Insurance Company’s Duty in Handling Hurricane Damage Claims
An insurance company is supposed to protect the interest of those that they insure. The exact parameters of the legal duty may vary by state as there are countless rules and regulations regarding insurance companies. However, an insurance company’s duty in handling hurricane damage claims is basically to treat individuals and businesses fairly.
When Insurance Companies Act in Bad Faith
Laws have been passed to help hold insurance companies accountable for their actions. These laws are aimed at making sure that these companies don’t abuse, take advantage of, needlessly delay, or otherwise harm their insureds. These rules are known as an area of law coined “bad faith” as that is what the insurance company is often doing, acting in bad faith.
Laws have been passed to penalize insurance companies that act in bad faith when dealing with their insureds. Despite the rules requiring fair treatment and the penalties for failing to do so, insurance companies continue to act in bad faith. These companies are typically well funded and can afford a fight. They also make it tough to get anywhere with your claim.
Insureds often find themselves making call after call and providing more and more requested information only to end up with a denial. The insurance company is hoping that they can outlast you and eventually you will give up on dealing with the headache of making a claim. Delay and making things difficult are two tactics employed by insurance companies to make you go away.
Common acts of Insurance Company Bad Faith
If you think you have been treated unfairly by an insurance company, you probably have. If you’re frustrated, it is likely because they are purposefully making it impossible for you to obtain full value on your claim. They have delay and gamesmanship down to a science. Some of the frequent acts of bad faith that you may encounter include:
- Delaying payment
- Claiming something else caused your loss
- Claiming your loss isn’t covered when it is
- Inadequate investigation of your claim
- Making up reasons for dragging their feet on paying your claim
- Dragging out the process
- Trying to get you to accept less that the full value of your claim
- Providing a lacking explanation for the denial of your claim
- Intentionally misinterpreting the language in your policy
- Telling you not to hire an insurance claim lawyer
- Bullying you into dropping your hurricane damage claims or claim
These are only some of the tactics used by insurance companies. Also, exactly how the insurance company deploys these tactics may vary. The bottom line is whether you feel you are being taken advantage of. If you do, you may want to find help.
Contact an Attorney to hold the Insurance Company to its Duty
Insurance companies have a duty to be fair to you, the insured. They should reasonably investigate your claim and look for ways to honor the policy. Far too often, though, the company is looking out for its best interest, not yours.
If you believe your insurance company is violating its duty and taking advantage of you, contact The Law Office of Mynor E. Rodriguez P.C. for a free consultation today.
