Detailed Answer — Practical steps under Indiana law

If your insurer refuses to update you or threatens to close your claim, take a step-by-step approach to protect your rights, document the insurer’s conduct, and use state resources. Indiana regulates insurer conduct under the insurance code (Title 27) and the Indiana Department of Insurance handles consumer complaints. If an insurer’s behavior is unreasonable, it may violate unfair claim settlement practices and could support further action.

Step 1 — Gather and review your policy and claim file

Find your insurance policy, declarations page, endorsements, and the claim number. Review the policy for deadlines, notice requirements, and duties after a loss. Note what coverages apply and any conditions (for example, deadlines for filing suit or providing proof of loss).

Step 2 — Create a written record of communications

Document every contact with the insurer: dates, times, names, phone numbers, and the content of conversations. Keep copies of all letters, emails, photos, estimates, medical records, and receipts. If an insurer threatens to close a claim, ask the representative to confirm that threat in writing and save any voicemail or email where it was made.

Step 3 — Make a clear written request for status

Send a certified letter or email to the claims adjuster and the insurer’s claims office requesting a written claim status and the reasons for any potential closure. Include your claim number, policy number, date of loss, and a short list of what you have already submitted. Ask for a response by a specific, reasonable date (for example, 10–14 days).

Step 4 — Know the applicable Indiana rules and where to complain

Indiana’s insurance laws are in Title 27 of the Indiana Code. The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) accepts consumer complaints about claim handling, delays, or bad faith conduct. If an insurer fails to investigate or communicate, filing a complaint with IDOI is a formal next step. See the IDOI consumer pages for guidance and complaint forms: https://www.in.gov/idoi/ and the consumer complaint information at the IDOI site.

For an overview of the insurance law framework, see Indiana’s insurance code at the General Assembly site: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/title/27.

Step 5 — Escalate inside the insurance company

If the adjuster is unresponsive, ask to speak with the claims supervisor or the insurer’s consumer liaison. Use the company’s complaints or appeals process. Make every escalation in writing and keep copies.

Step 6 — File a complaint with the Indiana Department of Insurance

If you do not get a satisfactory response, submit a consumer complaint to IDOI. Provide copies of your policy, the claim file (or as much as the insurer provided), all communications, and the chronology of events. The IDOI can investigate unfair claim practices and often obtains responses from insurers faster than individual consumers can.

Step 7 — Consider hiring an attorney

Consult a licensed Indiana attorney experienced in insurance claims if the insurer threatens to close the claim improperly, unreasonably delays payment, or denies coverage without a valid basis. An attorney can send a demand letter, preserve your legal rights (including any statute of limitations), and evaluate whether you have a claim for bad faith or other remedies under Indiana law.

Step 8 — Preserve deadlines

Don’t let the insurer’s threat to close the file cause you to miss a deadline to file suit or provide required documents. If you are uncertain about deadlines in your policy or under Indiana law, ask an attorney promptly.

When might an insurer’s conduct be unlawful?

Indiana law and administrative rules prohibit unfair claim settlement practices, such as unreasonably delaying investigation, refusing to communicate, or threatening to close a claim without valid cause. If the insurer’s conduct amounts to bad faith or violates statutory or regulatory standards, you may have administrative remedies through IDOI and civil remedies in court. For statutory text and regulatory detail, see Indiana’s Title 27 (Insurance) at the Indiana General Assembly website: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/laws/title/27, and contact the IDOI consumer complaint page at https://www.in.gov/idoi/.

Helpful Hints

• Write everything down. A detailed timeline is often the strongest evidence of poor claim handling.
• Send key requests by certified mail or email so you can prove delivery.
• Ask for any denial or closure in writing and for the specific reason(s) the insurer relied on.
• Keep originals of critical documents and send copies to the insurer.
• If the insurer requests additional information, respond promptly but don’t sign away rights or accept a low settlement without understanding the consequences.
• Use the Indiana Department of Insurance as a resource. IDOI can mediate complaints and enforce rules against insurers: https://www.in.gov/idoi/.
• Before filing suit, check your policy for notice or suit-timelines. Missing a deadline can forfeit rights.
• Consider a short consultation with an insurance attorney to learn whether the insurer’s conduct gives rise to additional claims (for example, bad faith), and whether written demands or litigation are appropriate.