Is there a time frame from when a vehcile is reported stolen until when the insurance company has to pay out on the claim?

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Is there a time frame from when a vehcile is reported stolen until when the insurance company has to pay out on the claim?

I would like to know if there is a law that states a time frame from when a vehicle is reported stolen and from the time the insurance company has to pay if the vehicle has ot bee found.

Asked on May 18, 2009 under Insurance Law, Massachusetts

Answers:

L.M., Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 14 years ago | Contributor

Absent specific information written into the policy, the insurance company waits a "reasonable" amount of time to see if the stolen vehicle is recovered.  That timeframe varies from insurance company to insurance company, with the average being two to four weeks.  In the interim, if you have rental car coverage on your policy, your insurer should be providing you with a rental vehicle up to your policy limits.  If it has been over a month since your vehicle was stolen, contact the adjuster, then the adjuster's superior and get an answer.  If you are not satisfied that they are working on settling your claim, contact your state's department of insurance and file a complaint.


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