Timeline for an initial insurance offer after you send a demand — what to expect in Maine

Short answer: There is no single fixed deadline under Maine law that forces an insurer to make an initial settlement offer immediately after you send a demand. In routine, clear-liability cases you can often expect an initial response or offer within 30–60 days. In complex cases the insurer may take several months while it collects records, investigates liability and calculates damages. If the insurer stalls or refuses to respond, you can contact the Maine Bureau of Insurance to file a complaint. This is general information, not legal advice.

Detailed Answer — how the timeline usually works in Maine

When you send a demand package (also called a settlement demand) to an insurer in Maine, the insurer typically follows a sequence that affects how fast you receive an initial offer:

Acknowledgment and assignment: Many insurers acknowledge receipt within days to a couple of weeks. An adjuster is assigned and the claim is opened.
Investigation and document gathering: The insurer reviews medical records, wage records, police reports, photos, and other evidence. If your demand lacks key documents, the adjuster will request them. Waiting on records is the most common cause of delay. Gathering and reviewing records often takes 2–6 weeks, sometimes longer if records are extensive.
Liability evaluation: The insurer assesses fault. If fault is clear (e.g., another driver admitted responsibility, unambiguous fault on an accident report), the insurer can move faster. Disputed liability usually adds weeks or months for further investigation.
Damage evaluation: The insurer calculates economic and non‑economic damages. This requires reviewing medical treatment, future care needs, lost wages, and any lien or subrogation issues. If future medical care or permanent injury is involved, the insurer may delay a full offer until treatment stabilizes.
Decision and offer: For straightforward claims, an adjuster may make an initial offer within about 30 days of receiving a complete demand. More commonly you’ll see an initial offer or a response with questions/proof requests within 30–60 days. Complex claims (serious injury, disputed fault, multiple insurers) can take several months before a meaningful offer arrives.

Common timeline examples

Minor injury, clear liability, complete demand with records: initial offer in 2–6 weeks.
Moderate injury, some dispute or missing records: 1–3 months before an initial offer or substantive response.
Serious injury, litigation likely, disputed liability or ongoing treatment: 3–12+ months before a full settlement offer.

Why insurers sometimes delay making an offer

They haven’t received complete medical or wage documentation.
They are investigating liability or waiting for expert reports.
They are dealing with coverage questions (is the injury covered? which policy responds?).
There are potential liens (healthcare, Medicare, worker’s comp) to sort out.
Internal claim review procedures or approvals from claims managers/legal department take time.

Practical steps you can take to speed a response

Send a complete demand package: clear demand amount, medical records, bills, wage records, photos, police report, and a short chronology of events.
Set a reasonable response deadline in the demand letter (commonly 30 days) and say you will consider further steps if there is no response.
Respond quickly to any adjuster requests for records or clarification.
Keep a record of all communications (dates, names, whether by phone, email, or letter).
Ask the adjuster in writing for a coverage decision in a specific timeframe if coverage is unclear.

When to consider hiring an attorney

Consider counsel if:

The insurer fails to respond within your deadline and you believe the claim is straightforward.
The insurer offers an unreasonably low amount relative to documented damages.
There is an early threat to deny coverage or you are asked to sign a release before full payment.
The claim involves serious injury, long-term medical care, or complex liability issues.

Maine resources and where to complain

If you have trouble getting a response or you suspect unfair claim handling, you can contact the Maine Bureau of Insurance for consumer help and to file a complaint: Maine Bureau of Insurance — Consumer Info. For instructions on filing a complaint: File an Insurance Complaint with Maine.

For text of Maine statutes and to explore insurance-related laws, see the Maine Legislature’s statutes index: Maine Statutes.

Helpful Hints

Include a clear, dated response deadline (e.g., 30 days) in your demand letter.
Provide everything the insurer needs up front — missing records slow responses most often.
Ask for any coverage decisions in writing; don’t rely on oral promises.
Don’t sign releases until you receive payment and understand how liens will be handled.
If the insurer asks for a recorded statement, consider getting advice from an attorney first.
If you don’t hear back after your deadline, follow up in writing and keep copies of all messages and documents.
If communication stalls, file a complaint with the Maine Bureau of Insurance and consult a lawyer if needed.