Catastrophes can strike at any moment. Whether it is a fire that burns down your house, a terminal illness such as cancer, a hurricane that destroys your home and all of your personal property, or a car accident that leaves you seriously injured, you count on your insurance company to protect you from financial ruin in your time of need.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies go to great lengths to avoid paying out on claims that should legitimately be covered by the terms of your policy. Often, they do this to increase their profits. When insurance companies fail to provide you with the benefits stipulated in your policy, they are guilty of bad faith practices.
Bad Faith Practices
By law, insurance companies are required to act in good faith when handling your claim. The following actions are examples of bad faith dealings on the part of an insurance company:
- Failing to adequately or promptly investigate an insurance claim
- Offering you a settlement below your damages or the terms of your coverage
- Attempting to avoid, reduce or withhold payment of benefits
- Unreasonably denying a claim that is covered by your policy
- Unreasonably delaying payment on your claim
- Misrepresenting facts or insurance policy provisions
- Failing to promptly act or respond to communications from a policyholder
- Failing to promptly provide a reasonable explanation for the denial of a claim
- Refusing to settle a case
- Using unreasonable interpretations to translate the language of your policy
When insurance companies commit acts of bad faith, you are entitled to receive compensation for your damages. Bad faith insurance claims are very complicated, and your insurance company will have a high powered legal team working hard to help them avoid paying out on your claim. It is important that you hire an experienced bad faith insurance attorney to level the playing field.
You can use the links at the bottom of this page to find an experienced bad faith insurance attorney in your area.
