Legal Question in Insurance Law in Pennsylvania

how long do I have to wait

I am self employed, one of my service trucks was stolen and burned over a month ago. It was fully insured and I had $35000 coverage on the contents. My insurance company is telling me they will not settle with me until they are done with their investigation which could take 90 days. I need to replace the equipment in the truck immediately. can they make me wait 90 days to settle?


Asked on 4/27/09, 3:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Richard Teitell Richard K. Teitell, Esquire, P.C.

Re: how long do I have to wait

1. Keep in the mind that since you're the insured the ins co owes you a legal duty to act fairly, reasonably & promptly

2. These can be very fact based & I don't know the facts in your case. 30 days seems very long, let alone 90, unless there's some reason the ins co can't complete a prompt investigation. Was there a police report? Are there witnesses who are not being cooperative with the ins co? Does the ins co suspect you were involved?

3. The claims rep has a duty to tell you what's going on. I suggest you call the claims rep & go on a fact finding hunt without disclosing anything to the ins co. Ask a lot of questions. You may need the assistance of an attorney if the ins co continues to drag its feet. You can call me if it may help. Good luck!

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Answered on 4/27/09, 4:01 pm


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