How to Speed Up Your Insurance Claim

You have an accident. You report it to the insurance company. And then the waiting begins. Days, weeks... even months. Often not due to lack of coverage, but due to poor management, documentation issues, or lack of clarity.

The good news is that there's a lot you can do to make your claim move faster. In this article, we explain how to speed up your insurance claim, reduce waiting times, and avoid the obstacles that slow down the process.

Because yes: the speed of claims also depends on you.

How Long Does an Insurance Claim Usually Take?

Although timeframes can vary depending on the insurance company and the type of incident, these are the average times that many companies handle:

• Incident notification: up to 7 days from the event.

• Expert assessment: between 3 and 10 days after notification.

• Insurance company resolution: up to 40 days from accepting the claim.

• Payment of compensation: generally between 15 and 30 days after acceptance.

In total, the process can last between 30 and 60 days, although some cases extend much longer.

Why Are So Many Claims Delayed?

The most common causes of delays in the claims process are:

• Lack of documentation from the insured.

• Incomplete assessments by the expert.

• Poorly formulated claims or claims with errors.

• Prolonged negotiations due to differences in criteria.

• Saturation of the company during high-demand periods (rain, catastrophes, etc.).

• Lack of follow-up by the client.

Keys to Accelerating Your Insurance Claim

Here are the most effective actions to speed up the process from the very beginning:

1. Report the incident as soon as possible

Don't wait until the last moment. You have a legal deadline of 7 days to report the incident, but ideally you should do it within the first 24-48 hours.

Report it through the most direct channel:

• Phone (note down name and management number).

• Online customer area.

• Mobile app.

• Email (keep the acknowledgment receipt).

2. Gather all documentation before they ask for it

One of the main reasons for delay is an incomplete file. Have the following ready from the start:

• Well-completed incident report.

• Photos and videos of the damage.

• Technical reports (if professionals have intervened).

• Repair invoices or estimates.

• Police report (in cases of theft or vandalism).

Anticipating what the insurance company will ask for will save you days—or even weeks—of waiting.

3. Be clear, brief, and precise in your explanation

Describe the incident objectively, without exaggerations, but without omitting key details. Indicate:

• What happened.

• When and how it occurred.

• What goods are damaged.

• What actions you took after the incident.

A well-structured account avoids doubts, misinterpretations, and unnecessary back-and-forth.

4. Accompany the expert (and have evidence prepared)

If the company sends an expert, it's essential that you or someone you trust receives them. Make sure to:

• Show them all the damages.

• Provide estimates, invoices, or reports.

• Clarify any doubts on the spot.

💬 The expert doesn't just take pictures: their report is key for the insurance company to decide whether to compensate you or not.

5. Follow up continuously (without overwhelming)

Many claims are left "in limbo" due to lack of follow-up. Don't assume everything is moving forward properly.

Follow up periodically:

• Every 5-7 days, ask about the status of the file.

• If they promise a call, ask for an exact date.

• Document all communications (emails, agent names, dates).

6. Carefully review the compensation proposal

Once you receive the payment or repair proposal, review it thoroughly. If you agree, accept it in writing so the process continues.

If you don't agree:

• Request a review or detailed justification.

• Provide additional documentation.

• Consider consulting an independent expert.

⚠️ Delaying acceptance without justification also slows down the process.

7. Request priority attention (if applicable)

Some insurance companies allow for expedited handling in urgent cases. If the incident prevents you from living in your home or continuing your professional activity, justify your situation and request priority.

Include documents such as:

• Uninhabitability certificates.

• Work communications.

• Medical reports (if applicable).

What if the insurance company still doesn't respond despite everything?

Even if you do everything right, the insurance company might:

• Not respond within the deadline.

• Delay unjustifiably.

• Offer you low compensation.

In that case, you can:

1. Submit a formal complaint to the customer service department.

2. Go to the General Directorate of Insurance if you don't get a response within 2 months.

3. Contact professionals like MataSeguros who can handle the claim for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Claim Times

How long does the insurance company have to pay me?

From when it accepts the claim, it has a deadline of 40 days to compensate you.

What happens if they ask for more documents afterward?

You must provide them as soon as possible. If you have them prepared from the beginning, you avoid this phase.

Can a file be expedited in case of urgency?

Yes. If you justify that the damage affects your primary residence or business, you can request priority in the management.

Conclusion

Although insurance companies have their own timeframes, there's a lot you can do to speed up a claim. From good documentation to active follow-up, your involvement is key.

And if you don't want to worry about anything, at MataSeguros we manage the entire process for you: fast, clear, and without financial risk.