Progressive car insurance has around 30 million policies [1], making it the second-largest insurer in the US. If you’ve been in a car accident, there’s a high chance that the other driver has Progressive car insurance.
If you filed a claim as a client or the victim of someone else’s negligence, you might wonder how long it takes to settle an insurance claim with Progressive.
In this article, we will explain the factors that affect insurance claim time limits, the company’s claim process, and the steps you can take if the company misses its deadlines.

Insurance Claim Time Limits
The time it takes to process a car insurance claim depends on your state and its regulations. Insurance companies must follow legal deadlines, and this section provides some examples.
Statutory Requirements
In the US, state laws set specific deadlines for insurance companies to respond to claims and make decisions. For example, California’s Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations require insurers to acknowledge a claim within 15 days and approve or deny it within 40 days.
Promptness and Fairness
When you file a car accident claim, the insurance company must handle the claim promptly and fairly. Most states legally require insurance companies to act in good faith and avoid unreasonable delays. Many states passed the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act that protects clients from unjust behavior, such as misrepresenting facts or offering unfairly low settlements.
Variations by State
The statute of limitations is a law that gives you a specific time limit within which you can file a car accident claim. It varies by state and usually ranges from one to three years for personal injury claims. Once the deadline passes, you can no longer legally file a claim.
Progressive’s Claim Handling Process
Progressive’s claims process has several steps: acknowledgment, investigation and evaluation, and settlement offer or denial. If you’re a Progressive client, review your insurance policy to understand the process and your coverage limits and deductibles.
Initial Steps
You can file a claim using Progresive’s mobile app or website, or by calling the company. When Progressive receives a claim, the company has to acknowledge the receipt of your claim. This usually happens within a few days. You will receive the acknowledgment as a written or electronic notification. It should include your claim number and your adjuster’s contact details.
The adjuster will handle your case and act as a point of contact between you and the company. They review your claim, contact all parties, and begin the investigation process.
Investigation and Evaluation
Your adjuster will investigate the claim and gather evidence, including:
- Accident report
- Medical records
- Footage of the accident
- Witness testimonies
- Vehicle and other property damage
After assessing the damages and determining liability, they will calculate your compensation for repairs, medical bills, and other damages.
Settlement Offer or Denial
Once the insurance company finishes investigating the claim, it will either make you a settlement offer or deny it. If it approves your claim, your adjuster will explain how much the company will pay for repairs, medical expenses, or other damages. You should receive a written summary of the offer.
If your claim is denied, Progressive must explain the reasons for the denial in writing, whether they’re related to insurance policy coverage, insufficient evidence, or something else. You can either accept the settlement or dispute it with the help of a personal injury attorney.
Time Limits for Responding to a Claim
The time limits for responding to a claim vary by state and claim type, so it’s essential to check the rules in your state. We will provide typical timeframes so you know what to expect.
Initial Response
Progressive must acknowledge receipt of the claim within a specific timeframe. Most states require insurance companies to complete this step within 15 business days of receipt. The adjuster usually begins the investigation several days after that.
Claim Decision
Depending on state regulations, Progressive typically has 30 to 45 days to decide on the claim, whether it’s approval, denial, or a request for more information. In complex cases, the insurer can ask for an extension, which is again regulated by state laws.
Progressive must notify the claimant about the reason for the extension, whether it’s the need for additional evidence or waiting for third-party reports.
State-Specific Timeframes
Claim handling time limits vary by state, but for general reference, they are 30 days in most states. It’s essential to check whether your state is an exception.
In Illinois, insurance companies are required to provide the necessary forms to file a claim within 15 working days of your request. They must affirm or deny liability on claims within a reasonable time and offer payment within 30 days of affirming liability, provided the claim amount is determined and not in dispute.
If a property damage liability claim remains unresolved for more than 60 days from the date it was reported, the insurer must provide a reasonable written explanation for the delay.
Factors Affecting Claim Processing Time
Car accidents can vary from mild and simple to highly complex cases, with several factors affecting the length of the claim process. These factors include the complexity of the claim, the availability of information and evidence, the existence of disputes, and finally, the cooperation between the parties.
Complexity of the Claim
The investigation and settlement timeline will depend on the accident’s severity, the extent of the injuries, and the number of parties involved.
More severe accidents often involve complex injuries and extensive damages, which prolong the investigation, evidence gathering, and damage determination. For example, a seriously injured person will often need more medical evaluations and treatments, and it takes time for them to recover and determine all their medical expenses.
Similarly, multiple claimants or at-fault parties can lead to more prolonged negotiations and liability assessments, as insurers need time to establish fault. This may involve disputes and lengthy talks to account for each person’s damages.
Availability of Information
Readily available documentation, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, can significantly impact processing time.
For example, a police report can help establish liability, as it explains the circumstances of the accident in detail. Readily available medical records have a similar effect, as they help the insurer calculate medical damages. Witness statements provide additional perspectives and may reduce the chance of disputes.
Cooperation of Involved Parties
Witnesses, claimants, and the at-fault party must submit information and cooperate with the insurance company. The investigation may stall if the claimant or the other party delays their responses or refuses to cooperate.
It also matters that third parties, such as law enforcement or medical providers, provide their responses quickly.
Disputes and Negotiations
Disagreements over liability or the claim’s value can lead to delays in settling. Divergent opinions on who’s at fault may complicate the process substantially.
Similarly, disputes over the claim’s value can lead to extended negotiations. For example, a claimant may not agree with the damages they have been awarded for their injuries, which may lead to back-and-forth with the insurance company.
Also, disputing the claim usually involves gathering more evidence to support each party’s argument, which may take additional time.
What to Do if Progressive Misses Deadlines
Progressive is required to provide a valid reason for extending the claims process, and it’s necessary to address each claim promptly and fairly. If the company misses deadlines, you have legal and other options to address the delay.
Follow Up
If you haven’t received a response from Progressive in the expected timeframe, you should contact your insurance adjuster or the company’s customer service. This may help you determine the status of your claim and the reason behind the delay. In many cases, it’s missing information.
When calling the company, prepare your claim number, adjuster’s contact details, and any other information you believe may help your claim.
Escalate the Matter
If you contact Progressive and still feel that the company hasn’t addressed your concerns, take the matter to a higher level and speak to a supervisor or manager.
Explain your situation, and have your claim number and relevant information ready. You should also document and mention any prior communications with your adjuster and company representatives.
File a Complaint
Hopefully, the company will address the delay after you speak to a supervisor. However, if Progressive isn’t meeting its obligations, consider filing a complaint with the state insurance commissioner.
Gather documentation such as your policy details, correspondence with Progressive, and evidence of the claim’s status. Most states allow you to file a complaint online, so fill out the complaint form, submit your complaint, and keep a copy of the submission. Follow up to see if the commissioner took any action.
Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
Insurance companies are legally obligated to treat you fairly and respond within our outlined timeframes. You can take legal action if you’re experiencing unreasonable delays, unfair treatment, or believe the company is acting in bad faith.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to deal with the insurance company, its tactics, and any missteps they might have taken. They can review your claim, communicate with the insurer, negotiate a settlement, and, if needed, prepare for litigation.
As someone who has already suffered financial and possibly medical damages due to the motor vehicle accident, you may be concerned about paying for an attorney.
The Chicago auto accident attorney team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers operates on a contingency basis, meaning we take a pre-agreed percentage from your compensation, and you don’t pay anything unless we win.
Secure Expert Legal Assistance!
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has recovered millions for its clients, and we can protect your rights and interests. We have decades of experience with car accident claims and know the toll a collision can take on our clients’ health and finances.
Contact us for a free consultation with a Chicago auto insurance claim lawyer, and we will help you manage your claim with less emotional, physical, and financial stress. Fill out the online form on our contact page or call (888) 424-5757 today.
References: [1] Progressive