How Long Does an Insurance Adjuster Have to Contact You After a Claim?
Filing an insurance claim after property damage is stressful enough without delays from your insurance company. One of the most common concerns policyholders have is: how long does an insurance adjuster have to contact you after you file a claim? If you’re a Florida homeowner or business owner, understanding this timeline is critical. In this guide, we’ll break down adjuster response deadlines, your rights under Florida law, and what to do if your insurance adjuster is dragging their feet.
Understanding the Role of an Insurance Adjuster
When you file a property damage claim, the insurance adjuster becomes your primary point of contact. Their job is to:
- Investigate the damage
- Assess your policy coverage
- Calculate the claim value
- Report findings to the insurance company
- Recommend a settlement offer
The sooner an adjuster contacts you, the faster the resolution process can begin. But what happens when you’re left waiting?
Florida Law: Adjuster Contact Timelines
Florida has consumer protection laws in place to ensure insurance companies act in good faith. According to the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) and Florida Statutes § 626.9541, insurers must meet these key deadlines:
Initial Contact Deadline
An insurance company must acknowledge your claim within 14 calendar days after receiving your notice of loss.
This acknowledgment includes:
- Confirming receipt of your claim
- Assigning an adjuster
- Reaching out to schedule an inspection or interview
Inspection and Investigation
Once acknowledged, insurers must conduct an investigation promptly. Most property inspections happen within 7–30 days, depending on damage complexity and access.
Decision and Payment Timeline
After receiving a proof of loss or completing the investigation, the insurer must:
- Make a coverage decision within 90 days
- Pay undisputed amounts within 20 days of settlement
You can read more about Florida’s regulations via the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR) and MyFloridaCFO.
What If the Insurance Adjuster Hasn’t Contacted You?
If 14 days have passed and you haven’t heard from your adjuster, it’s a red flag. Delays may be caused by:
- Understaffed insurance carriers (common after major storms)
- Poor internal communication
- Intentional tactics to stall or lowball
Steps to Take
- Document Your Claim Submission Date
Keep email confirmations, claim numbers, and dates you filed. - Follow Up in Writing
Send a written request for contact to the insurer’s claims department. - Request a Supervisor or Claims Manager
Escalate the issue if the adjuster fails to respond within a reasonable time. - File a Complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services
You can file online or call their helpline if you suspect unfair claim practices. - Hire a Public Adjuster or Attorney
Professionals can compel the insurer to respond and negotiate on your behalf.
Common Delay Tactics Used by Insurers
Florida residents know all too well how claims can get stalled or reduced unfairly. Insurers might:
- Demand excessive documentation
- Schedule repeated inspections
- Reassign adjusters to reset the timeline
- Blame third-party delays
If you notice any of these tactics, it may be time to get professional help from a public adjuster or a licensed insurance attorney.
How a Public Adjuster Helps If You’re Stuck
A public adjuster works for you—not the insurance company. If you’ve filed a claim and haven’t heard back, or your adjuster is uncooperative, a public adjuster can:
- Contact the insurer and demand timely communication
- Document your damage professionally
- Review your policy for overlooked coverage
- Maximize your settlement amount
- Handle disputes without you having to deal with the insurer directly
This is especially important for high-value claims such as hurricane damage, water loss, or fire.
Real-Life Timeline Example: Florida Hurricane Claim
Claim Filed: August 1
Insurer Acknowledges Claim: August 4
Adjuster Contacts You: August 8
Inspection Scheduled: August 10
Decision Issued: September 15
Partial Payment Sent: September 20
This 45-day timeline is common—but any longer without communication can violate Florida’s prompt response laws.
When to Involve a Lawyer
In cases of bad faith insurance practices, involving a property damage attorney may be necessary. A lawyer can:
- File formal complaints
- Represent you in disputes
- Sue the insurer if they breach contract terms
However, most claims can be resolved faster and more cost-effectively with the help of a public adjuster first.
FAQ: How Long Does an Insurance Adjuster Have to Contact You?
Q1: How long does an insurance adjuster have to contact you in Florida?
A1: In Florida, the insurance company must acknowledge your claim and assign an adjuster within 14 calendar days of receiving notice.
Q2: What if the adjuster doesn’t respond in 14 days?
A2: You should follow up in writing, escalate the issue, and consider filing a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Q3: Is there a deadline for the adjuster to inspect my property?
A3: While there’s no strict deadline, inspections are expected to occur promptly, typically within 7–30 days.
Q4: Can I switch adjusters if mine is unresponsive?
A4: You can request a new adjuster or supervisor, or hire a public adjuster to represent your interests independently.
Q5: Will hiring a public adjuster delay my claim?
A5: No—on the contrary, public adjusters often speed up the process by handling paperwork, evidence, and negotiations directly.
Q6: What happens if my insurance company violates these deadlines?
A6: They may be subject to regulatory penalties, and you may have grounds for legal action or additional compensation.
Final Thoughts
Waiting to hear from your insurance adjuster can be frustrating, especially when your home or business is damaged and you’re seeking peace of mind. Knowing your rights—and Florida’s legal deadlines—empowers you to demand accountability. If your insurance company is delaying or ignoring your claim, don’t wait. Take action and get the support you deserve.
CTA: Need Help from an Insurance Adjuster Florida?
If you’ve filed a claim and your adjuster hasn’t contacted you—or you’re getting the runaround—our licensed public adjusters in Florida are here to help. From initial inspections to settlement negotiation, we make sure your claim is handled promptly and fairly.
Learn more about our services and get a free consultation here:
Insurance Adjuster Florida
