If you’re dealing with an insurance claim under review for months, you already know how stressful vague adjuster updates can feel. So, how long can an insurance claim stay under investigation, and what counts as an unreasonable delay in processing a claim?

Adjusters use vague, non-committal language to stall your claim and shift the pressure onto you. Once you understand what their phrases really mean, you can respond strategically and protect your rights. Learn how to decode adjuster language and push your claim forward with confidence.

Decoding Common Insurance Adjuster Phrases

Adjusters use specific phrases to sound procedural while avoiding firm answers or timelines. Once you recognize what these phrases really signal, you stop feeling stuck and start taking control of the claim timeline.

They Say: “Your claim is still under review.”

Adjusters use this line when no meaningful progress has happened with your file. It’s a stall disguised as an update, and they’re hoping the silence makes you accept less. Many clients ask, ‘What does “claim still being processed” mean?’ In most cases, it means the claim hasn’t moved, and they’re avoiding accountability.

How We Fight Back: We send a formal demand letter that cites state timelines for claim handling. This forces movement and eliminates the excuse that they’re “still reviewing” something they haven’t touched.

They Say: “We are still investigating liability.”

If you’re asking if the insurance company is stalling your claim, this is usually the first sign. This phrase often signals hesitation rather than genuine investigation. Adjusters use it to buy time while they search for angles to push blame onto you.

How We Fight Back: We demand specific details on what they’re investigating and submit all supporting documents immediately to remove their ability to drag things out and keep you in the dark.

They Say: “We need more information.”

When adjusters repeat this, they’re usually hunting for ways to stretch the timeline. Sometimes they ask for documents they already have.

How We Fight Back: We confirm exactly what they claim is missing, provide it promptly, and document every exchange. This shuts down the “missing paperwork” excuse and keeps the pressure on.

Recognizing Bad Faith Insurance Tactics

Bad faith behavior happens when an insurer avoids making a firm decision on your claim, creates delays, or simply ignores evidence. These tactics often appear subtle at first, but they follow familiar patterns used to slow you down. You may encounter repeated document requests, shifting explanations, or extended periods between updates. These actions align with common bad-faith insurance stall tactics designed to limit payouts by wearing you down. When you recognize these patterns early, you respond more strategically and protect your rights.

Shifting the Power Dynamic

Adjusters lose leverage the moment you understand the meaning behind their language. When you recognize stall tactics, you stop waiting and start directing the process. Knowledge changes the tone of every conversation, especially when you work with a lawyer to speed up an insurance claim and hold the insurer accountable. You gain control by asking precise questions, demanding timelines, and documenting every exchange. Once the adjuster realizes you are familiar with the rules, the delays often disappear, and the claim moves forward.

Take Control of Your Claim and Stop the Delays

You strengthen your position when you understand adjuster language and recognize the tactics designed to slow your claim. Once you decode their phrases and respond strategically, you stop feeling powerless and start directing the timeline. If you believe an insurer is delaying your payout, taking action now protects your rights and speeds up your case.

Contact Roberts Markland LLP or call 936-261-7591 for a free consultation and legal support.

Image Source: PeopleImages/Shutterstock