An insurance policy is a contract. The person who buys the insurance pays the premium. The insurance company is obligated to provide the coverage as listed in the policy. When that doesn’t happen, the insured may have a problem with Bad Faith Insurance in Williston, ND.
The Insurance Company Has the Advantage
When a problem arises because the insurance company is disputing the claim, the policyholder is at a disadvantage. The agents of the insurance company are very familiar with the policy, including the fine print. The policyholder may have never read the entire policy and would probably not have fully understood it if it was read.
The policyholder could have been using the same insurance company for years and may have filed one or two small claims without a problem. However, when the claim is for a large sum of money, it’s a whole new ball game.
Is the Insurance Company Acting in Bad Faith?
There are many signs that an insurer may be acting in bad faith. However, it may be necessary for a court to ultimately decide the question.
Some of the signs that an insurer may be acting in bad faith include:
* Unusual delays or denials with no reasonable justification
* Not promptly acknowledging the claim
* Failing to offer a fair and reasonable settlement within a reasonable time when their liability is obvious
* Making a payment without an accompanying statement detailing what the payment is for
* Failing to promptly provide a reason for denying a claim or making a compromise offer
* Requesting substantial paperwork not required by the policy
* Using fraudulent or illegal means to investigate the claim
* Wrongfully threatening not to pay
* Not being forthcoming concerning the facts of the coverage with the intent to deny, diminish, or delay payment
* Altering or changing the coverage without the knowledge or consent of the insured
* Advising the claimant not to hire an attorney
The attorneys at Beardsley Jensen And Von Wald are very knowledgeable about bad faith insurance in Williston, ND. Collectively, the attorneys have more than 100 years of legal experience. If you believe that the insurance company is making unreasonable demands, has denied a claim that should be paid, or is otherwise acting in bad faith, schedule an appointment to discuss your legal options.
