value of the claim. Rushing can overlook late-emerging complications.
- Investigation and Liability:
When injuries are involved, adjusters do a deeper dive—interviewing witnesses, reviewing reports, and confirming fault. This detailed investigation adds time
- High Stakes and Negotiation:
Injury claims involve larger payouts (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering). Multiple rounds of negotiation—especially if an attorney is involved—can stretch the timeline. If it goes to litigation, settlement may take a year or more.
- Subrogation or Multiple Policies:
Sometimes your insurer pays upfront and seeks reimbursement from the other party (subrogation). Or multiple policies may be involved. Coordinating coverage across companies can delay resolution.
- Waiting for Maximum Recovery:
Attorneys often advise waiting to settle until recovery is mostly complete. Settling too soon could miss future medical needs. Delays here are often intentional to ensure fair compensation.
Because of these factors, an injury-related claim that might take a month for a minor accident can easily stretch into several months or more. Patience is essential.
While you focus on recovery, the claims process continues behind the scenes. In the meantime, medical bills may be covered by your health insurance, MedPay, or PIP coverage under your auto policy while the claim is still being resolved.
How can I speed up my auto insurance claim process?
No one enjoys waiting on an insurance claim. While some aspects of the timeline are out of your control, there are steps you can take to help things move faster. Here are some tips to expedite your claim:
- Report Immediately: Notify your insurer right away. Use 24/7 hotlines or mobile apps to start the process quickly and capture details while they’re fresh.
- Be Thorough: When filing, include all essential info—date, time, location, other party’s details, damage photos, and police report number if applicable. More detail upfront means fewer delays.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the damage and accident site, gather witness info, and exchange insurance details with others involved.
- Stay Responsive: Quickly reply to your adjuster’s calls or requests. Prompt communication prevents delays.
- Follow Up: If you don’t hear back, check in politely. A quick reminder can help keep your claim on track.
- Use Preferred Repair Shops: Insurer-recommended shops may offer faster service with direct billing and pre-approved estimates. You can still choose your own shop if you prefer.
By following these steps, you’re doing everything in your control to push the claim through quickly. In essence: act fast, communicate clearly, and provide what’s needed. That will minimize any delays on your side of the equation.
How long after an accident can I file an insurance claim?
It’s always best to report an accident to your insurer as soon as possible—even if you’re unsure about filing a claim. Most policies require you to notify them “promptly” or “within a reasonable time,” which typically means within a few days.
What if you delay?
Delays can be understandable—injuries may not show up right away, or damage might go unnoticed—but waiting too long could hurt your claim. Insurers may deny coverage if they believe the delay affected their ability to investigate.
Legal Deadlines in Illinois
In Illinois (including Chicago), the statute of limitations is:
- 2 years to file a personal injury claim (735 ILCS 5/13-202)
- 5 years to file a property damage claim (735 ILCS 5/13-205)
These are legal deadlines for filing a lawsuit, not for notifying your insurer. You should still report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally within a few days.
Bottom Line: Report the accident as soon as possible, even just as an “incident report.” Early notice protects your right to file a claim later. Also, check your policy for specific deadlines (some may require notice within 30 days).
What if my car insurance claim is taking too long or is denied?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a claim feels like it’s dragging on with no resolution in sight. Or worse, the insurance company might outright deny your claim. Here’s what you can do in such scenarios:
1. Stay Calm and Ask Questions:
If your claim is taking too long, politely ask your adjuster what’s causing the delay or if they need anything else. Often, it’s a missing report or estimate.
2. Know Your Rights:
Insurers must handle claims promptly and fairly. In many states, they’re required to provide written updates if a decision is delayed beyond 30 days. If they’re not following the rules, you can take action.
3. Contact Your State Insurance Department:
If the delay seems unreasonable or your claim was unfairly denied, file a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance. Regulators can investigate and pressure the insurer to act.
4. If Your Claim Is Denied:
Read the denial notice carefully. Common reasons include lack of coverage, unclear liability, or a lapsed policy. If you disagree:
- Appeal or Submit More Info: Provide new evidence (e.g., proof of timely reporting, photos, witness statements).
- Use the Appraisal Clause: For disputes over repair costs or vehicle value, request the policy’s appraisal process—each side hires an appraiser, and a neutral umpire resolves disagreements.
5. Consult an Attorney (If Needed):
For serious claims or injury cases, an insurance or personal injury attorney can help. They may negotiate with the insurer or take legal action if your claim was wrongfully denied or delayed.
6. Stay Organized:
Keep detailed records of all communications, dates, and documents. This helps if you escalate the issue to regulators or legal counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take for an insurance company to pay out a car insurance claim?
A: Most simple claims (e.g., minor damage, clear liability) are paid within 2 to 4 weeks, typically 15–30 days. More complex claims involving injuries or disputes can take several months or even over a year. Insurers must act promptly, but what’s considered “prompt” varies by situation.
Q: How long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim?
A: Insurers usually have about 30 days to complete their investigation after receiving all required documents. Some states enforce specific deadlines (e.g., 30–45 days), while others require only a “reasonable” timeframe. If delayed, insurers must notify you and explain why.
Q: Are there laws about how quickly insurance claims must be settled?
A: Yes. Most states require insurers to:
- Acknowledge your claim within 10–15 days
- Decide within 30 days after getting all necessary info
- Pay promptly once a claim is approved
Delays beyond these limits can trigger penalties for the insurer under state law.
Q: Will my claim be processed faster if the accident wasn’t my fault?
A: Not always. Even if the other driver is at fault, their insurer must investigate and accept liability, which can delay things. For quicker repairs, consider using your own collision coverage (you may pay a deductible, but it’s often reimbursed later). Regardless of fault, always notify your insurer.
Get a Quote Today!
By understanding the claims process and timelines, you can navigate the aftermath of an accident with more confidence. If you have questions about your coverage or need assistance with a claim, Insure on the Spot is here to help. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at 773-202-5060 for personalized support.