Within how many working days must insurers acknowledge receipt of a claim?

• A. 5
• B. 20
• C. 15
• D. 10

Answer: (C)

The question tests the rule about insurers promptly acknowledging a claim. In New York, insurers must acknowledge receipt of a claim within 15 working days of when the claim is received. This means they should send a confirmation, assign a claim number, and outline the next steps within that period, even if they still need more time to investigate.

This 15-day acknowledgment window matters because it ensures the insured knows the claim isn’t forgotten, starts the claims-handling process, and helps set clear expectations for what will happen next. It also keeps the insurer accountable to a timely, transparent process.

Shorter windows (like five or ten days) would be unusually tight for gathering initial details, while a longer window (such as twenty days) could leave the claimant uncertain about the status. The 15-working-day timeframe strikes a standard balance for regulatory compliance and practical handling.