Can you sue insurance companies for not paying out legitimate claims?
Yes, it is possible to sue an insurance company if it refuses to pay a legitimate claim, a practice often referred to as acting in “bad faith.” Insurance companies have a legal obligation to act in good faith, which means they must honestly and fairly evaluate and handle insurance claims. If an insurance company fails to fulfill this obligation, the policyholder may have grounds for a bad faith lawsuit.
Instances where an insurance company might be acting in bad faith can include:
- Denial of a valid claim: If the insurance company denies a claim without a valid reason and the claim falls within the scope of the policy, this could be considered bad faith.
- Delay in claim processing: Unreasonable delays in acknowledging, investigating, or settling claims may also constitute bad faith.
- Insufficient claim investigation: An insurance company is required to conduct a thorough and fair investigation of a claim. Failure to do so could be seen as bad faith.
- Lowballing: If the insurance company offers a settlement amount far less than what the claim is worth, it could be seen as acting in bad faith.
- Failure to communicate: Not providing timely and adequate explanations regarding claim denials or delays may also be considered bad faith.
If you believe your insurance company is acting in bad faith, it’s recommended to consult with an attorney experienced in insurance law. The attorney can review your case, guide you on the best course of action, and potentially help you recover the benefits you’re owed, along with any other damages incurred as a result of the insurance company’s actions. Keep in mind, though, that the specific laws regarding bad faith claims vary from state to state.