Is this timeline typical? How much longer should we expect to wait for our payout?
On December 24th of last year, a car sped around a corner and felled several of the trees we had planted a couple of years ago, damaging a section of our backyard fence in the process. We filed a claim with the driver’s insurance the very next day. Shortly after, the insurance company requested estimates for the damages, so we gathered quotes for the fence and trees and submitted them on January 27th, about a month after the incident. We were informed that we would need to wait for written confirmation regarding acceptance before we could proceed with repairs.
Since then, I’ve been checking in roughly once a week to see when we can move forward, but I keep getting told there are no updates. Just last week, they sent out an appraiser to take additional photos, but that’s been the extent of the communication. Today marks nearly two months since the incident occurred.
Is this timeline reasonable? How long do these processes usually take, and when should I start to be concerned?
It sounds like you’re in a frustrating situation, and it’s understandable to have concerns about the timeline. Unfortunately, the claims process can vary quite a bit depending on the insurance company and the complexity of the claim.
Typically, for straightforward claims like yours, you might expect to receive a payout within a few weeks to a few months. However, delays can happen for various reasons, such as needing additional information, waiting for an appraiser, or internal processing at the insurance company.
Given that it’s been about two months since the incident, it’s reasonable to feel like things are taking longer than expected. Since you’ve been following up regularly, it might be a good idea to escalate the issue by asking to speak with a supervisor or a claims adjuster who can provide more clarity. Additionally, you can inquire about the average timeline for similar claims within their process.
If you continue to encounter delays without adequate updates, you might also consider filing a complaint with the insurance company or seeking assistance from your state’s insurance commission. While waiting can be difficult, staying persistent and advocating for yourself can help expedite the process.