Detailed answer

Short answer: Washington law does not set one fixed deadline for an insurer to make an initial settlement offer after it receives a demand. Practically, most initial responses arrive within 2–6 weeks, but simple demands supported by clear proof can produce an offer in 1–2 weeks and complex or disputed claims can take several months. If an insurer unreasonably delays, you can complain to the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner and consult a lawyer about next steps.

How Washington law frames insurer timing

Washington’s insurance statutes require insurers to handle claims promptly and not engage in unfair claim settlement practices. For example, see the state’s unfair claims settlement practices provisions at RCW 48.30.010. Those rules create a duty to investigate and act reasonably, but they do not convert into a single calendar deadline for every situation. Timing therefore depends on the policy, the facts, and the quality of documentation you send with your demand.

Typical timeline breakdown

• Immediate acknowledgement (days 1–14): Many carriers acknowledge receipt within a few days to two weeks. They may ask for additional documents or a recorded statement.
• Initial investigation (days 7–30): The insurer often reviews police reports, medical records, bills, and liability evidence. If the demand is straightforward and well-documented, an insurer can decide quickly.
• Evaluation and reserve setting (weeks 2–6): The adjuster evaluates damages and exposures and may set a reserve. That process often leads to an initial offer or a request for more time/evidence.
• Requests for additional proof (weeks 2–12+): If the insurer needs more medical records, wage documentation, surveillance, or expert opinions, this extends the timeline. Some injuries need treatment time to reach a stable condition before a full value can be assessed.
• Initial offer (commonly 2–6 weeks): If the facts favor settlement and documentation is strong, expect an initial offer in a few weeks. If liability or damages are disputed, an initial offer can be a low “opening” number or no offer at all until investigations conclude.
• Longer delays (months): Complex liability, multiple claimants, subrogation, or litigation hold-ups can stretch negotiations for months.

What affects how fast you’ll get an offer

• Completeness of your demand packet: A clear demand letter with medical summaries, bills, a damages calculation, photos, and liability evidence speeds decisions.
• Severity and complexity of injuries or damages: Soft-tissue injuries may need treatment time; permanent injuries need expert reports.
• Liability clarity: If fault is obvious (e.g., an on-camera collision), insurers respond faster.
• Policy limits and multiple carriers: If you demand policy limits or several insurers are involved, coordination slows the process.
• Insurer workload or backlog: Some carriers handle high volumes or delegate to third-party administrators — that can add time.

Practical steps you can take to shorten the timeline

• Send a focused, signed demand letter that states a clear dollar figure and the basis for the demand.
• Include key exhibits: police report, clear medical records, itemized bills, photos, and a chronological medical summary.
• Set a reasonable response deadline in the demand (commonly 30 days) and state that you will consider other remedies thereafter.
• Follow up with the adjuster by phone within 7–10 days to confirm receipt and ask for an expected decision date.
• If the insurer requests additional information, respond quickly and keep proof of transmission (email, certified mail, portal receipts).
• Document all communications and the names of adjusters and supervisors.

When to escalate or involve the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner

If the insurer stalls without reasonable explanation or ignores repeat requests, you can file a consumer complaint with the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner: https://www.insurance.wa.gov/file-complaint. The OIC can investigate unfair practices and sometimes prompt a response.

Be mindful of deadlines for filing suit

Even if you expect more negotiation time, watch the statute of limitations. For most personal-injury claims in Washington, the standard deadline is three years from the date of injury: RCW 4.16.080. If you let a claim lapse, you can lose the right to sue. If you are near that deadline, consult an attorney promptly.

Sample timeline scenarios (hypothetical)

• Clear liability, moderate damages: You send a thorough demand with records. Adjuster acknowledges in 3 days and responds with an offer in 10–21 days.
• Disputed liability, soft-tissue injuries: Adjuster asks for more records and a recorded statement. Investigation lasts 6–12 weeks; initial offer may be delayed or low.
• High-value/policy-limits demand: Carrier performs a deeper review and coordinates with corporate claims and defense counsel. Expect 3–8 weeks or more; you should set a firm deadline in the demand.

When to talk to a lawyer

Talk with a Washington attorney if the insurer ignores a well-documented demand, makes an unreasonable delay, offers well under value without explanation, or if you face liens or complex subrogation issues. A lawyer can craft demands, set strategic deadlines, and advise about bad-faith possibilities or litigation timing.

Helpful Hints

• Include a clear, signed demand letter with a deadline (30 days is common).
• Attach a one-page medical summary and itemized bills to speed review.
• Ask for the adjuster’s expected decision date and get it in writing (email).
• Keep copies of everything and log all calls with names, dates, and times.
• If you don’t get a timely, reasonable response, file a complaint with the WA OIC: https://www.insurance.wa.gov/file-complaint.
• Be mindful of the statute of limitations (RCW 4.16.080) and consult a lawyer before the deadline expires.

Disclaimer: This information is educational and general. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and every case has unique facts—consult a licensed Washington attorney for advice about your specific situation.