Auto insurance serves an important purpose: it protects drivers in the event of a crash. In return for timely payments, customers expect their insurers to handle claims honestly and transparently. That’s not always the case, though, and claims are often improperly investigated and unjustly denied.
Auto insurance policies are considered legal contracts, and insurers should be held accountable when those contracts are breached. Here are a few signs that an insurance company may be acting dishonestly after you’ve been hurt in a car accident.
Claims Denied for No Reason
Insurance companies deny claims for a few reasons, such as nonpayment of premiums. Regardless of a denial’s validity, insurers are required to give their reasoning in writing. If a claim is denied without just cause, it may indicate bad faith.
Improper Investigative Practices
Auto insurance companies are legally obligated to fully investigate claims before deciding to approve or deny them. At the least, the insurer should start the investigation promptly, interview involved parties, and analyze evidence found at the scene.
Not Communicating Openly
While delays often occur during insurance claims, there’s no reason for insurance companies not to communicate with policyholders. Insurers must keep customers informed about their claim statuses and respond to questions promptly. When an insurer consistently fails to communicate with a customer, it’s another sign that they’re being dishonest.
Twisting Policy Language
Some of the language in an auto insurance policy is quite confusing, even for a knowledgeable policyholder. Insurers know this, and they use it to their advantage by deliberately misinterpreting and misusing certain aspects and phrases.
Delaying Payouts
Insurers know that a delay in payment is detrimental to a policyholder who has been injured in an auto accident. When medical bills start piling up and a person is out of work, they may become desperate enough to accept the first low offer they receive. If your insurer is acting dishonest by delaying your payout unnecessarily, contact our firm to learn how our attorneys can protect your interests.
Why Are Some Insurers So Dishonest?
Auto insurance companies are in the business to turn a profit, which they do by minimizing payouts whenever possible. Insurer often use legal, yet dishonest tactics to protect the bottom line. Some companies take it too far by breaking the law in attempts to devalue and deny claims.
In many instances, those victimized by bad faith tactics simply give up. That’s what the insurance company hopes will happen, but we won’t give up. Our attorneys will inform you of your legal rights and protect your accident claim from unethical practices. Contact us today to learn how we defend drivers against insurance companies.
Get Legal Assistance From a Local Law Office You Can Trust
At Bohn & Fletcher, injured drivers can learn about their legal rights in the no-obligation, no-cost consultations we offer. Our San Jose accident and injury attorneys are ready to investigate your claim fully. If our investigation determines that you’ve been victimized by an insurance company’s bad faith tactics, we will do what it takes to protect your rights and get the settlement you deserve. Learn more about our firm’s services online, call us for additional information, or contact us by email to schedule a free initial consultation. Our team looks forward to serving you.
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