Free Consultation
208-517-7670
You pay nothing until we win
You pay nothing until we win
by Matthew C. Andrew - April 30th, 2025
Following a recent car accident, many individuals find themselves asking, how long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim? This is a common and valid concern. After an accident, expenses like medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and time away from work can create a heavy financial burden. The insurance settlement process, while necessary, may feel slow or unclear, especially without legal guidance. In Idaho, no strict deadline guarantees when a check will arrive; however, the law expects insurance providers to act in good faith and without unnecessary delay. Each case is different, and timelines often depend on the complexity of the crash, the documentation provided, and how liability is determined. At Andrew Injury Law, our car accident attorney goal is to support individuals through this process and help ensure their claim receives fair attention.
Yes, Idaho law places some boundaries on how long an insurance company can take to investigate and settle a claim. While the law does not set a strict deadline for payment, it does require that insurance providers act fairly and promptly. According to Idaho Code §41-1329, insurance companies may not delay settlement of claims when liability is reasonably clear.
In many cases, insurers in Idaho are expected to acknowledge receipt of a claim within 15 days and complete the investigation within a reasonable timeframe. However, the actual delivery of a settlement check may take several additional weeks or even months depending on the complexity of the case.
To help minimize delays, it’s important to provide timely and complete documentation. This includes the accident report, medical records, repair estimates, and witness statements. The more thorough the initial submission, the faster an adjuster may be able to evaluate the claim.
Responding quickly to requests for additional information and maintaining open communication with your insurer can also help speed up the process. Additionally, working with an experienced attorney may improve your chances of a smoother and faster resolution.
If a settlement is delayed beyond what seems reasonable, there may be legal recourse available. While delays can result from complex investigations, disputed facts, or the need for additional documentation, insurers are still expected to act in good faith. In Idaho, if there’s reason to believe that an insurance company is deliberately postponing payment without just cause, this may be considered a violation of the state’s Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act.
Extended delays could affect financial stability and recovery efforts, especially when medical bills and other expenses continue to grow. In such cases, policyholders may consider filing a complaint with the Idaho Department of Insurance or exploring legal action to prompt a resolution. Pursuing a claim for bad faith practices might also become necessary to recover damages beyond the original settlement amount.
Once your claim has been reviewed, the insurance company may offer a settlement based on liability and documented damages. This includes medical expenses, lost income, and property damage. In some cases, negotiations are required before a fair offer is reached.
The timeline for receiving an offer depends on how soon all evidence is gathered and evaluated. Settlement amounts might be revised if additional injuries are discovered or if long-term treatment becomes necessary. In our experience, patience and strong legal advocacy can make a significant difference in achieving fair compensation.
In Idaho, filing an auto insurance claim typically begins by notifying your insurer of the accident as soon as possible. According to the Idaho Department of Insurance, you should gather essential details like the other driver’s contact and insurance information, document the scene with photos, and obtain a police report.
You may also need to complete forms or provide medical documentation to support your claim. Following your insurer’s process closely and meeting all stated requirements may reduce delays and confusion.
If your accident involved a driver without insurance or in a hit-and-run situation, you might have to pursue an uninsured motorist claim through your own coverage. Every case is different, and seeking legal guidance can help clarify your options.
At Andrew Injury Law, we know that dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be confusing and stressful. If you’re still wondering how long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim, or you’re experiencing delays with your settlement check, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and let us help you protect your rights.
Matt Andrew has been an attorney and member of the Idaho Bar since 2007 and has a varied and fascinating legal career. Since 2013, Matt has focused on representing seriously injured people in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Matt has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict before the Idaho District Courts and the Idaho Industrial Commission.
Member of the Idaho Bar since 2007
Bar Number: #7698
Location: Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell, Idaho.
Client Reviews
4 months ago 
Matt was very helpful in explaining the law and setting realistic expectations about my mothers case. He listened to the facts and gave solid advice about what to do next. I know his time is valuable and limited so I appreciated his complementary consultation and advice. I will definitely turn to him in the future.
View More Reviews on Google Maps and Yelp
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
Matt Andrew was so helpful and encouraging regarding our small auto accident negotiation. We received clear and comprehensive suggestions and outline of action for us to take. We are grateful to have spoken with him directly and on the first phone call to his office. Great attitude and genuine interest in helping. Definitely recommend.
Matt is a “Tell it like it is”, Attorney. He will scour the data, and go to bat for you. He becomes your liaison, so you can really focus about just getting better, and though he wont loan you any money, he’ll tell you what you need you need to do to survive if you’re out of work for a bit. Attorneys aren’t cheap, you’ll end up with more if you use one. Heed his advise for the strongest case argument in your favor.
I called Matt he was driving he took my information and he immediately called me back, he answered my question and gave me advice on how to handle the situation, he very helpful for my situation, he was thorough
Andrew Injury Law is a personal injury law firm in Idaho. We focus on representing individuals who suffer injuries from someone else’s negligence. We use a compassionate and aggressive approach to help our clients after an injury. Our team knows that injuries can be life-altering. Our Boise injury lawyer fights for our clients every step, leading to trial if necessary. Get in touch with the Boise injury lawyers from Andrew Injury Law today.
Andrew Injury Law represents people who need help during the most challenging times. Injuries are life-changing in many ways. Even a minor injury can leave you out of work for weeks with mountains of medical bills. Permanent injuries require more medical attention and bring more bills. Our team is here to help you every step of the way. Call our personal injury lawyer in Caldwell for a free case review.
You must get legal representation immediately when you suffer an injury or lose a loved one. The insurance companies are vultures looking to diminish your claim. They don’t care about the pain you are suffering. They only care about their bottom line. When you file a personal injury claim, you will pursue justice and compensation for your injuries and losses. Andrew Injury Law helps injured individuals seek compensation from negligent parties. We offer free case reviews, so call our office today.
Our primary goal is to hold the at-fault party responsible by getting you financial reimbursement for your injuries. Schedule a free consultation today with our Meridian personal injury lawyer from Andrew Injury Law.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Matthew Andrew, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
Getting caught in a multi-vehicle collision is stressful enough, but questions multiply when you’re a pas...
There are many effects of injuries, both physical and mental. If you’ve recently been injured in an accid...
Negligent driving refers to a situation where a driver fails to exercise reasonable care while operating a ...
Accidental injuries cause over 24 million emergency room visits per year in the U.S., and many of these injuries are the fault of other parties.
Idaho reported more than 27,500 traffic crashes in a recent year, with over 12,600 people suffering injuries and 271 fatalities. We help car crash victims seek justice.
Commercial trucks are critical to Idaho’s economy, but they also put everyone at risk of serious collisions and injuries. We stand up to trucking companies.
Motorcyclists love the wide open spaces of Idaho, but other drivers are not always careful and can hit motorcycles, causing devastating injuries and losses.
After a fatal accident, families can face overwhelming emotional and financial losses. We can help your family seek financial support and justice for your loved one’s wrongful death.
Many accidents happen because property owners or businesses do not maintain their premises. If you slipped and fell or had another premises-related accident, we can help.
Whether you work in construction, logging, or in an office, injuries can happen. We assist injured workers in seeking maximum compensation for their injuries.
Getting the workers’ comp you deserve for a job-related illness or injury can be more challenging than you expect. Seek help with your claim from our legal team.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
Message Us 
Call Us