Detailed Answer — What to expect after you send a demand to an insurer in Kentucky

After you send a demand package (a letter explaining your claim and the amount you want), the insurer must evaluate the claim and respond. Kentucky law requires insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly; unfair claim settlement practices are prohibited under Kentucky insurance law (see KRS 304.12-230 for prohibited practices). For a consumer-friendly summary of complaint and claim handling rules, the Kentucky Department of Insurance publishes guidance for claimants: https://insurance.ky.gov/consumer

That said, Kentucky statutes generally require prompt and reasonable handling but do not set a single fixed number of days that applies to every demand. Typical practical timelines you can expect are:

• Acknowledgment (within 1–14 days): Many insurers will acknowledge receipt of your demand within a few days to two weeks, often by phone or letter. This acknowledgement confirms they received the demand and that an adjuster is assigned.
• Initial investigation (15–45 days): The insurer will review liability information, medical records, bills, repair estimates, police reports, and any other documentation you provided. If records are straightforward, the investigation can be completed in about 2–6 weeks. If records are sparse or more investigation is needed, it can take longer.
• Initial offer window (30–90 days): If liability is clear and medical treatment is complete or well documented, many insurers make an initial settlement offer within 30–60 days of a complete demand. Complex medical issues, ongoing treatment, serious injury, or disputes about liability can push an initial offer toward 60–90 days or longer.
• Delays and extensions: Expect delays when the insurer: seeks additional medical records, orders independent medical examinations, waits for lien or subrogation information, or needs time to obtain statements or expert reports. You may get interim communications during that time.

In short: if your demand is complete (clear liability, complete medical records, itemized bills, and a reasoned demand amount), a reasonable initial offer often arrives in 30–60 days. If the claim is disputed or records are incomplete, it may take 60–90+ days.

Why timelines vary — key factors that affect how fast an insurer responds

• Completeness of your demand: A demand that includes records, bills, and a clear calculation lets the insurer evaluate faster.
• Liability clarity: If fault is disputed, the insurer will need more investigation and legal review.
• Medical treatment status: Ongoing treatment often delays offers until future care and prognosis are clear.
• Complex injuries or large claims: Serious injuries usually require medical experts and can lengthen the timeline.
• Multiple insurers or coverage issues: Coordination among insurers (e.g., UM/UIM, multiple at-fault parties) adds time.
• Insurer workload and staffing: Volume of claims and staffing can slow responses.

What to include in a demand to speed a response

• Clear statement of facts and how the injury/loss occurred.
• Documentation of liability (photos, police reports, witness statements).
• Medical records, itemized medical bills, and a summary of treatments and prognosis.
• Receipts or estimates for property damage and any out-of-pocket expenses.
• A reasonable, clearly explained demand amount and how you calculated it.

How to follow up

• Send the demand by a trackable method (email with read receipt or certified mail) and keep proof of delivery.
• If you don’t hear back in 2–3 weeks, send a polite follow-up asking for an estimated response date.
• Document every call and message: note the date, time, who you spoke with, and the content.
• If you suspect improper delay or bad-faith handling, you can contact the Kentucky Department of Insurance: https://insurance.ky.gov/consumer

When to consider hiring an attorney

Consider consulting an attorney if any of the following apply:

• Your demand goes unanswered for an extended time despite follow-ups.
• The insurer rejects liability without a reasonable investigation.
• You receive a low initial offer that doesn’t account for future medical costs or full damages.
• Your case involves serious injury, permanent impairment, or complicated coverage issues.

An attorney can help assemble a stronger demand, communicate with the insurer, and, if needed, advise about litigation and deadlines.

Relevant Kentucky law and resources

Kentucky law bars unfair claim settlement practices; insurers must act reasonably and promptly when handling claims. See Kentucky Revised Statutes regarding unfair claim settlement practices (KRS 304.12-230) and visit the Kentucky Department of Insurance consumer pages for guidance and complaint procedures: https://insurance.ky.gov/consumer

Helpful Hints

• Send a complete demand the first time—missing records are the most common cause of delay.
• Keep detailed records of all communications with the insurer.
• Ask the insurer for an estimated timeline and a contact person for follow-up.
• If you get an initial offer, don’t sign a release without confirming all current and likely future expenses are covered.
• If treatment is still ongoing, consider a short settlement hold or structured settlement approach to account for future care.
• Contact the Kentucky Department of Insurance if you believe the carrier is acting unfairly: https://insurance.ky.gov/consumer