How Long Do Florida Insurance Companies Have to Respond to My Claim?

When you file an insurance claim after an accident in Florida, waiting for a response can feel endless, especially when medical bills are piling up and vehicle repairs are urgent. Florida law establishes specific timeframes insurance companies must follow when handling claims. Understanding these deadlines helps you recognize when an insurer is delaying unreasonably and when you may need legal intervention.

At The Law Offices of Scott Sobol, we help injured individuals throughout South Florida hold insurance companies accountable when they fail to respond appropriately to valid claims. With over 20 years of experience representing clients in personal injury matters, we understand the tactics insurers use to delay or deny legitimate claims. If an insurance company is stalling your claim, contact us to discuss your options.

Florida’s Insurance Response Timeline Requirements

Florida Statutes Section 627.426 requires insurance companies to acknowledge receipt of your claim within 14 days. This acknowledgment should confirm they received your claim and provide information about what happens next. After acknowledging your claim, insurers have 90 days from the date you filed to accept or deny it. During this period, the insurance company should investigate your claim, review documentation, and determine whether they will provide coverage.

These deadlines apply to most property and casualty insurance claims in Florida, including those related to car accidents, premises injuries, and other personal injury situations. However, certain circumstances may affect these timeframes. For example, if the insurance company needs additional information from you, they must request it within 30 days of receiving your claim. You then have a reasonable time to provide the requested documentation.

What Happens During the Investigation Period

Insurance companies use the 90-day investigation period to gather evidence, review police reports, examine medical records, and assess liability. The insurer may contact witnesses, review photographs of the accident scene, and evaluate the extent of your injuries and property damage. During this time, an adjuster will likely contact you to discuss the accident and your injuries.

While insurers have the right to investigate claims thoroughly, they cannot use the investigation period as an excuse for indefinite delays. Florida law requires insurance companies to conduct investigations in good faith. If an insurer is dragging out the process without legitimate reasons, they may be acting in bad faith. You should document all communications with the insurance company, including dates, times, and the names of representatives you speak with.

Signs Your Claim Is Being Unreasonably Delayed

Several red flags may indicate an insurance company is improperly delaying your claim. Repeated requests for the same documentation you have already provided suggests the insurer is stalling. If adjusters fail to return your calls or emails for extended periods, this may signal the company is not handling your claim in good faith. When an insurer provides vague explanations for delays without specific reasons or timelines, you should be concerned.

Insurance companies sometimes request unnecessary information that has little relevance to your claim. For instance, if you were rear-ended at a stoplight, requesting your complete driving history from the past decade is likely unnecessary. Additionally, if the 90-day period has passed without any substantive communication about your claim’s status, the insurer may be violating Florida law. These delays can be particularly problematic when you are facing mounting medical expenses and need compensation to cover treatment costs.

Your Rights When Insurance Companies Miss Deadlines

When an insurance company fails to respond within the required timeframes, you have several options. You can file a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services, which oversees insurance companies operating in the state. The department can investigate the insurer’s handling of your claim and potentially take action against companies that violate state regulations.

You may also have grounds for a bad faith insurance claim. Florida law prohibits insurers from unreasonably delaying or denying valid claims. If you can demonstrate the insurance company violated the statutory deadlines without justification, you may be entitled to additional compensation beyond your original claim amount. Bad faith claims can result in awards for attorney fees, interest on the delayed payment, and even punitive damages in cases involving particularly egregious conduct.

How The Law Offices of Scott Sobol Can Help

Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line. You deserve equally strong representation to ensure your rights are protected. At The Law Offices of Scott Sobol, we have successfully represented more than 1,000 clients in personal injury matters throughout South Florida, securing substantial settlements and verdicts for accident victims. Scott Sobol maintains admissions to the State Bar of Florida, Illinois, and Texas, bringing extensive legal experience to every case.

We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. If an insurance company is delaying your claim or refusing to provide a fair settlement, reach out to us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

LEGALLY REVIEWED BY:
Scott Sobol
January 15, 2026

Scott Sobol is a dedicated personal injury attorney with over two decades of experience representing injured clients across South Florida. He has handled more than 1,000 cases involving serious car accidents, unsafe premises, and denied insurance claims. Known for his client-focused approach, Scott prioritizes open communication to guide clients confidently through complex legal challenges. Licensed in Florida, Illinois, and Texas, his extensive knowledge of the law ensures a strong pursuit of justice for those affected by negligence.

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