You know that you need to file an insurance claim and that you have valid coverage on your property. It has been significantly damaged, so you need compensation to pay for the repairs and other costs.
However, you find it very difficult to actually get in touch with the insurance company. You file your claim, and you hear nothing back. You call and leave messages, but no one answers. When they do answer, it takes weeks or even months to hear anything. Why is this happening?
Bad faith insurance practices
This could be an example of bad faith, which is when insurance companies act in a way that is detrimental to their own policyholders. One way that this happens is when they create unreasonable delays, perhaps simply by making it difficult for you to communicate with them.
From the insurance company’s perspective, it is best for them if they deny your claim or if you drop your case. But if there is not a valid reason to deny the claim, they may consider creating these delays in the hopes that you will stop pursuing the payout that you deserve. It’s a form of manipulation.
It is also a prohibited practice. Insurance companies must abide by the contracts that they have signed with policyholders, and they cannot take intentional steps to avoid payouts that are due.
But it still happens, despite these provisions, so it is very important to understand all of the legal options available to you if you find yourself in this position. It can help to work with an experienced law firm at this time.