ICHQ | Site Author
After a hurricane, the last thing any homeowner wants to deal with is a hurricane damage insurance claim denial. But unfortunately, insurance companies deny valid claims all the time. If your hurricane damage claim was denied, you may be wondering what to do next.
How Can I Tell if My Insurer is Violating Hurricane Insurance Bad Faith Laws?
Bad faith insurance claims are those where the insurer denies a valid claim or delays payment without reasonable justification. In some cases, the denial may be due to an honest mistake. But in other cases, it may be due to an insidious intent to deny a valid claim.
The term “bad faith” is not defined in the insurance contract. But courts have interpreted it to mean that the insurer did not act with the level of good faith and fair dealing expected in the insurance relationship. In other words, the insurer did not act in your best interests or deal with you fairly.
If you’re dealing with a hurricane damage claim, the insurance company may have acted in bad faith if they:
- Refused to acknowledge your claim
- Delayed investigating or evaluating of your claim
- Unreasonably denied your claim
- Underpaid your claim
- Made it difficult for you to obtain information about your claim
- Failed to explain why your claim was denied
If you suspect your hurricane damage claim was denied in bad faith, it’s important to take action. Keep reading to learn what you can do if your hurricane damage claim was denied in bad faith.
What To Do If Your Hurricane Damage Claim Was Denied In Bad Faith
The first step is to review your insurance policy. Make sure that you understand your coverage and what is excluded from coverage. This will help you determine whether the denial was justified.
Next, reach out to your insurance company and ask for a written explanation of the denial. Be sure to include all relevant information, such as the date of the loss, the policy number, and the contact information for your agent or insurer.
If you’re still not satisfied with the explanation, at this point, you’ll want to hire an experienced bad-faith claim denial lawyer. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and take action to get the compensation you deserve.
Hiring a lawyer is not a decision to be made lightly. But if your hurricane damage claim was denied in bad faith, it may be the best way to get the compensation you need to repair your home.
Find Help With Your Hurricane Insurance Bad Faith Claim Denial
If you believe your hurricane damage claim was denied in bad faith, we can help. At Insurance Claim HQ, we have a team of experienced bad-faith insurance lawyers who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 844-969-4130 today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options.
Hurricane Insurance Bad Faith FAQs
Is violating hurricane insurance bad faith laws a crime?
No. But, if you can prove that the insurance company acted in bad faith, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, plus interest and attorneys’ fees.
Can I sue if my hurricane damage claim was denied in bad faith?
Yes. If your hurricane damage claim was denied in bad faith, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the insurance company. But it’s important to note that these cases can be complex and challenging. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced bad-faith insurance lawyer.
What are my chances of winning if I sue for bad faith?
There is no guarantee that you will win your case if you file a lawsuit for bad faith. But, if you have a strong case and you work with an experienced attorney, you may be able to get the compensation you deserve.