Timeline for an Initial Insurance Offer After Sending a Demand (Missouri)

Short answer: Under Missouri law there is no single fixed deadline that forces an insurer to make an initial settlement offer immediately after you send a demand. Insurers must handle claims in good faith and avoid unreasonable delay (see Missouri insurance statutes), but the practical timeline usually depends on how complete your demand is and how complicated the claim is. Many straightforward claims see an initial response within 2–6 weeks; more complex or disputed claims can take several months.

Detailed Answer

This section explains what typically happens after you send a demand, the factors that control timing, and what Missouri law requires.

What the insurer must do under Missouri law

Missouri regulates insurer conduct and prohibits unfair claim settlement practices. While the statutes require insurers to act reasonably and not unreasonably delay or deny claims, they generally do not set a single statutory deadline for issuing an initial settlement offer after a demand letter. For general statutory guidance, see Missouri’s insurance statutes (Chapter 375): https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=375. If you believe an insurer has unreasonably delayed or acted in bad faith, you can file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Commerce & Insurance: https://insurance.mo.gov/.

Typical timeline phases

• Acknowledgment: Many insurers acknowledge receipt of a demand within 7–14 days. This may be an automated notice or an adjuster assignment.
• Initial investigation and file opening: 2–6 weeks. The insurer will review the demand, policy terms, coverage issues, and any documents you provided (medical records, bills, police reports, repair estimates, etc.).
• Requests for additional information: If documentation is missing, the insurer may request records. Time to receive those records can extend the timeline; each document request and response can add days or weeks.
• Liability evaluation: If liability is clear and damages are well-documented, an initial offer can arrive within 30–45 days. If liability is disputed or complex (multiple parties, comparative fault questions, catastrophic injury), the insurer may take 60–180+ days to evaluate.
• Initial offer: If the claim is straightforward and the file is complete, expect an initial offer within about 30–60 days. If the insurer needs time to investigate (subpoena records, conduct inspections, obtain expert reports), the first offer may come later or the insurer may make a partial or reservation-of-rights response while investigation continues.

Factors that extend or shorten the timeline

• Completeness of your demand: a well-documented demand with clear medical records, bills, repair estimates and a concise demand letter shortens time.
• Coverage disputes: if the insurer is deciding whether the policy covers the claim, that adds time.
• Severity and complexity of injuries or damages.
• Multiple insurers, parties, or uncooperative third parties (medical providers, employers).
• Insurer workload and whether an adjuster is assigned promptly.
• Active policy defenses or questions about fraud can lengthen the investigation.

Practical timelines you can use as a rule of thumb

• Straightforward property damage or minor injury with complete docs: initial response/offer in 2–6 weeks.
• Moderate injuries or some liability dispute: 1–3 months for an initial offer or meaningful counter-offer.
• Severe injury, complex fault facts, or multiple defendants: 3–6 months or longer before a realistic offer arrives.

What you can do to speed up an offer

1. Send a clear written demand with a concise statement of liability, a damages calculation, and all relevant records (medical records, bills, lost-wage proof, repair estimates, and photos).
2. Include a reasonable response deadline in your demand (commonly 30 days) to encourage timely handling.
3. Follow up promptly when the insurer requests additional information.
4. Consider using certified mail or another trackable method so you know when the insurer received the demand.

When to escalate or get help

If you see long, unexplained delays after providing a complete demand package, you can escalate:

• Call or email the adjuster and their supervisor; document the communications.
• If you suspect unfair claims practices or bad faith, file a consumer complaint with the Missouri Department of Commerce & Insurance: https://insurance.mo.gov/consumers/. You can also find complaint forms and contact info at https://insurance.mo.gov/.
• Consult a Missouri attorney experienced in insurance claims or personal injury if the insurer’s responses are inadequate, the offer is unreasonably low, or the insurer refuses to respond. An attorney can evaluate your position and, if needed, prepare to file suit before applicable deadlines.

Helpful Hints

• Be organized: include a cover letter, table of contents, and clear demand figure. Organized files get reviewed faster.
• Set a reasonable deadline (30 days is common) in your demand to prompt a timely reply.
• Track all contacts: dates, names, and what was said. Documentation helps if you later allege unreasonable delay.
• Expect partial offers: insurers sometimes make an interim offer while investigation continues. Treat interim offers as starting points for negotiation.
• Don’t accept the first offer without comparing it to your documented damages and future needs—especially with potential long-term injury claims.
• If coverage is disputed, raising the issue early can shorten wasted time—ask the insurer to confirm in writing whether they accept coverage.
• Use the Missouri Department of Commerce & Insurance as a resource for filing complaints or checking insurer licensing: https://insurance.mo.gov/.

Disclaimer: This is general information about Missouri insurance claim timelines and is not legal advice. Laws and procedures change. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Missouri attorney.