What you can do. You can’t force your insurer to settle your claim by a certain date, but there are things you can do to speed up the process, such as:

* Contact your claims adjuster on a regular basis. Don’t sit back and wait for your settlement. Claims adjusters typically handle hundreds of claims. Letting your adjuster know that you are on top of things by contacting them on a regular basis makes it more likely that your file will end up on the top of their pile.

* Demand better service. If you are having difficulty with the adjuster, ask to speak with their supervisor. Most insurance settlements must go through the insurance company’s legal department, which can take some time, depending on the complexity of your settlement. Although a claims adjuster can’t usually tell company attorneys to “hurry things up,” he or she should be able to “manage” the process. If you feel that you’re getting the run-a-round, talk to a supervisor.