If you’re a licensed driver, you legally need to be covered by car insurance. Yet, finding a provider that is affordable and trustworthy can be difficult. From minor fender benders to severe collisions, it’s important to find a company that is reliable – no matter what type of accident you may find yourself involved in.
At The Flood Law Firm, we want to help ensure that your existing provider is accountable, and acting in good faith. This page will give you a better understanding of bad faith insurance, and how to determine if it’s currently affecting you. However, if you already suspect your insurance company is taking advantage of you by not processing your claims, then contact our professional team of attorneys today by calling (860) 346-2695.
What Is Insurance Bad Faith?
When it comes to investigating a claim, insurers are “supposed” to act in good faith. Unfortunately, too many companies are more interested in protecting their profits instead of their clients. You may pay your premium every month, and on time, but still find your provider to be antagonistic after filing a claim. If you’re unaware of your rights, you could be a victim of insurance bad faith, which has the potential to be costly. Following an accident, if your provider is particularly difficult, you may have a problem. Know the signs!
Signs Your Insurance Company Is Acting in Bad Faith
To adequately determine if your insurance provider is acting in bad faith, you need to become familiar with the warning signs. If you encounter these specific issues, contacting an attorney may be in your best interest.
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Denying a Claim without Proper Reason
One of the most common ways an insurance provider fails to follow protocol, is by denying your claim. While the company does have the right to deny it, they still need to give you reasons as to how and why they’ve reached this conclusion. It’s possible that your claim was denied due to an improper investigation into your accident, meaning your provider was unable to make a fair decision.
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Bad Communication
Following an accident, timing is crucial – all insurance companies are aware of this fact. Therefore, if it’s difficult to get in touch with your provider, there’s a good chance they’re giving you the runaround. Lack of communication could mean your provider is acting in bad faith in an attempt to devalue the claim.
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Delaying Payment on a Valid Claim
Delays are a common tactic used by bad faith insurance providers. If there is no valid reason for delaying the settlement, the company may be hoping you either give up on your claim, or accept a low offer to be done with the process sooner rather than later. Specifically, companies will use this method to prey on victims who are in need of a payout, and who are willing to take any amount presented to them.
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Making Threatening Statements
Your insurance provider doesn’t have the right to threaten you, or make statements to scare you into a decision regarding your claim. Furthermore, if you’re given unreasonable demands, for example, you’re asked for documents that have nothing to do with your case, beware that your insurer is may be trying to create a difficult process for you.
Why You Need Legal Representation
If you’re having trouble getting the settlement you believe you deserve, or you think your insurance company is acting in bad faith, contact The Flood Law Firm today by calling (860) 346-2695. With years of combined experience dealing with these exact issues, we are skilled and knowledgeable enough to be your advocate. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation.
