How long does the insurance company have to pay?
Homeland Public Adjusters · Last reviewed: October 2026
Short answer: In Florida, the insurer must pay or deny your claim within 60 days after it receives notice of the claim, in writing. In New Jersey, the insurer must decide a first-party property claim within 30 calendar days after receiving properly executed proofs of loss, unless the delay is clearly justified, and must pay within 10 working days after you agree to a settlement.
Florida timeline
- Acknowledge your claim: within 7 days (Fla. Stat. §627.70131).
- Begin its investigation: within 7 days after receiving proof of loss.
- Physical inspection, if needed: within 30 days after receiving proof of loss.
- Send you the adjuster's detailed estimate: within 7 days after it's created.
- Pay or deny (initial, reopened or supplemental claim): within 60 days after notice of the claim, with a written explanation of any denial or partial payment.
New Jersey timeline
- Acknowledge your claim and begin the investigation: within 10 working days of notice (N.J.A.C. 11:2-17.6).
- Decide a first-party property claim: within 30 calendar days after receiving properly executed proofs of loss, unless clearly justified; if not, written notice by the end of that period and then every 45 days (N.J.A.C. 11:2-17.7).
- Pay after you agree to a settlement: within 10 working days.
How long the whole claim usually takes
The deadlines above are the longest the insurer may take for each step, not how long your whole claim will take. A claim with clear damage and complete documentation can be decided well inside them. Claims take longer when the scope is disputed, when more damage turns up after repairs start, or when the claim goes to appraisal, mediation or court. Complete documentation from day one is the biggest single thing that shortens a claim.
When the clock is running out
Write down the date you gave notice and every date after it. A stalled claim usually means something is missing on one side; we find out what and push it to a decision. See every Florida and New Jersey claim deadline on one page.
Follow-up questions
How long does an insurance company have to pay a claim in Florida?
How long does an insurer have to decide a claim in New Jersey?
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This answer is general information only and is not legal or insurance advice. Statutes, regulations and policy wording change, and how they apply depends on your own policy and the facts of your claim. Homeland Public Adjusters is a public adjusting firm, not a law firm.
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