Policyholder Rights

This page describes Georgia law and regulation, which differs from other states. See the Alabama version of this guide or send us your details through a coverage review.

Policyholder rights vary by state

Every state regulates the minimum standards carriers must meet when investigating claims, communicating with policyholders, and processing payments -- but the specific rules, deadlines, and complaint process differ. See our Alabama and Georgia guides for the specific rights in each.

Rights that are common across most states

While the exact deadlines vary, most states give policyholders rights along these lines.

• Written acknowledgment of your claim within a set number of days
• A decision on acceptance or denial within a regulated window, or written notice explaining why more time is needed
• Prompt payment once the carrier accepts liability and the amount is agreed
• The right to request an appraisal if you dispute the settlement amount
• The right to appeal a denial internally before litigation
• The right to file a complaint with your state's insurance regulator at no cost

The appraisal clause

Most property policies contain an appraisal clause: if you and the carrier cannot agree on the amount of a loss, each party selects an independent appraiser. The two appraisers then select an umpire. A decision by any two of the three is binding. Appraisal is typically faster and cheaper than litigation for amount disputes.

Where to go for help

If you believe your rights have not been honored, these are your next steps.

• → Send us your state and details through a free coverage review
• → How to file a complaint step-by-step
• → Bad faith claims handling