For commercial property owners, navigating an insurance claim is often one of the most stressful experiences tied to running a business. Whether the loss stems from severe weather, water damage, fire, vandalism, or business interruption, you expect your insurance carrier to evaluate the claim promptly and pay what is owed. By law, insurance companies typically have 90 days to inspect, adjust, and issue payment on a properly filed claim. Yet in recent years—especially moving into 2026—commercial policyholders across the country have reported increasing delays, stalled communication, and extended timelines that push well beyond that 90-day window.
When your business is trying to rebuild, restart operations, or stabilize revenue, these delays can cause significant financial strain. At The Voss Law Firm, P.C., we hear from commercial property owners every day who feel stuck, ignored, or misled by billion-dollar insurance conglomerates who seem to operate on their own timelines—not the ones established by state law. If your commercial claim has been open for more than 90 days without resolution, you are not alone—and you have rights.
This article breaks down why 2026 may bring even more claim delays, what warning signs to watch for, and what commercial property owners can do right now to protect their recovery.
Why the 90-Day Rule Matters
In most states, insurance carriers must complete the adjustment process within 90 days of receiving a claim. This timeframe gives insurers ample opportunity to:
- Inspect the damaged property
- Obtain documentation
- Review policy terms
- Evaluate the extent of loss
- Make a coverage decision
- Issue payment for covered damages
When properly managed, most commercial claims should be resolved within this timeframe. Delays beyond 90 days are not just an inconvenience—they could be a sign of bad-faith conduct, administrative negligence, or intentional delay tactics designed to minimize payouts or pressure policyholders into accepting less than what they are owed.
The Voss Law Firm encourages commercial owners to contact an attorney whenever a claim surpasses the 90-day mark. The longer a claim drags on, the more exposed your business becomes to cash-flow issues, operational downtime, and secondary losses.
