If my car got stolen 2 weeks ago, is there a limitation to the amount of time the insurance company can keep me car less?
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If my car got stolen 2 weeks ago, is there a limitation to the amount of time the insurance company can keep me car less?
I have no idea what’s going on with my claim, I have had no vehicle and I’m being made to feel like I did something wrong. My husband called and was very rude to them (against my wishes) but I’ve been nothing but polite and apologetic so I don’t know what to do. I am just at my wit’s end.
Asked on November 9, 2015 under Accident Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
The law does not put a specific time limit on how long they have to respond or act on a claim; clearly, at some point, it is too long (e.g. months), but there is no "bright line" about when that is, and 2 weeks is most likely reasonable for them to be processing, reviewing, etc. the claim.
At the point at which you feel this has gone on long enough and you need a resolution--and you believe, of course, they are obligated to pay you under the terms of your policy and the circumstances of the theft--you can bring a lawsuit against them breach of contract (an insurance policy is a contract), for not honoring their contractual obligations. You might give them another week or two, then send them a letter, sent some way or ways you can prove delivery, asking for the status and letting them know that if they do not pay you the amounts you are due under the policy, you may be forced to take legal action. If after another 2 - 3 weeks there's no satisfactory resolution, or at least a firm time line for resolution, you may need to file the lawsuit.
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