Mark Anderson | August 21, 2026 | Car Accidents
In Texas, your own insurance company generally has 15 calendar days to acknowledge your claim, start its investigation, and ask for the information it needs. After it gets the required information, it usually has 15 business days to accept or reject the claim in writing. If the company needs more time, it must tell you why and can take up to 45 more days to decide.
These timelines often matter after a car accident in Fort Worth, TX. A delayed claim can leave you waiting on vehicle repairs, medical bill payments, or answers about coverage.
What Must the Insurance Company Do After You File a Claim?
After you report a claim, the insurance company must acknowledge that it received it, begin investigating, and request the items, statements, or forms it reasonably needs from you. Texas Insurance Code Section 542.055 sets this initial 15-day deadline for most insurers.
You should keep copies of everything you send. This includes photos, medical records, repair estimates, bills, letters, emails, and proof-of-loss forms.
Anderson Injury Lawyers has recovered over $100,000,000 for injured clients, and founding attorney Mark Anderson has more than 30 years of experience. That background can be helpful when an insurer delays, disputes fault, or asks for more information than seems necessary.
When Does the 15-Business-Day Deadline Start?
The 15-business-day deadline to accept or reject the claim starts after the insurance company receives all items, statements, and forms it needs to secure final proof of loss. In other words, the clock may not start when you first call in the claim. It may start later, after the company gets the requested documents.
If the insurer rejects your claim, it must explain the reason in writing. If it cannot accept or reject the claim within the regular deadline, it must tell you why it needs more time.
What Happens if the Insurance Company Agrees to Pay?
If the insurance company agrees to pay all or part of your claim, it generally must send payment within five business days after giving notice that it will pay. Texas law also has rules for claims that require you to complete another act before payment is due.
For example, the insurer may need a signed release or another required document. You should read anything carefully before signing, especially after a serious injury accident.
Do These Deadlines Apply to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?
Not always. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, the prompt payment law does not apply when another driver’s insurance company is paying the claim. However, that insurer must still act in good faith and try to settle the claim quickly and fairly.
This difference matters in car accident cases. If you are dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurer, the process may feel slower and more difficult. The company may investigate fault, question your injuries, or delay until it receives more records.
What Should You Do if the Insurance Company Is Taking Too Long?
Start by asking the adjuster for a written update. Ask what information is missing, what decision is pending, and when you can expect the next response.
You can also take these steps:
- Keep a written timeline of calls, emails, and letters
- Save copies of all claim documents
- Follow up in writing after phone calls
- Avoid guessing about injuries or fault
- Review your policy deadlines
- Speak with a lawyer before signing a release
If the delay involves your own insurer, you may also contact the Texas Department of Insurance. It can help with problems involving a company, agent, or adjuster, and it can review whether companies comply with Texas law.
FAQ
Can an Insurance Company Take 45 Extra Days in Texas?
Yes. If the insurer cannot accept or reject the claim within the normal deadline, it must tell you why it needs more time. It must then accept or reject the claim within 45 days of giving that notice.
Does the Insurance Company Have to Explain a Denial?
Yes. If the insurance company rejects your claim, it must state the reasons for the rejection in writing.
Should I Give a Recorded Statement?
Be careful. A recorded statement can affect your claim, especially if fault or injuries are disputed. Consider speaking with an attorney before giving one.
Contact the Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers for Help
Insurance delays can create real stress after a crash. If you were injured in Fort Worth, our attorneys can review the claim, explain your options, and help you respond to the insurance company.
For more information, contact an experienced Fort Worth car accident lawyer at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, Travis County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
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About the Author
Mark A. Anderson is the founder of Anderson Injury Lawyers and a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer—an honor held by only a small percentage of Texas attorneys. He earned his law degree from Baylor University School of Law and has spent more than 20 years helping injury victims across Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin. Mark handles cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, product liability, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, and more. Click here to view some of the successful case results Mark has achieved for his clients.
Location: Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, Texas
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