If you’ve recently filed a property damage insurance claim in Pennsylvania, you’re probably counting on that payout to help get your life or business back on track. But what many policyholders don’t realize is that even a seemingly small mistake in the claims process can cause frustrating delays—or worse, denials. At Alliance Adjustment Group, we’ve seen firsthand how certain oversights can stretch out the timeline and create unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.
Understanding how to avoid the common mistakes that delay payouts is key to making sure you receive your compensation as quickly and smoothly as possible. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage, fire, or another loss, Pennsylvania insurance laws require that claims be handled promptly and fairly. But even with those protections, your payout can be delayed if you’re not careful with how you handle the claim.
Understanding These Common Mistakes That Delay Payouts
Delays in insurance claim payouts are frustrating—but more often than not, they’re preventable. If you’re filing a claim in Pennsylvania, it’s important to understand what can cause these delays and how to sidestep them. Here’s a breakdown of the common mistakes that delay payouts, based on what we’ve seen at Alliance Adjustment Group and what’s outlined in Pennsylvania’s insurance regulations.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
One of the quickest ways to delay your claim is by submitting incomplete or incorrect details. Whether it’s a typo in your policy number or an error in your reported date of loss, small mistakes can cause big problems. Insurance companies are legally required to investigate claims under the Pennsylvania Unfair Insurance Practices Act (UIPA), and missing or wrong information can stall that process entirely.
Think of it like applying for a loan—if something doesn’t add up, the lender puts everything on pause. Insurance companies do the same. They’ll either kick the claim back to you with a request for corrections, or worse, they might flag it for further investigation, setting your timeline back weeks or even months.
Missing Documentation
Every insurance claim must be supported with proper documentation. In Pennsylvania, insurers can—and often do—request “proof of loss” forms, repair estimates, photos, invoices, and even police or fire reports depending on the nature of the claim.
If any of this documentation is missing, the insurer may issue what’s called a “reservation of rights” letter, delaying payout while they continue to assess liability. It’s not that they’re denying the claim—they’re just waiting for the paperwork to line up. Unfortunately, this often puts policyholders in a holding pattern they weren’t prepared for.
Late Submissions
Time is not your friend when it comes to insurance claims. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department urges policyholders to report claims as soon as possible, and most policies contain strict deadlines. Miss a deadline for submitting a claim or follow-up documents, and you risk having your claim denied or delayed significantly.
The most common timing mistake? Waiting too long to report the damage, especially after a major storm or other widespread event. Insurers are swamped during these times, so the earlier you file, the better your chances of faster service.
Failure to Follow Up
Filing your claim isn’t a one-and-done deal. Insurance companies are legally obligated to respond within a “reasonable time,” but they don’t always move as fast as you’d hope. The Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 146, outlines fair claims practices, including timely communication—but you still need to stay on top of your claim.
If you’re not checking in or asking for updates, your claim could get buried under a pile of others. We’ve seen this happen far too often—policyholders wait patiently, assuming things are moving along, when in reality, their claim has stalled out due to something as simple as a missing form or internal backlog.
Ignoring Platform or Provider Guidelines
Every insurance provider has its own process. Some prefer digital submissions through their claims portal, others want paper forms, and a few still require in-person inspections. If you don’t follow their specific submission and communication guidelines, you might unintentionally delay your own payout.
This is particularly important when you’re using a third-party platform to file or manage your claim. While these platforms can be helpful, failing to follow their unique protocols can mean duplicate paperwork, lost updates, or missed deadlines—each of which counts among the common mistakes that delay payouts.
How to Prevent These Payout Delays
The good news? Every one of the common mistakes that delay payouts is avoidable—with the right guidance.
The best way to sidestep delays is by working with a licensed Public Adjuster. At Alliance Adjustment Group, we handle the entire claims process for you—from gathering accurate documentation to meeting submission deadlines and following up persistently with your insurance provider.
We know exactly what insurers in Pennsylvania need and expect. That means fewer errors, faster communication, and no missed steps. By having an expert on your side who understands the fine print of your policy and the requirements of the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, you’ll avoid the red flags that typically hold up claims.
Our team acts as your advocate, making sure your claim is presented clearly and thoroughly the first time. No guesswork. No stress. No unnecessary delays.
Delays in insurance payouts aren’t just frustrating—they can also disrupt your ability to recover and rebuild after a loss. The truth is, most of these delays happen because of avoidable errors like missing paperwork, late submissions, or lack of follow-up. Knowing and avoiding the common mistakes that delay payouts is the first step to making sure your claim is processed quickly and fairly.
But you don’t have to navigate the process alone.
At Alliance Adjustment Group, we specialize in representing policyholders across Pennsylvania and ensuring they get the compensation they’re owed—without the stress or setbacks. As licensed Public Adjusters, we know what insurers are looking for and how to get your claim approved without unnecessary delays.
If you’re facing property damage or preparing to file a claim, don’t wait until it becomes a headache.
Let us help you get through it. Contact Alliance Adjustment Group today for expert help with your insurance claim.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, insurance policies and regulations can vary. It is important to consult with your specific insurance provider or a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.