Claims Processing Times: What To Expect?

In recent years, we have observed in Quebec that natural disasters and other major losses seem to be becoming more and more frequent; it is not uncommon to see insurance companies overwhelmed by a high volume of claims.

These intense periods can sometimes delay the claims processing, leaving people affected by a loss in a situation of prolonged uncertainty and stress. Even in these times of crisis, expectations of insurers remain high: people affected by a loss have the right to expect fast, fair, and efficient service.

This article explores these questions and suggests ways to understand and improve the claim settlement experience.

Understanding Standard Timelines

Processing times can vary considerably depending on the complexity of the loss, the type of insurance policy, and the responsiveness of the parties involved. As a general rule, small claims can be settled in a few days, while more complex cases can take several months. For major losses, the average time between the opening and closing of the file is 6 months to 1 year.

The law governs these timelines: insurers must act within a reasonable time, generally 60 days after receiving the complete claim, to issue a payment or a decision.

When your home or business is affected by a major fire, you must make sure to properly document the losses and claim what you are owed. Gathering all the information required to file your claim can take several months. The efficiency of the various stakeholders and their response times will have a significant impact on the time required to settle your file.

How To Speed Up the Process

To avoid delays and speed up the settlement of your claim, it is essential that you keep control of your file.

If you feel you don't have the time or energy to handle preparing your claim and coordinating the stakeholders in your file, consult us.

In addition to preparing and negotiating your claims, our role is also to relieve you of your responsibilities by ensuring rigorous and proactive follow-up on each step of your claim settlement.

Here are some practical tips:

In conclusion:

Claims processing times can vary.

Major loss files last 6 months to 1 year on average. Your priority, from the very first hours, should be to stabilize the situation by ensuring the safety of the premises and the people around you. After that, keep in mind that your involvement has a significant impact on the processing time of your claims.

Document your file, respond quickly, communicate clearly, and surround yourself with professionals you trust to help you make the best decisions, in your interest and that of your family.

Have a question about your file?

Let's talk about it.