Seattle Insurance Dispute Lawyers

Bad Faith Insurance Claims: What to Know

Washington prohibits insurance bad faith under the Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA). Implemented in 2007, the IFCA requires your insurer to fulfill the provisions of your policy. It addresses various forms of improper insurance conduct and outlaws the bad faith practices used by some insurers to delay or deny coverage and payments unjustly.

Policies Covered by Washington’s Bad Faith Law

The IFCA protects insurance consumers like you who have been treated improperly. It allows you to initiate a bad faith claim if your original claim has been unreasonably delayed or denied.

Policies covered by the IFCA:

• Automobile Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Homeowners Insurance
• Renters Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Business Insurance

Financial Penalties & Compensation for Bad Faith

Washington outlines the financial penalties that should be imposed upon companies that engage in bad-faith insurance practices. These consequences are designed to deter wrongful behavior by insurers who legitimately owe payment to their customers but purposely fail to do so.

The Seattle insurance attorneys at Emerald City Law Group can help you recover what you were originally owed based on your policy and additional compensation from the penalties imposed upon the insurer for its bad faith practices. These financial penalties remove the incentive to deny legitimate insurance claims.

With a bad faith insurance lawsuit, you may be eligible to recover:

• The original amount of the insurance claim
• Interest on the claim
• Attorney’s fees
• Court costs
• Punitive damages (in some cases)

Dealing with Bad Faith Tactics

You should act quickly if your insurance claim has been wrongly delayed or denied. Here are some steps you can take to navigate a bad-faith insurance claim:

File a Claim with the Insurance Company

You should be able to file an insurance claim online or over the phone. Be sure to provide all the necessary documentation, such as police reports, medical records, and repair estimates. Keep copies of all communications with the insurance company and any documentation supporting your claim.

Cooperate with the Insurance Investigation

The insurance company will conduct its own investigation into what happened in your accident. They may request additional information and require you to submit to medical examinations and other tests.

If Denied, File a Complaint

If the insurance company denies your claim or offers a settlement you believe is inadequate, you can file a bad faith complaint with the Washington State Insurance Commissioner’s Office. The Insurance Commissioner may investigate your complaint and try to mediate a resolution between you and the insurance company.

File a Bad Faith Insurance Lawsuit

If you are unsatisfied with the Insurance Commissioner’s resolution, you can file a lawsuit in Washington state court. To win a bad faith insurance claim lawsuit, you must prove that the insurance company acted in bad faith. This means the insurance company knew or should have known that it had a valid claim but denied or delayed paying it anyway.

Work with a Seattle Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer

The bad faith insurance claims process can be complex, and you shouldn’t do it alone. A capable Seattle insurance claims lawyer can guide you through the process, gather evidence to support your claim and ensure you’re not taken advantage of again. Your Seattle insurance bad faith lawyer can help you get the maximum compensation in your claim.

Washington Bad Faith Insurance: Info & Resources

Our bad-faith insurance attorneys are here to get your case started. We have answers to your questions about bad-faith insurance claims and lawsuits. If you don’t see the information you need here, call Emerald City Law Group.

Is There a Deadline to Filing a Bad Faith Claim?

In Washington State, the statute of limitations for a bad faith insurance claim is typically three years from the act of bad faith. This means that if you believe your insurance company has acted in bad faith, you have three years from the date of the act to file a lawsuit against them.

What Should I Do if My Claim is Wrongly Denied?

If your insurance claim is denied in Washington, you should first request a written explanation detailing the reasons for the denial from the insurance company. Review your insurance policy to understand the coverages and exclusions and gather any additional information or documentation that may support your claim. Then, consult with an attorney to evaluate the denial and help you challenge it if the denial was made in bad faith.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Bad Faith Claim?

The time it takes to resolve a bad faith insurance claim in Washington can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, and whether the case goes to trial.

Some cases may be resolved in months, while others could take years, especially if they proceed to trial. An attorney can help set realistic expectations based on your case.

How Do You Prove Bad Faith Occurred?

To prove a bad faith insurance claim in Washington, you must provide evidence that shows the insurance company did not deal fairly with you. This could include correspondence with the insurance company, the insurance policy, proof of your damages, and other relevant documentation.

Can a Bad Faith Claim Be Settled Out of Court?

Many bad-faith insurance claims are settled out of court through negotiations between the policyholder’s attorney and the insurance company. Settling can be faster and less costly than going to trial, but having an attorney represent you in these negotiations is crucial to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

Will a Bad Faith Claim Impact Future Insurance Premiums?

Filing a bad faith insurance claim in Washington should not directly impact your future insurance premiums, as these claims are based on the insurance company’s conduct rather than your actions as a policyholder.

However, the underlying issue that led to the claim, such as a car accident or property damage, could affect your premiums depending on the terms of your insurance policy.

Don’t Wait. Call Our Bad Faith Insurance Lawyers

Contact an insurance lawyer with Emerald City Law Group as soon as possible. We understand that you may need medical treatment and manage your business before calling an attorney. However, the sooner you contact us, the quicker we can get started on your case.

Emerald City Law Group Will:

• Listen to your story and clearly explain your options.
• Explain Washington’s bad faith insurance law and how it applies to your case.
• Ensure you understand the deadlines you’re facing.
• Help you get the compensation you need to move forward with life.
• Keep you updated throughout your case.

Seattle Insurance Attorneys Serving Washington – Free Consults 24/7

Emerald City Law Group provides Seattle and the greater Washington area with high-caliber legal representation for those with bad-faith insurance claims.

Seattle – Local Areas Served

• • King County – Bellevue, Auburn, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Carnation, Duvall, Issaquah, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Sammamish, Seattle, & Woodinville
  • Snohomish County – Everett, Lynnwood, and Marysville.
  • Pierce County – Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, and Lakewood

Greater Washington