Some insurance companies don’t always play fair. This is known as bad faith insurance—when a valid claim is delayed or denied without a legitimate reason. It’s more common than many realize and can leave policyholders paying out-of-pocket when they shouldn’t have to.
These tactics can put people at a serious disadvantage. In many cases, individuals feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. That’s when it’s critical to talk to Your Insurance Attorney for clear guidance and real protection.
Insurance laws are complex. But knowing your rights—and having someone in your corner—can make all the difference.
Unreasonable Claim Denials
Sometimes, insurers reject valid claims for reasons that don’t hold up. They may twist the wording of your policy or apply exclusions that don’t fit the situation. One typical example is denying a water damage claim by calling it “flood damage”—even if the cause was a burst pipe, which should be covered.
These tactics can leave policyholders without the help they were promised. Insurance attorneys step in by carefully reviewing the policy and all related documents. They challenge vague justifications and force insurers to explain their decisions with facts, not excuses.
Delaying Claim Processing Unnecessarily
Dragging out a claim is a classic stall tactic. Insurers might “lose” paperwork, delay inspections, or take weeks to reply. Meanwhile, you’re stuck with unpaid bills piling up.
Lawyers keep the pressure on. They track deadlines, send demand letters, and threaten legal action if delays continue. In some states, insurers face penalties for unreasonable delays, giving attorneys extra leverage to speed things up.
Lowball Settlement Offers
Insurers often offer a low number, hoping frustration or financial stress will make you accept it. For example, they might offer $5,000 for a totaled car worth $10,000.
Attorneys counter this by calculating the claim’s real value. They use repair estimates, medical reports, or past court awards to prove you deserve more. With legal backing, many insurers raise their offers rather than risk a lawsuit.
Misrepresenting Policy Terms
Ever heard, “That’s not covered” when you’re sure it is? Insurers might misquote clauses or invent exclusions. For instance, calling a roof leak “wear and tear” to deny a claim, even if storm damage caused it.
Lawyers cut through the confusion. They compare the insurer’s denial to the actual policy language. If the terms are misused, attorneys can demand a correction or take the fight to court.
Using Surveillance or Intimidation Tactics
Some insurers send investigators to film you or imply your claim might be “fraudulent” without proof. The goal? To scare you into dropping the claim or accepting less.
Attorneys act as a shield. They handle all communication, push back against baseless accusations, and ensure the insurer follows the law. Surveillance isn’t illegal, but harassment or threats are—and lawyers know when to call it out.
When Legal Expertise Levels the Playing Field
Bad faith tactics work because most people don’t know their rights. An attorney changes that. They spot the tricks, enforce deadlines, and make insurers play fair—so you get what your policy promises, without the games.
