What happens when I file a claim, and will my carrier give me a hard time?

You contact your carrier or call us and we open it together. Georgia law requires insurers to acknowledge, investigate, and settle claims promptly and in good faith.

What happens after I report a claim to my insurance carrier?

Acknowledge, assign adjuster, investigate, decide. Most carriers move within 7-30 days for routine claims.

Is RV insurance required in Georgia?

Yes for motorized RVs in Georgia (liability matches state auto minimums). Travel trailers borrow from the towing vehicle. Specialty RV coverage strongly recommended for physical damage and personal effects.

What is a deductible?

The amount you pay out of pocket on a covered claim before insurance pays the rest. Higher deductibles mean lower premiums.

How do I cancel my insurance policy?

Cancellation is a written request to the carrier with a specific date, usually 14 days notice. Most carriers refund unused premium pro rata. Never cancel before the new policy is in force.

General FAQs

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

All FAQs

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 a claim without a documented legitimate reason, that delay has legal consequences under state law.

What does Georgia law say about claim decision timelines?

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. Separately, Ga. Comp. R. and Regs. 120-2-52-.03 sets specific timelines: 15 days to acknowledge a claim, 60 days to make a coverage decision, and 10 business days to issue payment once a settlement is agreed.

When does the bad faith clock start in Georgia?

The bad faith statute, O.C.G.A. Section 33-4-6, gives policyholders a direct remedy. If an insurer refuses or fails to pay a covered claim within 60 days of a formal written demand, and if that refusal or delay is found 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 clock runs from a formal written demand, a separate step from reporting the original claim. Simply filing the claim does not start the clock; sending a formal demand letter does. For a broader look at what these remedies cover, see what qualifies as insurance bad faith in Georgia.

What counts as a legitimate reason to extend the deadline?

Insurers may request extensions when losses are complex, when liability is genuinely disputed, or when third-party investigations are pending. For example, a carrier investigating a large commercial fire loss may legitimately need additional time to complete an origin-and-cause investigation before committing to a coverage position. The key question is whether the delay is unreasonable given the circumstances, not merely whether any delay occurred.

Does a missed deadline automatically prove bad faith?

Not automatically. Courts examine whether the insurer had a reasonable basis for the delay. A documented pattern of non-response or repeated missed windows strengthens a bad faith argument significantly. For example, a Gwinnett County policyholder who filed a water damage claim in January and received no coverage decision by April, despite three written follow-ups, had a strong record supporting a formal demand letter and potential bad faith action.

If a carrier has not responded within the regulatory window, document everything in writing, including the claim date, all submissions, and every communication, then send a written inquiry requesting a status update and timeline. If a denial has already been issued, see whether a denied claim can be overturned and the difference between a claim dispute and a DOI complaint. After a denial, reviewing the steps to take after a claim denial sets out the full sequence.

Olive Cover (operated by Olive Insurance Services, LLC) can help communicate with the carrier, escalate within their claims department, and connect policyholders with a Georgia-licensed public adjuster or attorney if the situation warrants it. A coverage review is where that conversation starts.