Early-claim timing
Documentation first (days 0-7)
- Capture before-mitigation photos
- Full scope before field adjuster arrives
- Retain mitigation and representation early
- Don't wait for carrier instructions
Inspection preparation (days 7-14)
- Ensure adjuster sees everything
- Submit your photos and scope
- Be present for inspection
- Follow up same-day with written recap
Mid-claim timing
Scope submission (days 14-30)
- Your Xactimate estimate to carrier
- Policy review with coverage analysis
- Expert reports if warranted
- Response deadline expected
Negotiation cycle (days 30-75)
- Counter within 14 days of any offer
- Document every communication
- Don't let silence extend unresponded
- Cite 627.70131 at 60+ days without decision
Late-claim timing
Decision window (days 60-90)
- Carrier pay/deny decision expected
- Push for definitive answer
- Don't let "pending" extend indefinitely
Escalation window (days 90-180)
- Supplemental if scope gaps
- DFS mediation if stuck
- CRN if statutory breaches
- Appraisal if amount-only dispute
Supplemental window (up to 18 months)
- Within 18 months of loss
- For new damage, scope gaps, or additional claims
- Don't wait: evidence gets harder over time
Timing strategies by situation
Deadline approaching
- File before deadline regardless of carrier cooperation
- Preserves statutory rights
- Supplemental and appraisal can follow
Carrier offering settlement
- Take time to review (don't rush)
- Counter with documented position
- Don't sign release without understanding
Carrier silent
- Follow up at 7 days, 14 days, 30 days
- Written, escalating
- Pattern supports CRN if continues
Carrier threatening denial
- Front-load documentation
- Expert reports
- Legal review preparation
- CRN preparation
Timing anti-patterns
- Waiting for carrier to act
- Accepting silence as progress
- Missing supplemental windows
- Rushing to settle at first offer
- Filing suit before supplemental / CRN exhausted