When a claim just sits
Delay and bad faith
An insurer owes a policyholder a fair look at the claim, a reason when it says no and an answer in reasonable time. When it does not, that can be a claim of its own.
Not every slow claim is a bad faith claim, and we will not call one by that name to sound tougher. We read the claim file and the letters, and put the dates in a line. If the timeline shows an insurer that stalled, repeated requests it already had or paid far below its own adjuster's number, we say so and show how it can be put to the company.
If it shows an ordinary dispute about price, we tell you that instead.
Look for these
Signs a claim is being slow-walked
One of them alone may be a busy office. Several together are worth a phone call.
The same request, again
Papers you have already sent are asked for a second and a third time.
A new adjuster each call
Each person starts over, and none can say what the last one decided.
An estimate that shrinks
The insurer's own number is lower than the scope its inspector wrote down.
A denial with no section number
The letter says no without naming the part of the policy it relies on.
Weeks with no reply
Emails and calls go unanswered while the damage gets worse.
Questions about delay
Answers are general. Your policy and the law that applies decide the details.
What can come of a bad faith claim?
That depends on the facts and the law. It can include the benefits owed and, in some cases, more for harm the handling caused. Nothing on this site promises a result.
Do I have to sue?
Not always. A clear written demand that lays the dates out settles many of these. Some end up in court.
Do I keep answering the adjuster's calls?
Yes, and in writing where you can. Keep a copy of everything and note the date and person for every call.