When you purchase an insurance policy, whether it be for your health or to protect your home, you trust the company to protect you. Unfortunately, some insurance companies may often fail to honor the terms of the policy, also known as acting in bad faith.
Common Examples of Insurance Bad Faith
There are many ways an insurance company can act in bad faith. For example, your insurance company may deny a claim without giving a valid reason. Other signs of bad faith to look out for include:
- Delays: Your insurer might fail to deny or pay your claim within a reasonable period on purpose.
- Zero communication: You have the right to ask your insurer questions about your claims as well as any decision made. If your insurance company doesn’t respond to your calls or fails to inform you of a claim decision, they might be acting in bad faith.
- Canceled policy: Did you file an insurance claim only to find out your insurer canceled your policy without informing you? This is a definite red flag of bad faith.
- No investigation: Another telltale sign of bad faith is rejecting your home or auto insurance claim before investigating.
3 Steps to Take Now If You Suspect Bad Faith
Do you suspect your insurer is acting in bad faith? If so, there are some necessary steps you must take to receive the compensation you need for your claim.
- Document your claim process: Take some time to document what has occurred during the claim process up until this point. For example, who is your contact at your insurance company? What is the reason for their denials thus far? This information will help build your bad faith case.
- Try to contact a supervisor or director: Some companies have a specific department that handles claim concerns. Others have a Director of Claims department. Get in contact with someone other than the individual you’ve been speaking with up until now. Communicate your concerns and document what they say in return.
- Reach out to an attorney: If you’re unable to get any movement with your claim, reach out to a lawyer. A bad faith attorney will help you receive compensation for your claim by working with your insurance company on your behalf.
Call the Attorneys at The Fell Law Firm Today
If you suspect bad faith insurance practices, you shouldn’t have to go through the legal process alone. Allow the experienced attorneys at The Fell Law Firm to help. To learn more about bad faith practices or to speak with an attorney, give us a call at 972-450-1418 or send us a message.
