Grover realizes that he should either affirm or deny coverage for Geraldine's claim within a reasonable period, but her complicated situation made it difficult to determine quickly whether coverage applies. Grover ultimately denied the claim, but whether he did so within a reasonable time frame is $($Search Chapter $1).$

a$.$ a question of fact that might ultimately be determined by the courts.

b$.$ determined by state law.

c$.$ determined by the provisions in Geraldine's policy.

d$.$ irrelevant so long as the denial itself is legally defensible.