# Pre-Suit Notice Requirements - All 50 States + DC

**Purpose:** Quick reference for mandatory pre-litigation notice requirements before filing insurance lawsuits
**Last Updated:** August 2026 (verified against statute text)

---

## Important Notes

1. **Pre-suit notice** is required in some states before filing a lawsuit against an insurer, or before a statutory penalty/fee remedy is available
2. **Failure to comply** ranges from dismissal without prejudice (FL) or abatement (TX) to loss of a statutory penalty or fee remedy (GA, MO, SC, TN)
3. **Notice periods** give insurers opportunity to cure before litigation
4. **Safe harbor** provisions may protect insurers who cure within the notice period
5. **Always verify** current law before filing any lawsuit

**Verification:** Every row below was checked against the statute text at the linked official or legal-publisher source in August 2026. Rows marked "(not confirmed from text)" rest on secondary sources or statute knowledge because the official page could not be retrieved; the no-notice conclusion for those states is a finding of absence. Texas, Massachusetts and Maryland were previously listed as no-notice states and have been moved to the mandatory table.

---

## States WITH Mandatory Pre-Suit Notice

| State | Notice Period | Recipient | Form Required | Effect of Non-Compliance | Statute | Source |
|-------|---------------|-----------|---------------|-------------------------|---------|--------|
| **Florida** (Property) | **10 business days** (after coverage determination) | Department of Financial Services (DFS forwards to insurer) | DFS Notice of Intent form | Court must dismiss suit without prejudice | Fla. Stat. § 627.70152 | [Fla. Stat. § 627.70152](http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.70152.html) |
| **Florida** (Bad Faith) | **60 days** | DFS and the insurer | Department form (Civil Remedy Notice) | Condition precedent; no action if cured within 60 days | Fla. Stat. § 624.155(3); § 624.1551 | [Fla. Stat. § 624.155(3)](http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html) |
| **Georgia** | **60 days** after demand | Insurer | Written demand for payment (no statutory form) | Bad-faith penalty (50%/$5,000 + fees) unavailable; contract suit not barred | O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6(a) | [O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6(a)](https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-33-insurance/ga-code-sect-33-4-6/) |
| **Louisiana** | **60 days** (cure period; catastrophic losses) | Insurer | LDI-transmitted form OR formal written demand | Premature suit stayed 60 days; dismissed at insured's cost if paid in full during cure period | La. R.S. 22:1892.2(C) | [La. R.S. 22:1892.2(C)](https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1389244) |
| **Maryland** | Until MIA final decision (due within 90 days of filing) | Maryland Insurance Administration | MIA complaint under Ins. § 27-1001 with proof-of-loss documents | No § 3-1701 bad-faith action before final MIA decision (exceptions: small claims, mutual waiver, commercial limits over $1M) | Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-1701(d); Ins. § 27-1001 | [Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-1701(d)](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj&section=3-1701&enactments=false) |
| **Massachusetts** | **30 days** | Insurer (prospective respondent) | Written demand for relief identifying claimant, the unfair act, and the injury | Prerequisite to c. 93A § 9 action; reasonable tender within 30 days caps recovery | M.G.L. c. 93A § 9(3); c. 176D § 3(9) | [M.G.L. c. 93A § 9(3)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section9) |
| **Missouri** | **30 days** after due demand | Insurer | Due demand for payment (written) | Vexatious-refusal damages/fees under § 375.296 unavailable; § 375.420 itself has no demand element | RSMo § 375.296 | [RSMo § 375.296 (cross-referencing § 375.420)](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=375.296) |
| **South Carolina** | **90 days** after demand | Insurer | Demand (form not specified; written advisable) | Attorney fees under § 38-59-40 unavailable; fees capped at one-third of amount of insurance | S.C. Code § 38-59-40 | [S.C. Code § 38-59-40](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t38c059.php) |
| **Tennessee** | **60 days** after formal demand | Insurer | Formal demand for payment | Bad-faith penalty (up to 25%) unavailable; contract suit not barred | T.C.A. § 56-7-105 | [T.C.A. § 56-7-105](https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-56-insurance/tn-code-sect-56-7-105/) |
| **Texas** | **60 days** (not later than 61st day before filing) | Insurer (and any agent to be sued) | Written notice: acts/omissions, specific amount owed, attorney fees incurred | Abatement on timely plea until 60 days after notice; attorney fees may be barred (§ 542A.007(d)) | Tex. Ins. Code §§ 542A.003, 542A.005, 542A.007 | [Tex. Ins. Code §§ 542A.003, 542A.005, 542A.007](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/IN/htm/IN.542A.htm) |
| **Washington** | **20 days** | Insurer AND Office of the Insurance Commissioner | Written notice of the basis for the cause of action | IFCA action cannot be brought; no action if insurer resolves basis within 20 days | RCW 48.30.015(8) | [RCW 48.30.015(8)](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=48.30.015) |

**Scope notes:** FL § 627.70152 applies to residential/commercial property suits; FL § 624.155 to statutory bad-faith actions; GA, MO, SC and TN demands are elements of a penalty or fee remedy, not bars to the contract suit; LA applies only to catastrophic losses under residential/immovable property policies; MD applies only to the § 3-1701 enhanced-damages remedy; MA applies to c. 93A consumer actions, not plain contract suits; TX applies to first-party claims arising from forces of nature against property insurers.

---

## Florida - Comprehensive Pre-Suit Requirements

### F.S. § 627.70152 - Property Insurance Pre-Suit Notice

| Requirement | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| **Notice Period** | At least 10 business days before filing suit |
| **Form** | Form provided by the Department of Financial Services (Notice of Intent to Initiate Litigation) |
| **Recipient** | Department of Financial Services; the department transmits the notice to the insurer's designated email (s. 624.422) |
| **Timing** | May not be given before the insurer has made a coverage determination |
| **Contents Required** | Statement that notice is given under this section, insurer's acts/omissions, attorney or representative, damage estimate, itemized presuit settlement demand, disputed amount |

### Notice Must Include
1. Statement that the notice is given under § 627.70152
2. Acts or omissions giving rise to suit
3. Attorney or representative, if any
4. Damage estimate
5. Itemized presuit settlement demand and the amount in dispute

### Insurer Response (Within 10 Business Days of Receiving Notice)
- Written response required
- Reinspection: 14 business days
- Appraisal/ADR: tolls up to 90 days

### Consequences
| Situation | Result |
|-----------|--------|
| No complying notice | Court must dismiss without prejudice |
| Premature filing | Court must dismiss without prejudice |
| ADR unresolved after 90 days | Suit permitted |

### Statute Tolling
- Limitations tolled 10 business days during notice period
- Extended 30 days if limitations would expire within 30 days after the presuit process

---

### F.S. § 624.155 - Bad Faith Pre-Suit Notice

| Requirement | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| **Notice Period** | 60 days' written notice before action (condition precedent) |
| **Recipients** | Department of Financial Services and the authorized insurer |
| **Form** | Form provided by the department (Civil Remedy Notice) |
| **Contents Required** | Statutory provision and specific language violated, facts and circumstances, name of any individual involved, relevant policy language, statement that notice is given to perfect the civil remedy |
| **Safe Harbor** | No action lies if damages paid or violation corrected within 60 days after insurer receives notice from the department |
| **Tolling** | 60 days after insurer receives notice; 60 days after appraisal invoked |
| **Appraisal Restriction** | Notice may not be filed within 60 days after appraisal is invoked in a residential property claim |
| **Property Claims** | Bad-faith action also requires adverse adjudication/final judgment on breach (§ 624.1551) |

---

## Georgia - 60-Day Bad Faith Demand

### O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6(a) Requirements

| Requirement | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| **Demand Period** | Insurer's refusal to pay within 60 days after a demand for payment by the policyholder |
| **Form** | Written demand for payment; no statutory form or content requirements (case law requires the demand at a time when immediate payment is due) |
| **Consequence** | Demand is a condition of the bad-faith penalty (not more than 50% of the loss or $5,000, whichever is greater, plus attorney's fees); not a bar to the contract suit |
| **Safe Harbor** | Penalty attaches only to a bad-faith refusal within 60 days of demand |

Note: the demand-letter content rules in § 33-4-7 apply only to third-party motor-vehicle liability claims, not to § 33-4-6.

---

## Louisiana - Catastrophic Loss Cure Period Notice

### R.S. 22:1892.2(C) Requirements

| Requirement | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| **Applies To** | Catastrophic losses under residential/immovable property policies (60-day payment deadline residential; 90-day non-residential immovable) |
| **Notice Period** | 60 days ("cure period notice") |
| **Recipient** | Insurer |
| **Form** | LDI-transmitted form OR a formal written demand stating the facts and circumstances of the dispute |
| **Effect** | Condition precedent to a § 22:1892.2 action; premature suit is automatically stayed until 60 days after notice is received |
| **Full Payment in Cure Period** | Insurer pays noticed amount plus expenses/attorney fees up to 20%: no further cause of action, premature suit dismissed at insured's cost |
| **Partial Payment** | Halves the penalty on the amount paid |
| **Penalty** | Greater of 50% of amount due or $2,500, plus attorney fees |
| **Prescription** | Suspended if notice sent within last 90 days of prescriptive period |

Non-catastrophic claims under R.S. 22:1892 / 22:1973 have no pre-suit notice requirement.

---

## Maryland - MIA Complaint Before § 3-1701 Action

### Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-1701(d); Ins. § 27-1001 Requirements

| Requirement | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| **Applies To** | Statutory bad-faith remedy (enhanced damages/attorney fees for lack of good faith); a plain breach-of-contract suit needs no notice |
| **Recipient** | Maryland Insurance Administration |
| **Form** | MIA complaint stating coverage, claim amount, actual damages, expenses and litigation costs, with each proof-of-loss document submitted to the insurer |
| **Timing** | Administration must decide within 90 days of filing; then 30 days to request OAH hearing or appeal to circuit court |
| **Effect** | No § 3-1701 action may be filed before the date of the final MIA decision |
| **Exceptions** | Small-claims jurisdiction (CJP § 4-405); mutual waiver by insured and insurer; commercial policies with liability limits over $1,000,000 |

---

## Massachusetts - 30-Day c. 93A Demand Letter

### M.G.L. c. 93A § 9(3); c. 176D § 3(9) Requirements

| Requirement | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| **Applies To** | c. 93A § 9 consumer action (the private vehicle for c. 176D § 3(9) unfair claim settlement practices) |
| **Notice Period** | 30 days |
| **Recipient** | Prospective respondent (insurer) |
| **Form** | Written demand for relief, mailed or delivered, identifying the claimant and reasonably describing the unfair or deceptive act and the injury suffered |
| **Effect** | Prerequisite to the c. 93A action; a reasonable written tender within 30 days caps recovery at the tendered amount if rejected |
| **Exceptions** | Plain contract suit; respondent lacks a place of business or assets in Massachusetts |

---

## Missouri - Vexatious Refusal Demand

### RSMo § 375.296 Requirements

| Requirement | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| **Notice Period** | 30 days after due demand, prior to institution of the action |
| **Recipient** | Insurer |
| **Form** | Due demand for payment under the policy (written) |
| **Effect** | Prerequisite to vexatious-refusal damages and attorney fees under § 375.296 only |
| **Penalty Available** | 20% of first $1,500 + 10% of excess, plus attorney fees (fixed by § 375.420, which contains no demand requirement) |

---

## South Carolina - 90-Day Demand

### S.C. Code § 38-59-40 Requirements

| Requirement | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| **Notice Period** | Insurer's refusal to pay within 90 days after demand |
| **Recipient** | Insurer |
| **Form** | Demand; statute does not specify form (written demand advisable) |
| **Effect** | The 90-day post-demand refusal is an element of the attorney-fee award (with a bad-faith / without-reasonable-cause finding) |
| **Fee Cap** | One-third of the amount of the insurance |

---

## Tennessee - 60-Day Bad Faith Demand

### T.C.A. § 56-7-105 Requirements

| Requirement | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| **Notice Period** | Refusal to pay within 60 days after formal demand |
| **Recipient** | Insurer |
| **Form** | Formal demand for payment |
| **Effect** | Bad-faith penalty (up to 25% of liability for the loss) unavailable; underlying contract suit not barred |

T.C.A. § 56-8-113 makes Title 56 remedies exclusive for first-party claims, so the § 56-7-105 demand is the key gate.

---

## Texas - Chapter 542A Presuit Notice

### Tex. Ins. Code §§ 542A.003, 542A.005, 542A.007 Requirements

| Requirement | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| **Applies To** | First-party claims arising from forces of nature (wind, hail, flood, etc.) against property insurers |
| **Notice Period** | Not later than the 61st day before filing (60 full days) |
| **Recipient** | Insurer and any agent to be sued; attorney must copy the claimant |
| **Form** | Written notice stating acts/omissions, the specific amount alleged owed, and attorney's fees incurred (hours x customary rate) |
| **Effect** | Abatement on plea filed within 30 days of answer (automatic on the 11th day) until 60 days after compliant notice; attorney's fees may be barred under § 542A.007(d) if no notice given |
| **Exceptions** | Limitations imminent; claim asserted as a counterclaim |

---

## Washington - IFCA Notice

### RCW 48.30.015(8) Requirements

| Requirement | Details |
|-------------|---------|
| **Notice Period** | 20 days |
| **Recipients** | Insurer AND Office of the Insurance Commissioner |
| **Form** | Written notice of the basis for the cause of action |
| **Effect** | IFCA action cannot be brought; no IFCA action if insurer resolves the basis within 20 days |
| **Remedies Available** | Actual damages; court may increase up to three times (discretionary); attorney fees mandatory on a violation finding |

---

## States WITHOUT Pre-Suit Notice Requirements

Most states do NOT require pre-suit notice before filing insurance lawsuits:

| No Notice Required |
|-------------------|
| Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, DC, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming |

Not confirmed from statute text (finding of absence): Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, DC, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin.

**Penalty/fee preconditions (not suit bars):**
- **Arkansas** - Ark. Code § 23-79-208(a)(1): 12% penalty + fees attach only if the insurer fails to pay within the time specified in the policy after demand is made; no fixed notice period
- **Idaho** - Idaho Code § 41-1839(1): statutory attorney's fees only where insurer fails to pay within 30 days after proof of loss is furnished (the 60-day written notice in § 41-1839(3) applies only to surety claims)
- **Minnesota** - Minn. Stat. § 604.18 subd. 4: bad-faith remedy may not be pleaded in the original complaint; it must be added by post-filing motion to amend supported by affidavits showing prima facie evidence
- **Michigan** - MCL 500.2006: 12% penalty interest runs 60 days after satisfactory proof of loss (a claim step, not a litigation prerequisite)
- **Oklahoma** - 36 O.S. § 3629: proof of loss and 90-day accept/reject window for prevailing-party fees (not confirmed from text)
- **Oregon** - ORS 742.061: attorney fees conditioned on proof of loss + 6 months without settlement
- **Connecticut** - C.G.S. § 42-110g(c): copy of a CUTPA complaint mailed to the Attorney General and Commissioner of Consumer Protection upon filing, not pre-suit

**Note:** Even in these states, internal claims processes (appraisal, mediation) may need to be exhausted before litigation.

---

## Pre-Suit Process Flowchart

### Florida Property Claims
```
1. Claim denied/disputed
   ↓
2. Wait for coverage determination
   ↓
3. File Notice of Intent with DFS (department form); DFS transmits to insurer
   ↓
4. Wait at least 10 business days
   ↓
5. Insurer responds in writing (reinspection 14 business days / appraisal or ADR)
   ↓
6. If ADR invoked, tolled up to 90 days
   ↓
7. If unresolved, file lawsuit
```

### Florida Bad Faith Claims
```
1. Coverage dispute exists
   ↓
2. File Civil Remedy Notice (department form) with DFS and insurer
   ↓
3. Wait 60 days (safe harbor period)
   ↓
4. If not cured, file bad faith lawsuit
   ↓
5. Property claims: adverse adjudication on breach required first (§ 624.1551)
```

---

## Notice Content Requirements Summary

| State | What Must Be Included |
|-------|----------------------|
| **Florida** (Property) | Statement given under § 627.70152, acts/omissions, attorney/representative, damage estimate, itemized presuit demand, disputed amount |
| **Florida** (Bad Faith) | Statutory provision violated, facts, individuals involved, policy language, statement given to perfect civil remedy |
| **Georgia** | Demand for payment (no statutory content requirements) |
| **Louisiana** | LDI form or formal written demand stating facts and circumstances of the dispute |
| **Maryland** | MIA complaint: coverage, claim amount, actual damages, expenses, litigation costs, proof-of-loss documents |
| **Massachusetts** | Identity of claimant, unfair or deceptive act, injury suffered |
| **Missouri** | Due demand for payment |
| **South Carolina** | Demand (form unspecified) |
| **Tennessee** | Formal demand for payment |
| **Texas** | Acts/omissions, specific amount owed, attorney's fees incurred |
| **Washington** | Basis for the cause of action |

---

## Deadlines Summary Table

| State | Notice Period | Before What Action |
|-------|---------------|-------------------|
| **Florida** (Property) | 10 BD | Filing property lawsuit |
| **Florida** (Bad Faith) | 60 days | Filing bad faith lawsuit |
| **Georgia** | 60 days | § 33-4-6 penalty |
| **Louisiana** | 60 days | § 22:1892.2 catastrophic-loss action |
| **Maryland** | Until MIA final decision (90 days) | § 3-1701 bad-faith action |
| **Massachusetts** | 30 days | c. 93A § 9 action |
| **Missouri** | 30 days | § 375.296 vexatious refusal |
| **South Carolina** | 90 days | § 38-59-40 attorney fees |
| **Tennessee** | 60 days | § 56-7-105 penalty |
| **Texas** | 60 days | Ch. 542A suit (abatement) |
| **Washington** | 20 days | IFCA action |

---

## Safe Harbor Provisions

| State | Safe Harbor Period | Effect |
|-------|-------------------|--------|
| **Florida** (Bad Faith) | 60 days | No action if damages paid or violation corrected |
| **Georgia** | 60 days | Penalty attaches only to refusal within 60 days of demand |
| **Louisiana** | 60 days | Full payment ends cause of action; partial payment halves penalty |
| **Massachusetts** | 30 days | Reasonable tender caps recovery if rejected |
| **Tennessee** | 60 days | Penalty attaches only to refusal within 60 days of demand |
| **Washington** | 20 days | No IFCA action if basis resolved |

---

## Best Practices for Pre-Suit Notice

### Before Sending Notice
1. **Verify coverage determination** has been made
2. **Calculate damages** precisely
3. **Document all communications** with insurer
4. **Confirm correct form** (state-approved if required)
5. **Identify all statutory violations** to be alleged

### When Sending Notice
1. **Use certified mail**, return receipt requested
2. **Send to correct recipients** (insurer AND agency if required)
3. **Keep copies** of everything
4. **Calendar the deadline** for response

### After Sending Notice
1. **Wait required period** - don't file early
2. **Document insurer's response** (or non-response)
3. **Preserve all evidence**
4. **Note any tolling** of limitations

---

## Consequences of Non-Compliance

| State | Consequence |
|-------|-------------|
| **Florida** (Property) | Court must dismiss without prejudice |
| **Florida** (Bad Faith) | No action lies (condition precedent) |
| **Georgia** | Cannot recover 50%/$5,000 penalty |
| **Louisiana** | Suit stayed until 60 days after notice; dismissed at insured's cost if paid in full in cure period |
| **Maryland** | § 3-1701 action may not be filed |
| **Massachusetts** | c. 93A action barred |
| **Missouri** | Cannot recover § 375.296 vexatious-refusal damages/fees |
| **South Carolina** | Cannot recover § 38-59-40 attorney fees |
| **Tennessee** | Cannot recover 25% penalty |
| **Texas** | Abatement until 60 days after notice; attorney fees may be barred |
| **Washington** | IFCA action cannot be brought |

---

## Key Statutes

| State | Statute | Topic |
|-------|---------|-------|
| FL | § 627.70152 | Property pre-suit notice |
| FL | § 624.155 | Bad faith notice |
| FL | § 624.1551 | Property bad faith prerequisites |
| GA | O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6 | Bad faith penalty demand |
| LA | R.S. 22:1892.2 | Catastrophic loss cure period notice |
| MD | CJP § 3-1701; Ins. § 27-1001 | MIA complaint before bad-faith action |
| MA | M.G.L. c. 93A § 9; c. 176D § 3(9) | Demand letter |
| MO | RSMo § 375.296 | Vexatious refusal demand |
| SC | S.C. Code § 38-59-40 | Attorney fee demand |
| TN | T.C.A. § 56-7-105 | Bad faith penalty demand |
| TX | Tex. Ins. Code ch. 542A | Presuit notice and abatement |
| WA | RCW 48.30.015 | IFCA notice |

---

**Disclaimer:** This table is for reference only. Pre-suit requirements change through legislation and case law. Always verify current law and consult with counsel before filing any lawsuit.

*Last Updated: August 2026 (verified against statute text)*

---

## Sources

- Florida Fla. Stat. § 627.70152 - http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.70152.html
- Florida Fla. Stat. § 624.155(3); § 624.1551 - http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0624/Sections/0624.155.html
- Georgia O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6(a) - https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-33-insurance/ga-code-sect-33-4-6/
- Louisiana La. R.S. 22:1892.2(C) - https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1389244
- Maryland Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-1701(d); Ins. § 27-1001 - https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj&section=3-1701&enactments=false
- Massachusetts M.G.L. c. 93A § 9(3); c. 176D § 3(9) - https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section9
- Missouri RSMo § 375.296 (cross-referencing § 375.420) - https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=375.296
- South Carolina S.C. Code § 38-59-40 - https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t38c059.php
- Tennessee T.C.A. § 56-7-105 - https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-56-insurance/tn-code-sect-56-7-105/
- Texas Tex. Ins. Code §§ 542A.003, 542A.005, 542A.007 - https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/IN/htm/IN.542A.htm
- Washington RCW 48.30.015(8) - https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=48.30.015