What to Do If Your Insurance Company Is Stalling Your Claim

TL;DR: If your insurance company is stalling your claim, review your policy, document all communications, send written follow-ups, and contact your state insurance department. If delays continue, hire an attorney to enforce your rights and push for fair payment.

When you file an insurance claim, you expect your provider to handle it promptly and fairly. After all, you’ve been paying premiums for this very moment — when you need their financial support after an accident, storm, or property loss.

But sometimes, insurance companies delay the process for weeks or even months. They might claim they’re “reviewing your documents,” “waiting for additional reports,” or simply stop responding altogether. These stalling tactics can be incredibly stressful, especially when you’re relying on your payout to cover repairs, medical bills, or lost income.

If your insurance company seems to be dragging its feet, it’s important to know why this happens, what your rights are, and how to push back effectively. Let’s go through the key steps to take if your insurance company is stalling your claim.

1. Understand Why Insurance Companies Stall

Not every delay is intentional, but some are. Insurance companies make money by collecting premiums and minimizing payouts, so it’s in their financial interest to slow things down or undervalue claims.

Common reasons for delays include missing documentation, complex claim investigations, or multiple parties being involved (like in car accidents). However, in some cases, insurers deliberately delay to frustrate policyholders into accepting smaller settlements or abandoning their claims.

Typical stalling tactics include:

• Repeatedly asking for the same documents
• Claiming your paperwork was never received
• Frequently changing adjusters or case managers
• Taking weeks to return calls or emails
• Saying the claim is still under “review” without clear progress updates

Understanding the motive behind these tactics helps you respond strategically. Remember, time is money for the insurance company and delays often benefit them, not you.

2. Review Your Policy and Claim Requirements

Before accusing your insurer of stalling, make sure your side of the process is complete. Go through your insurance policy and confirm that you’ve met every requirement. Most policies specify what you need to do when filing a claim, such as reporting it within a certain number of days or submitting specific documentation.

Double-check that you’ve:

• Filed your claim on time
• Provided accurate and complete information
• Submitted photos, estimates, and any required reports
• Responded to all requests for follow-up information

If you miss a step, even unintentionally, it can cause legitimate delays. Having a clear understanding of your obligations strengthens your position and prevents the company from using missing details as an excuse for stalling.

3. Keep Detailed Records of Every Interaction

When dealing with a slow-moving insurer, documentation is your strongest tool. Keep a complete log of every phone call, email, or letter exchanged. For each interaction, write down:

• The date and time
• The name and title of the representative
• What was discussed or promised
• Any deadlines or next steps mentioned

You should also save copies of all emails, letters, receipts, and forms you send or receive. This paper trail is invaluable if you later need to escalate your case to the state insurance department or file a legal complaint.

Organized claimants are taken more seriously. When adjusters realize you’re tracking everything, they’re less likely to try delaying tactics.

4. Send a Formal Written Follow-Up or Complaint

If it’s been weeks with no progress, send a formal written request to your insurance company. Be polite but assertive. Include your claim number, a summary of events so far, and a clear request for an update.

For example:

“I filed my claim on [date] and submitted all requested documents. It has now been 6 weeks with no resolution. Please provide a status update and an estimated completion date.”

This puts the insurer on notice that you’re serious. Always send such letters by certified mail or email with a delivery receipt so you can prove they received it. Written follow-ups create a record that can be used if you need to take legal action later.

5. Know Your Rights Under State Law

Each state has laws regulating how long insurers can take to handle a claim. Many states require companies to acknowledge receipt of your claim within 10–15 days and either approve, deny, or explain delays within a set period, usually 30–45 days.

If your insurer fails to follow these timelines or doesn’t provide valid reasons for delay, they may be acting in bad faith. You can look up your state’s insurance regulations on your Department of Insurance website or contact them directly for guidance.

Being aware of your legal rights puts pressure on the insurance company to comply with deadlines and handle your claim more responsibly.

6. File a Complaint with the State Insurance Department

When communication breaks down completely, it’s time to involve a higher authority. Filing a complaint with your state’s Department of Insurance can prompt an investigation into your insurer’s handling of your claim.

These departments oversee insurance companies and can issue warnings, fines, or even revoke licenses for repeated violations. The mere act of filing a complaint often pushes the insurer to act quickly, as they want to avoid regulatory scrutiny.

Make sure to include your documentation, such as copies of correspondence and proof of delay, when filing your complaint.

7. Consult or Hire an Insurance Attorney

If delays persist, consider consulting an attorney who specializes in insurance claims or bad faith cases. An experienced personal injury lawyer like those at Wetherington Law Firm can review your situation, determine if the insurer is violating state laws, and pressure them to act fairly.

Insurance lawyers can:

• Communicate directly with the insurance company on your behalf
• Demand prompt resolution under state law
• File a bad faith insurance claim if the company intentionally delays or undervalues your case

Many attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation. Legal involvement often speeds things up because insurance companies take claims more seriously when lawyers are involved.

8. Stay Organized and Persistent

Insurance companies often rely on policyholders giving up out of frustration. Staying consistent and organized is key. Follow up regularly, remain calm, and keep all your documents together.

Even though it can feel exhausting, persistence shows the insurer that you won’t back down until your claim is handled properly. Keep track of all deadlines, correspondence, and progress. This will also be useful if your case eventually requires legal review.

9. Recognize the Signs of Bad Faith

There’s a difference between an honest delay and bad faith. A company is acting in bad faith if it:

• Refuses to communicate or respond to inquiries
• Misrepresents policy terms
• Conducts inadequate investigations
• Offers an unreasonably low settlement without explanation
• Fails to provide a valid reason for denying or delaying your claim

If you notice these behaviors, consult an attorney immediately. Bad faith insurance practices can entitle you to additional damages beyond your original claim, including compensation for emotional distress or attorney fees.

10. Final Thoughts: Take Control of the Process

Dealing with an unresponsive insurance company can be stressful, but you’re not powerless. By understanding your policy, documenting every interaction, and asserting your rights, you can protect yourself from unfair treatment.

If your insurer refuses to move forward despite your efforts, don’t hesitate to escalate the matter. Filing a complaint or seeking legal help often makes the difference between endless waiting and a timely, fair payout.

If your insurance company keeps delaying your claim or avoiding communication, don’t wait any longer. Contact an experienced insurance attorney today to review your case, hold your insurer accountable, and get your claim moving toward resolution. Contact us today for free case evaluation.