How Long Do Insurers Have to Pay an Injury Claim?

Published on June 17, 2025, by Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp

Insurance

When you’ve been injured in an accident, the medical bills start to come in immediately. That financial stress is compounded if you’re missing work. The hope is that insurance will cover your losses.

After you’ve filed an insurance claim, one of the most pressing questions is how long it will take for the insurance company to pay.

In Nevada, for example, state laws outline specific timelines that insurers must follow, but the actual process can still vary based on several factors. If you’re waiting on a claim, it’s important to understand what the law says, how insurers typically operate, what you can do if they delay payment, and what the law means by bad faith.

Nevada’s Insurance Claim Timeline

Nevada law requires insurance companies to act promptly when handling claims.

According to the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 686A.675, insurers must acknowledge a claim within 20 working days after receiving it. After that, they must conduct a prompt investigation and respond to communications from the claimant within 20 working days as well.

Once the investigation is complete and the insurer determines the claim is valid, they’re expected to issue payment within 30 days.

These timelines are in place to keep insurance companies from dragging their feet.

However, the rules don’t mean that all claims will be paid in a month. The complexity of the case and the availability of information can affect how quickly the claim gets processed and resolved.

The Claims Process in Practice

After filing your claim, the insurer begins gathering documentation to determine liability and the value of the damages. This might include reviewing medical records, police reports, repair estimates, or statements from witnesses.

While some claims move quickly, others hit delays when evidence is incomplete or disputed.

Insurance adjusters often have several cases to manage simultaneously, and even though the law sets a framework, delays still occur. If the insurer believes the claim is questionable, they may ask for additional documentation or request that you undergo an independent medical examination.

These steps can push the timeline back significantly, even if the initial 20- and 30-day rules are technically followed. It’s also common for insurers to extend the process during settlement negotiations, especially when the full extent of an injury isn’t immediately known.

When the Clock Starts Ticking

The timeline for claim payment doesn’t start until the insurer gets your complete proof of loss, which is all of the information supporting the claim. This is why submitting accurate and complete paperwork from the start is crucial.

If you miss details or delay in responding to follow-up questions, it could give the insurer grounds to pause the process without violating Nevada law.

Some people think the clock starts as soon as they make a phone call or notify the insurer about an accident. In reality, that’s only the beginning of the process. The legal deadlines kick in when the insurer receives all necessary documentation.

What Happens If an Insurer Delays Payment

If an insurance company delays payment without a valid reason, you may have options. Nevada law prohibits unfair claims settlement practices, and unreasonably delaying payment can fall into that category. The Nevada Division of Insurance regulates insurer behavior, and you can file complaints if you believe a company isn’t acting in good faith.

When delays stretch beyond what’s allowed or if the insurer fails to provide a clear explanation, it might indicate bad faith. In those situations, injured parties can consider legal action. Nevada courts recognize bad faith claims and may award damages beyond the original value of the insurance payout.

This might include compensation for emotional distress or punitive damages if the insurer’s conduct was especially egregious.

How Legal Help Can Speed Up the Process

Working with a personal injury attorney can keep insurance companies accountable.

Attorneys understand the deadlines, know how to track communications, and can apply pressure when insurers try to stall. If an attorney is involved, insurers are more likely to process the claim on time to avoid further complications.

Legal representation also helps ensure that the claim is well-documented from the beginning, reducing the chances of delays related to missing paperwork or vague medical records.

An experienced attorney will also know when an insurer’s delay crosses the line into bad faith and can take action to protect your rights.

Tips for Preventing Delays

While insurers have legal obligations, there are also some things you can do to keep things moving:

  • Report the incident promptly
  • Keep organized records
  • Respond quickly to requests for more information
  • Provide detailed documentation from your doctor
  • Keep all related receipts
  • Write down your symptoms and recovery progress to help build a clear picture of your injuries and expenses
  • Avoid waiting to seek treatment, since gaps in medical care can create questions about the severity of your injuries
  • Follow through on referrals and attend all scheduled appointments

If your treatment drags on or changes over time, communicate those updates to the insurer or your attorney so they can manage the claim accordingly.

Here in Nevada, insurers have clear rules they must follow when processing and paying injury claims.

However, at the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp, our experienced attorneys understand that delays can still occur due to incomplete documentation, liability disputes, or negotiations over damages.

Understanding the process and knowing your rights can help you stay in control.

If the insurer isn’t acting fairly or promptly, you don’t have to accept it—there are ways to push back and ensure your claim gets the attention it deserves.

If that’s you, let’s talk.