When you’re injured in an accident or your car is wrecked, it can be stressful and often traumatic.. You don’t need insurance companies piling on by employing bad-faith tactics.
Bad faith is broadly defined as dishonest or unfair practices. Insurance companies are required to thoroughly investigate, negotiate, and settle claims in good faith. When that doesn’t happen, they can be held liable.
To pay as little as possible, some insurance adjusters utilize the following bad-faith tactics:
Unreasonable delays. Sometimes insurance adjusters will drag out the process, hoping that a claimant eventually gives up. Most states have established deadlines of 15–60 days for denying or accepting a claim.
Deceptive practices. You might be unaware of a facet of your coverage. The insurance adjuster is completely aware, yet they do not alert you. They might also choose not to notify you of important deadlines or provide the necessary paperwork to complete your claim on time.
Incomplete investigation. If the insurance adjuster does not look at all the evidence or fails to conduct a personal inspection, they haven’t been thorough.
Lowballing. Offering less money than a claim is worth is an example of bad faith.
Refusal to pay a valid claim. When insurers deny claims that are clearly covered by their policies, it’s evident that policyholders’ interests come in a distant second to profits
Twisting language. An insurance adjuster may misrepresent the language of the insurance policy and use it against you.
Threats. Some insurance adjusters threaten harsh legal action against a potential claimant or imply it.
If you or a friend or family member have been the victim of bad-faith insurance practices or injured in a car accident, contact us for a FREE consultation.
Dedicated to protecting and advancing your rights,