Timeline for an Initial Insurance Offer After a Demand — South Carolina

Summary / Quick answer: After you send a written demand to an insurer in South Carolina, you can reasonably expect the insurer to acknowledge the claim within days to a couple of weeks, to request records or additional information within two to four weeks, and to make an initial settlement offer (if one will be made) often within 30–90 days. Some claims resolve faster when liability and damages are clear; others take many months or longer if liability is disputed, if serious injuries require medical development, or if the insurer delays. This is a general timeline — every claim is different.

Detailed Answer

Insurers follow an internal process when a demand arrives. That process usually includes: claim intake and acknowledgment, investigation of liability, collection and review of medical records and bills, evaluation of damages (lost wages, future care, pain and suffering), file-level review and allocation of authority to settle, and then an offer (or denial).

Typical stages and time ranges

• Acknowledgment: 1–14 days. Most insurers will send an acknowledgment or assign an adjuster quickly.
• Initial investigation and records request: 1–4 weeks. The insurer usually asks for medical records, police reports, wage documentation, and other proofs.
• Evaluation period: 2–8 weeks. If liability is clear and damages are documented, the insurer often completes its evaluation and may issue an initial offer in this window.
• Complex or disputed claims: 2–6 months or longer. If fault is contested, injuries are severe or still developing, or multiple parties and insurers are involved, expect a longer timeline.
• No response or lowball offers: If the insurer stalls, makes a low offer, or denies liability, resolution may require demand re-submission, negotiation, mediation, or filing suit — adding months to years.

Factors that speed up or slow down an initial offer

• Clarity of liability — clear fault speeds resolution.
• Completeness of your demand package (records, itemized bills, photos, lost-wage proof).
• Severity and medical development of injuries (minor injuries often settle faster).
• Multiple insurers, multiple defendants, or subrogation interests complicate and lengthen the process.
• Insurer workload, staffing, and internal claim thresholds for settlement authority.
• Any statutory or regulatory deadlines that require prompt handling (see Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act below).

What South Carolina law says about insurer conduct

South Carolina prohibits unfair or deceptive claim-settlement practices by insurers. If an insurer unreasonably delays, misrepresents facts, or fails to promptly investigate, those actions may violate the state rules. See the South Carolina Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act (Title 38, Chapter 59) for the governing standards and prohibited practices: S.C. Code Ann. Title 38, Ch. 59.

Hypothetical timeline example

Fact pattern: You send a complete demand for $25,000 after a rear-end crash. You include a summary of injuries, two months of medical records, itemized bills, a wage statement, the police report, and photos.

1. Day 1–7: Adjuster acknowledges claim and assigns a file number.
2. Day 7–21: Adjuster requests or obtains missing records (if any).
3. Day 21–45: Adjuster reviews liability and damages; may call you or your lawyer with questions.
4. Day 30–60: If liability is clear and records support the demand, the insurer often issues an initial offer within this window. That offer could accept the demand, make a counteroffer, or be a lowball/partial offer.
5. Beyond Day 60: If investigations reveal disputed facts or further treatment is expected, the insurer may delay or make a reservation-of-rights letter. You may need mediation or litigation to resolve the claim.

What to do if you don’t get a timely or reasonable initial offer

• Follow up in writing and keep records of all communications.
• Ask for a time estimate and the reason for any delay.
• Supplement the demand with new medical records or documentation as treatment continues.
• Consider sending a firm deadline in the demand (e.g., “Please respond with a settlement offer within 30 days”), though a deadline doesn’t force payment — it creates a record of reasonable expectation.
• If the insurer engages in clearly unfair practices or bad-faith delay, you may have administrative or civil remedies under state law; discuss options with an attorney.

Helpful Hints

• Send a complete demand packet the first time: cover letter, jury verdict research or demand narrative, itemized bills, medical records (summaries help), lost-wage proof, photos, and the police report.
• Include a specific dollar demand and the factual/legal basis for it — insurers respond more quickly to quantified claims.
• Set a reasonable response deadline (30–45 days) in your demand so you can document any delay.
• Document every call and email. Save names, dates, and content of conversations with adjusters.
• If injuries are still evolving, explain that and offer to supplement the demand later with updated records.
• Ask the insurer whether the adjuster has settlement authority and, if not, how long the decision will take to reach higher authority.
• Keep the statute of limitations in mind. For injury claims, South Carolina limits how long you have to file suit; preserving your right to sue may require prompt action. For more information see South Carolina statutory deadlines: S.C. Code Ann. Title 15, Ch. 3.
• If you face stonewalling or lowball offers, consider a demand conference, mediation, or consultation with an attorney experienced in insurance claims in South Carolina.

Final note: The timing for an initial offer depends on the strength of your demand packet, the complexity of the claim, and the insurer’s process. Many claims settle within 30–90 days after a demand, but nothing prevents longer negotiations or the need to litigate if parties don’t agree.

Disclaimer: This article explains general information about timelines and South Carolina law. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed South Carolina attorney.