5 Signs Your Insurance Company Might Be Acting in Bad Faith

Insurance is unavoidable. It’s something most people will have to deal with in some form during their life, and it’s usually not a fun process. But at the very least, when you file a claim, you expect your insurance company to treat you fairly. You assume that those within the insurance industry are trustworthy and have your best interests in mind. After all, insurance companies exist to protect our investments and to help us out in times of need, right?

In most cases, that answer is yes. Most insurance companies do just that. But it’s important to note that not everybody within the industry follows the law and treats people with the respect they deserve. It’s vital to be able to sniff out those companies that may be breaking the terms of their policies, failing to uphold their promises, or otherwise acting in bad faith.

Warning Signs That Your Insurance Company Is Acting in Bad Faith

Generally, an insurance company has acted in bad faith if it fails to fulfill the obligations stated in the insurance policy language, or if it fails to abide by the laws of the particular state where the claim is made. Here are a few of the more common indicators to keep in mind.

Lack of Communication

Just after an accident, it’s critical to get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible. It should be easy for you to communicate with your insurer in order to receive answers to all of your questions and to obtain the information you need for your claim. If they fail to respond to your calls, emails, and other forms of communication, however, something is wrong. If this is the case, your insurance company may be trying to stall in the hopes that they can avoid paying their fair share.

Unreasonable Demands for Documentation

After an accident, you’re required to provide your insurance company with a variety of documents relating to the case. However, when the insurer begins to ask for documents that you think don’t pertain to your accident, they may be trying to overcomplicate the process in the hopes that you drop the case. Likewise, if they begin to make other sorts of unreasonable demands, they may be acting in bad faith.

This technique serves to make it seem like you’re the one delaying the claim by sending you on a goose chase. An expert lawyer will be able to help you determine what documents need to be provided to your insurer.

Lowball Settlement Offers

It’s important to note that insurance companies will always try to fight to settle for as little as possible. Be wary of accepting their first offer, particularly if that offer is significantly lower than what you were expecting. If you find that the insurance company is pressuring you to accept an unfair offer or if they state that this is the only offer available to you, they’re likely acting in bad faith. Keep in mind that you can always negotiate your settlement amount.

Denying a Claim Without a Cause

Some insurers may deny coverage in the hope that you’ll give up and pay for the expenses out-of-pocket. However, while insurance companies can deny a claim, they must provide you with sufficient reasoning. If you’ve been wrongly denied coverage, you have the right to challenge that decision.

Failure to Pay

If after coming to an agreement with your insurer, they still delay your payment without reason, offer less money than the claim is worth, or refuse to pay altogether, contact an attorney immediately.

If you notice any of these indicators when communicating with your insurer, then you may have a new legal claim to bring against the insurance company in addition to the original claim you presented for the property damage and bodily injury you suffered during your accident. However, this type of claim often involves complicated and specialized areas of law. An experienced attorney will be able to explain your legal options and make sure your rights are protected every step of the way.

Contact the Trusted Professionals at Adamson Ahdoot for Help

If you’ve ever dealt with an insurance claim or settlement, you know that it can be a frustrating and toilsome process. Fighting with an insurer acting in bad faith can make matters even worse. If you think your insurance company may be breaking the terms of their policy, contact the experts at Adamson Ahdoot. Our team of trusted legal professionals can help prove your claim and ensure you obtain the fair compensation you deserve.

With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our boutique law firm will help fight for your rights. We will give you peace of mind by handling the details regarding your insurance company, the DMV, auto repairs, medical care, and everything in between. For a free consultation, give us a call at (877) 871-3265 or complete our contact form today.