Claims handling is an important service provided by insurers. States take claims seriously and want to ensure that customers are treated fairly across the board. Each state has developed various claim handling requirements from acknowledgement of the claim to acceptance and payment of a claim, and if there is a need for further investigation and denial. This chart provides specific deadlines for carriers and insurers concerning how long they have to take certain steps. Not all states have explicit guidelines; some use reasonable promptness or require things to be completed reasonably promptly. Some states have different requirements for certain types of claims; auto claims, for example.

This chart includes information on calendar days versus business days where such information was available. If there is no indication, please contact the appropriate Department for more information.