Quick Answer: California law (Cal. Code of Regulations §2695.7) requires insurers to accept or deny a claim within 40 days and pay within 30 days of accepting it. If they are stalling or refusing without cause, they may be acting in bad faith. An attorney letter often triggers immediate action.
Insurance companies use delay tactics strategically — hoping claimants grow desperate and accept low offers, or miss deadlines. California's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations give you enforceable rights. An attorney who knows these regulations can move a stalled claim fast. Gonzales Law has forced payment on hundreds of stalled Inland Empire claims.
How long does an insurance company have to pay a claim in California?
After accepting liability: 30 days to pay. Failing to do so without justification is a bad faith violation.
What can I do if the insurer keeps asking for more documentation?
Some delay is normal. Excessive or repetitive documentation requests with no resolution is a stalling tactic. An attorney can call this out formally.
Can I sue the insurance company directly in California?
You can sue the at-fault driver. For bad faith, you may have a separate claim against the insurer. An attorney evaluates both options.
What if the at-fault driver's policy limit is too low to cover my damages?
Your own UIM coverage may supplement the recovery. We pursue all available coverage sources simultaneously.
Serving the Inland Empire and all of California. If an insurer is stalling your claim in Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, or Riverside — call 909-587-6336 now.