Final answer:
The most justified reason for an insurance company to delay payment on a claim past 90 days is if the insured failed to provide complete and accurate information on the proof of loss forms since it may necessitate further investigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of an insurance company processing claims, there are specific scenarios where a delay beyond the typical 90-day period for paying a claim may be justified. Among the provided options, Option 3: The insured failed to provide complete and accurate information on the proof of loss forms, necessitating a thorough investigation by the insurer, is the most justified reason for an insurer to take additional time. This is because the verification of details and the accuracy of the information is crucial for claim processing and is in accordance with the principles of maintaining insurance integrity and fulfilling the insurer's duty of due diligence.
Whereas Option 1 involving complex legal issues may require more time, it typically would not justify a delay beyond regulatory time frames without specific approval or extenuating circumstances, and Option 2 and Option 4, while causing operational delays, often fall under the purview of circumstances the insurer must manage effectively to comply with regulatory standards and to ensure prompt claims processing, as prescribed by the fundamental law of insurance.