Use the current Arkansas citations
The Arkansas Insurance Department identifies former Rule 43 as 23 CAR Part 15 in the Code of Arkansas Rules. The table below uses the current communication, investigation and settlement sections: §§ 15-105, 15-106 and 15-107.
This guide addresses typical first-party property claims, meaning an owner making a claim under their own policy. The cited provisions have their own scope and exceptions, including the arson-investigation provision in § 15-107(c). They should not be substituted for advice about a particular dispute.
Keep the triggering events separate
Reporting a claim is not the same event as the insurer receiving properly executed proofs of loss. A photograph, estimate or initial phone call should not be assumed to satisfy every required form. Ask the insurer what it needs and record when it receives the requested documents.
The table distinguishes working days from calendar days. In particular, the current investigation standard uses 45 calendar days and allows more time when investigation cannot reasonably be completed, with notice explaining the reasons. It is not a promise that every claim will be paid within 45 days.
Ask for a clear written decision
Under § 15-107(b)(1), a denial must be in writing and a denial grounded in a policy provision, condition or exclusion must reference that wording. Keep the letter with the applicable policy and the construction record. Ask which facts support the conclusion.
Section 15-107(h) also addresses disclosure of pertinent policy benefits, coverages and provisions. Asking the insurer for an explanation is different from asking a contractor to interpret legal coverage. Alden Stone can explain construction observations and scope terminology.
Understand what regulatory standards do
AID’s Bulletin 20-2024 discusses delayed investigations and decisions in the context of unfair claims settlement practices. Regulatory review concerns insurer conduct; a complaint is not a construction authorization or a guarantee that a specific amount will be paid.
Avoid treating a missed date as automatic entitlement to replacement or an automatic legal remedy. If you are concerned about handling, organize the communication dates and contact AID. For legal consequences or time-limit questions, consult appropriately licensed legal counsel.
Use Arkansas Consumer Services
AID Consumer Services assists with insurance inquiries and complaints. The official contact numbers are 501-371-2640 and 800-852-5494. Its complaint page explains how to file, which details to provide and how to reference an existing tracking number.
Prepare the policy/claim numbers, company name, date of occurrence, relevant correspondence and a concise explanation of your concern. AID states that complaint submissions are subject to public-record disclosure. Follow its instructions and do not send private claim documents through a public website comment or unrelated form.
Keep the construction side moving responsibly
While you seek explanations, preserve evidence and discuss safe temporary protection where needed. Keep construction decisions, your contractor agreement and policy-related questions organized separately. Do not assume the resource center is a substitute for the actual policy.
We intentionally do not apply auto-specific preferred-repair-shop rules or health-insurance appeal processes to a roof claim. If you need to know which rule applies to your specific circumstances, ask AID or a licensed attorney rather than rely on a nationwide checklist.
Arkansas-specific / Current 23 CAR Part 15
Read the event.
Then the time period.
This summary addresses typical first-party property claims. The cited sections have scope provisions and exceptions. These are handling standards, not guaranteed payment dates or a conclusion that damage is covered.
Acknowledgment of a reported claim
15 working daysAfter the insurer receives claim notification; acknowledgment is not required if payment is made within that period.
23 CAR § 15-105(b)(1) ↗Reply to relevant communications
15 working daysAfter a pertinent claimant communication that reasonably calls for a response.
23 CAR § 15-105(d) ↗Investigation
45 calendar daysAfter claim notification, unless the investigation cannot reasonably be completed in that time. The insurer must then notify the claimant of the need for more time and its reasons.
23 CAR § 15-106(b) ↗Decision or written request for more time
15 working daysAfter receipt of properly executed proofs of loss. If more time is needed, the written notice must explain why.
23 CAR § 15-107(b)(1)–(2) ↗Further investigation updates
45 calendar daysFrom the initial more-time notice, and at intervals no longer than 45 calendar days afterward while investigation remains incomplete.
23 CAR § 15-107(b)(2)(B) ↗A denial based on a policy provision
Written explanationThe denial must reference the provision, condition or exclusion on which it is based.
23 CAR § 15-107(b)(1)(B)–(C) ↗Mailing or delivering a claim payment
10 working daysAfter the claim is processed, all claim investigations are completed, and the file is closed and ready for payment.
23 CAR § 15-107(g) ↗