Typical timeline for an initial insurance offer after you send a demand (Indiana)

Quick answer: There is no fixed single deadline for an insurer’s first monetary offer after a demand in Indiana. In routine, low‑complexity claims you often see an initial response or offer within 2–6 weeks. In more complex claims the insurer may take 1–3 months — and sometimes longer — to make a first settlement offer. The exact timing depends on facts, evidence, and coverage issues. This article explains what drives those timeframes, what to include in your demand to speed things up, and what you can do if the insurer stalls. This is educational information, not legal advice.

Detailed answer — How the process usually works and realistic timelines

1. Initial acknowledgement (1–14 days)

After you send a demand package (demand letter + medical records, bills, wage loss documentation, photos, and any police reports), most insurers will at least acknowledge receipt quickly — often by phone or written confirmation within a few days to two weeks. That acknowledgement is not an offer; it simply confirms they received the demand and will review it.

2. Investigation and information gathering (2–6 weeks or longer)

The insurer reviews liability exposure, obtains or verifies medical records, checks coverage, and may order additional documents or an independent medical exam (IME). If liability is clear and medical records are straightforward, this phase is fast. If fault is disputed, injuries are complex, or treatment is ongoing, the insurer will take more time. Expect at least 2–6 weeks in routine cases; complex files regularly extend beyond 90 days.

3. Reserving and internal approvals (days to several weeks)

Even once the insurer’s adjuster thinks a settlement is appropriate, the company often must set a reserve and obtain supervisory or legal approvals before making a monetary offer. Corporate procedures and policy limits can add time — sometimes several business days to a few weeks.

4. The initial monetary offer (typically 2–8 weeks, sometimes 3+ months)

An initial offer is often a negotiation starting point. In small, routine claims, many claimants receive an offer around 2–6 weeks after a full demand. In claims with disputed liability, ongoing treatment, large damages, or UM/UIM coverage questions, an initial offer commonly arrives 6–12+ weeks later. If an IME is requested or key records are missing, the insurer may delay an offer until that evidence arrives.

5. If the insurer does not make an offer

If you receive no substantive response after a reasonable time, follow up in writing. If the carrier refuses to investigate, unreasonably delays, or denies coverage without explanation, you may file a complaint with the Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) for consumer assistance: https://www.in.gov/idoi/. You can also consult an attorney to evaluate a bad‑faith claim or to decide whether to file suit before any applicable statute of limitations expires.

Key factors that affect how quickly an initial offer arrives

• Completeness of your demand: A short, well‑documented demand (medical records, itemized bills, proof of lost wages, photos, police reports, medical chronology, and a clear demand amount) speeds review.
• Liability clarity: Clear fault leads to quicker offers. Disputed fault delays offers while the insurer investigates.
• Ongoing treatment: If the injured person is still treating, the insurer may wait for a treatment plateau or an IME.
• Coverage issues: Coverage limits, multiple insurers, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) questions, or coverage defenses lengthen the timeline.
• Severity and complexity of injuries: Severe or chronic injuries require more medical review and valuation time.
• Company procedures: Some carriers route files through multiple departments and require higher‑level approvals; that adds days or weeks.
• Litigation threat: A credible, ready‑to‑file lawsuit can prompt a faster offer.

Practical timeline examples (illustrative)

These illustrate typical ranges — every claim differs:

• Simple soft‑tissue injury, clear liability, full documentation: acknowledgement 3–10 days; initial offer 2–6 weeks.
• Moderate injury, some disputed liability, ongoing treatment: acknowledgement 1–2 weeks; initial offer 6–12 weeks.
• Serious injury, complex medical care, multiple insurers or coverage questions: acknowledgement 1–3 weeks; initial offer 3–6 months or later; often the first offer arrives after IME or litigation threat.

What you can and should do while waiting

1. Send a complete demand package the first time. Include a clear demand number and a short chronology of events and treatment.
2. Set a reasonable response deadline in your demand (commonly 30 days) and say you will consider legal options if the carrier fails to respond.
3. Follow up in writing if you do not get an acknowledgement within 2 weeks or a substantive response within your stated deadline.
4. Preserve evidence and continue treatment as advised by medical providers.
5. If the insurer requests more records or an IME, respond quickly with the requested documents and schedule the IME promptly.
6. If the adjuster’s replies are evasive or the insurer unreasonably delays, contact the Indiana Department of Insurance for guidance: https://www.in.gov/idoi/.
7. Talk to an attorney before filing suit or before accepting any global release. In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the injury; confirm deadlines early to preserve your rights.

When to involve an attorney

Consider consulting an attorney if:

• The insurer refuses to respond or repeatedly delays without explanation.
• Liability is contested but you believe evidence is strong.
• Damages are significant, or medical care will continue for months.
• The insurer’s first offer is far below a reasonable valuation and negotiations stall.

Helpful Hints

• Make your demand organized: cover letter, liability summary, itemized damages, medical records, bills, and a clear demand number.
• Include a short medical chronology (dates of treatment and providers) to help adjusters evaluate the file faster.
• Request acknowledgement and give a specific deadline for a substantive response (30 days is common).
• Keep written records of every contact with the insurer: date, person, summary of the conversation.
• Promptly provide any additional records the insurer requests; delays by you will slow their response.
• If you receive a low offer, respond with a reasoned counter‑demand supported by updated medical documentation and a damage summary.
• If you suspect the insurer is acting in bad faith, save communications and consult counsel — you can also seek help from the Indiana Department of Insurance: https://www.in.gov/idoi/.

Disclaimer: This article explains general practices and expectations under Indiana insurance claim handling. It is educational only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice about a specific claim, consult a licensed attorney who can evaluate your facts and deadlines.