What happens if my Georgia insurer misses the 60-day decision deadline?

Quick answer: Missing the 60-day deadline can constitute an unfair claims practice under Georgia law, and if the delay is unreasonable and without cause, it may expose the insurer to bad faith penalties including a 25 percent surcharge on the covered loss plus attorney fees.

When a Georgia insurer misses the 60-day deadline to approve or deny your claim without a documented legitimate reason, that delay has legal consequences.

Georgia’s unfair claims practices statute, O.C.G.A. Section 33-6-34, identifies specific conduct that constitutes improper claims handling. Failing to affirm or deny coverage within a reasonable time after receiving all necessary documentation is among the prohibited practices listed there. The Georgia Insurance Department can investigate carriers that show a pattern of such delays and impose regulatory sanctions.

The more direct remedy for policyholders is the bad faith statute, O.C.G.A. Section 33-4-6. Under that law, if an insurer refuses or fails to pay a covered claim within 60 days of a formal demand, and if that refusal or delay is determined to be in bad faith, the insurer can be held liable for the covered loss plus a penalty of up to 25 percent of the covered amount, plus reasonable attorney fees. The 60-day period in the bad faith statute runs from a formal written demand, which is a separate step from reporting the original claim.

In practice, a missed deadline does not automatically mean bad faith. Insurers may request time extensions when losses are complex, when liability is genuinely disputed, or when third-party investigations are pending. The key question is whether the delay is unreasonable given the circumstances.

If your carrier has not responded within the regulatory window, your first step is to document everything in writing, including the date you filed the claim, all documentation you have submitted, and every contact you have made. Send a written inquiry asking for a status update and a decision timeline.

Olive Cover (operated by Olive Insurance Services, LLC) can help you communicate directly with the carrier, escalate within their claims department, and connect you with a Georgia-licensed public adjuster or insurance attorney if the situation warrants it.