Key Takeaways
- Georgia requires insurers to acknowledge property claims within 15 days of receipt
- Claims must be investigated promptly and thoroughly
- Payment must be made within 15 days of claim acceptance
- Georgia prohibits unfair claims settlement practices under the Insurance Code
- Public adjusters must be licensed and follow specific conduct rules
Last updated: January 2026
Georgia Property Claims Handling
Georgia has specific requirements for handling property insurance claims that protect consumers.
Claims Timeline Requirements
Georgia law establishes timelines for claims handling:
Required Timeframes
| Action | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Acknowledge claim receipt | 15 days |
| Begin investigation | Upon receipt |
| Request additional information | 15 days after claim receipt |
| Accept or deny claim | Reasonable time after investigation |
| Pay accepted claim | 15 days after acceptance |
Investigation Requirements
- Must conduct thorough investigation
- Cannot delay investigation
- Must provide status updates upon request
- Cannot require unreasonable documentation
Unfair Claims Settlement Practices
Georgia prohibits the following claims practices:
Prohibited Practices
- Misrepresenting policy provisions to claimants
- Failing to acknowledge claims promptly
- Failing to adopt reasonable investigation standards
- Not attempting in good faith to effectuate fair settlement
- Compelling claimants to institute litigation
- Offering substantially less than reasonable claim value
- Delaying investigation or payment
- Failing to provide reasonable explanation for denial
Penalties for Violations
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Pattern of violations | License suspension or revocation |
| Single violation | Warning or fine |
| Bad faith | Civil liability to insured |
| Intentional misconduct | Criminal penalties possible |
Public Adjusters
Georgia regulates public adjusters who represent insureds in claims:
Licensing Requirements
- Must be licensed by OCI
- Background check required
- Continuing education required
- Must disclose fees to client
Conduct Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Written contract | Required before services |
| Fee disclosure | Typically 10% of claim |
| Conflict of interest | Must be disclosed |
| Record keeping | Maintain records |
| Advertising | Must be truthful |
Prohibited Practices
- Soliciting claims during a state of emergency (cooling off period)
- Misrepresenting coverage or claim value
- Charging excessive fees
- Engaging in unauthorized practice of law
- Splitting fees with unlicensed persons
Catastrophe Claims
Georgia has additional requirements during declared emergencies:
Emergency Response
- Insurers must expedite claims processing
- OCI may issue emergency orders
- Mobile claims units may be deployed
- Advance payments may be required
Consumer Protections
- Cannot non-renew solely for catastrophe claims
- Must provide clear claim instructions
- Extended deadlines may apply
- Anti-fraud measures in place
Appraisal and Dispute Resolution
Georgia property policies typically include appraisal provisions:
Appraisal Process
- Disagreement on claim amount
- Either party demands appraisal
- Each selects appraiser
- Appraisers select umpire
- Agreement by two of three is binding
Other Dispute Options
- OCI complaint process
- Mediation
- Arbitration (if in policy)
- Litigation
Test Your Knowledge
Within how many days must a Georgia insurer acknowledge receipt of a property claim?
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Test Your Knowledge
Within how many days must a Georgia insurer pay an accepted property claim?
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