The attempt by insurance companies to avoid paying justified claims is what has become commonly known as “bad faith”. “Bad faith” is the insurance company’s breach of your trust, its betrayal in denying your valid claim for a false, fraudulent or insincere reason.
“Bad faith” can also be the result of your insurance company’s refusal to pay you the full amount of benefits for which you have contracted. For example, you are injured and your medical bills equal $50,000.00 and your insurance company agrees to only pay $20,000.00.
Many states have laws that require you to purchase motor vehicle insurance if you own a vehicle. In addition to mandatory car insurance, most homeowners purchase insurance intended to protect their families in the event of unforeseen and often catastrophic occurrences. Some insurance companies will make false promises in order to sell a higher insurance policy. It is important to remember that insurance companies are in the business of making a profit and often make huge profits by paying less than they should on their insureds’ claims. Consumers are conditioned to believe that their insurance company is looking out for their interests when, in fact, they employ highly paid in-house lawyers whose job it is to intimidate you into accepting a low and often unfair settlement.
Receiving your fair settlement from a reputable insurance company can be difficult without proper legal counsel. If you feel you have experienced insurance company bad faith from your insurance carrier, you may be able to file a “bad faith” insurance claim against your insurance company.
It is not recommended that you file an insurance claim without first getting the advice of an experienced insurance bad faith lawyer. If you have hired an attorney, you do not need to discuss your claim directly with your insurance company. Refer everything to your attorney and never discuss your accident with the defendant’s insurance company.