There are many kinds of insurance bad faith tactics including delay in handling claims: inadequate investigation; threats against an insured; and refusing to make a reasonable settlement offer, just to name a few. These tactics are meant to exhaust the insured, but when you have a bad faith insurance personal injury attorney from Dale E. Anstine on your side, we will fight for your rights to fair compensation. Here are some of the more common tactics we see in cases of bad faith insurance:
1. Denying a claim without giving a reason
After you file a claim with your insurance company, they are required to give you a reason if the claim is denied. Refusing to offer a reason is in bad faith. If you think your claim is valid, and that your insurance company should approve your claim, it’s best to get an experienced attorney on your side.
2. Refusing to pay a claim
When you make a valid claim after an accident, your insurance company is required to settle or pay that claim within a reasonable amount of time. While the definition of “reasonable” is somewhat subjective, you have the right to the compensation you deserve. If your insurance company is refusing to pay a valid claim, they may be acting in bad faith and as a result, may be liable to you for additional compensation.
3. Ignoring requests for documentation
If you have asked your insurance company for documentation related to the decision about your claim, and they refused to provide that to you, this could be in bad faith. You may have a claim against the insurance company. If you feel your insurer isn’t acting in your best interests, be sure to reach out to our office.
4. Delayed investigations
When you are in good standing with your insurance company, they have a right and a duty to you as the insured to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation when you file a claim. If your insurance company delays your investigation, or isn’t thorough in its work, you may have a bad faith claim.
5. Low-balling a settlement amount
Low-ball settlement offers, or settlement offers that are considerably less than expected, are not uncommon within the insurance industry. If, however, the insurance company refuses to negotiate or will not budge with the settlement amount, you may have a right to file a bad faith claim.
Contact Us Today
If you feel like your insurance company may have acted in bad faith, it’s important to contact an attorney immediately. Contact us to speak with an experienced insurance bad faith lawyer. With offices in York and Gettysburg, our team is proud to protect the injured across the Central Pennsylvania community. Consultations are always free, we’re available 24/7, and there’s no fee unless we win for you.