Has your homeowners insurance used bad faith tactics to avoid paying out your full settlement or deny your claim outright? You may have recourse through a lawsuit for a bad faith claim. This article offers a strategy.
Do you believe your home insurer has failed to investigate your claim properly? Were you denied coverage without explanation? Have they delayed your settlement payment for an unreasonable amount of time? You may be able to file a bad faith claim against your insurer to get the compensation you deserve under your policy.
Your insurance provider has a duty to deal with you in good faith. If you feel you are being treated unfairly, here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of winning your case.
Preparing for a Bad Faith Claim
Speak to Your Attorney
From day one, you should be communicating with an attorney about your homeowners insurance claim. Your lawyer understands how the process can and should play out, so having them there to guide you can keep you from making avoidable mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
Document Everything
If your claim is denied, you then need to start documenting everything you can. Get all the information you can from your insurance provider as you can. Note who you have spoken with and when, the reason for the claim denial, and information regarding your attempts to communicate with them, including phone calls, emails, and letters.
All of these details may be relevant to your bad faith claim later.
Escalate and Speak to a Supervisor
If you are getting nowhere with the adjuster assigned to your claim, ask to speak to a supervisor. By escalating up the insurance provider’s internal hierarchy, you can show that you mean business. You may also get more information that you have been seeking. Ask what can be done to settle your claim in a fair way.
Put Your Intentions in Writing
After speaking with someone higher up in the organization may not get you any results. In that case, it’s time to put your intentions in writing. You and your attorney can discuss what you should include in your letter to the insurance company, but making it clear that you are willing to file a lawsuit may motivate them to settle.
File a Lawsuit
If the insurance company still does not want to negotiate your settlement, it’s time to take legal action. Filing a lawsuit will make the bad faith claim official.
Need to file a bad faith claim against your homeowners insurance provider?
If your homeowners insurance provider has been acting in bad faith in regards to your insurance claim, don’t hesitate another second to get in touch with us.
At RRBH Law, we represent our clients in and out of the courtroom. Our expertise could be what you need to win your bad faith claim and get the settlement you deserve for damage to your home. Contact us now.