Understanding Insurance Bad Faith in California

When you pay for insurance, you expect your provider to be there when you need them most. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, insurance companies put profits ahead of their policyholders, delaying, underpaying, or wrongfully denying legitimate claims. This practice—known as insurance bad faith—can leave victims struggling financially at the worst possible time.

At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we believe that when an insurer acts unfairly, they should be held accountable. If you suspect your insurance company isn’t treating you fairly, here’s what you need to know about your rights under California law—and how we can help.

Common Examples of Insurance Bad Faith in Bakersfield, CA

Insurance companies that deny you the settlement you deserve need to be held accountable for their illegal actions. Look for these signs when dealing with your insurance company:

• Your insurance claim is denied for no justifiable reason.
• You are not paid or provided with confirmation or denial in an appropriate time frame from your initial claim.
• Your insurance company is ignoring communication. Insurance companies must make sure you know their decision regarding your claim and provide reasons for their decision.
• Your insurance company fails to perform a thorough investigation into your claim or fails to investigate your claim at all.
• Your insurance company changes policies after you have already filed your claim.

For these reasons and more, your insurance company may be acting in bad faith. If you are a victim of bad faith insurance claims, contact our Bakersfield insurance bad faith lawyer so we can start on your case right away.

Standing Up Against Insurance Companies

We are all too familiar with insurance companies’ tactics to underpay their policyholders. It’s our job to put those insurance companies in their place and get you the compensation that you deserve. Throughout the years, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients. If you have been taken advantage of by an insurance company, contact us today.

Why Would a Car Insurance Claim Be Denied?

Having car insurance is a state requirement. When you get into an accident and have insurance, you expect that insurance to cover the damages that you have paid your insurance company for. It is an insurance company’s duty to make sure an insurance claim is accurate and the policyholder is compensated for damages.

However, your relationship with your insurance company can become contentious, especially when your insurer denies your claim, or when they refuse to pay you the amount that you need or deserve. A claim may be denied when the damages done to you or your vehicle don’t exactly match the insurance policy you have been paying for.

Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With Your Insurer

Problems that arise from insurance claims often involve accepting a settlement offer right away without first consulting a Bakersfield insurance bad faith lawyer. Insurance companies want to pay you the least amount that they can, meaning they will likely make you an offer that doesn’t fully cover what you are actually entitled to.

Some of the issues to look out for when it comes to dealing with insurance companies include:

• Saying too much. Insurance companies pay very close attention to the words you use when speaking with them. One little phrase could be twisted and used against you. An apology or any form of “sorry” can damage your entire settlement. Even saying that you are doing fine during opening greetings can be used as evidence that you are in good health and do not need certain coverage.
• Timing is everything. Accepting a claim right away does not allow you to recognize all of the potential repercussions of your accident, meaning you could miss out on settlements you are entitled to. But if you wait too long to make a claim, there could be major complications and consequences. Determining the right time to talk with an insurance company is key. Your Bakersfield insurance bad faith lawyer at Chain | Cohn | Clark can help you with timing and communication with your insurance company.
• False positivity. Just because the customer service call is a positive experience does not mean that your insurance company is treating you fairly. Being met with sympathy over the phone does not correlate with promises of maximum or even partial compensation.
• Wanting you to work alone. All too often, insurance companies will try to isolate their policyholders and keep them from seeking the help of an attorney. If an insurance company encourages you to work without an attorney, that is a major red flag. If your insurance claim is denied, you are offered a settlement less than you deserve, or you even receive a settlement offer you are unsure about, contact our Bakersfield insurance bad faith lawyers at Chain | Cohn | Clark

Insurance companies are meant to protect you. However, there are many ways that an insurance company may try to get you to accept a settlement offer that is unfair, less than you deserve, or in bad faith.

If You Suspect Your Insurer of Acting in Bad Faith, Contact Our Bakersfield Team

If your insurance company has delayed, denied, or underpaid your claim without a valid reason, you don’t have to face it alone. At Chain | Cohn | Clark, we have a long history of standing up to powerful insurance companies and fighting for the compensation our clients deserve. If you believe you’re a victim of bad faith practices, contact us today for a free consultation—we’re here to help you get the justice you’re owed.