For victims of injury or property loss, a protracted battle with a Florida insurance company is a frequent occurrence. Some insurers even fight their own policyholders. Years of faithful premiums tossed aside to ensure momentary savings for their organization. Many states, including Florida, have enacted special laws designed to curb this type of behavior.
Still, you may need an experienced Pensacola insurance claims attorney, like those at Morgan & Morgan, by your side. Morgan & Morgan specializes in insurance claims, helping you in the fight against insurance unwilling to support you when you need it most. Contact us today.
What is Bad Faith?
An insurance contract is predicated on the notion of good faith and fair dealing. Florida insurance companies are well within their rights to request reasonable proof of claims, conduct investigations, and question losses, all potentially leading to denial or limiting of a claim.
However, they cannot engage in conduct with no legitimate purpose, such as unfairly shaving down claims, or discouraging policyholders by making the process so difficult it becomes almost impossible. Some examples of bad faith include:
- Ignoring claims or other communications for policyholders
- Denying claims without conducting an investigation
- Misrepresenting the coverage the insured’s policy provides
- Failing to provide a basis for claims denial
- Failing to promptly inform the insured that additional information is needed to adjust a claim
- Denying a claim or failing to promptly adjust a claim without a reasonable basis
This list isn’t exhaustive, but it provides some of the most often seen ways insurance companies operate with poor regard for their policyholders.
Florida’s Bad Faith Law
When an insurance company denies or undervalues a claim incorrectly or unfairly, the policyholder may be able to challenge that decision in court and recover the amount they are owed.
But when an insurer engages in the behaviors mentioned above, or denies a claim with no reasonable basis for doing so, Florida’s bad faith law defends you from their unsavory behavior by allowing you to claim additional losses.
Hire a Competent Pensacola Insurance Claim Attorney
Florida has complex laws regarding bad faith, making it tough for victims to file claims. An experienced attorney can use bad faith as a powerful tool to hold your insurance company responsible for what they owe to you.
At Morgan & Morgan, our team of knowledgeable attorneys is ready to help fight for you against unfriendly insurance companies. Fill out our free, no-risk case evaluation form to learn more about how they may be able to help.