Five Signs Your Property Insurer Is Acting In Bad Faith
Property damages in Daytona Beach are common due to hurricanes and tropical storms throughout the summer and fall months. They can also happen year-round due to heavy winds, flooding, fires, theft, and acts of vandalism. Property damage insurance can help in offsetting losses and attending to needed repairs. Unfortunately, dealing with insurance companies often proves challenging, as they may engage in bad faith practices designed to either delay, deny, or downplay your claim. Be aware that there are laws in place designed to protect you in this situation. Our Daytona Beach property damage claims attorneys are here to help.
Faith Insurance Practices: What Are The Signs?
Property damage insurers are required to act in good faith in resolving claims. Under the Florida Statutes, insurers can face serious penalties when they do not. The following are five common signs your insurer may be engaging in bad faith practices, which could make them liable in a lawsuit:
- There is a lack of communication.
One of the most common and frustrating bad faith insurance practices involves not communicating with you about your claim. Insurers may refuse to answer questions about your policy, the claims process, and the status of your case or fail to provide timely notice of delays or denials.
- They are making excessive document requests.
When filing a property damage claim in Daytona Beach, you can expect to fill out lengthy claims forms and to provide supporting documentation for any damages you suffer. Gathering all the items needed can be challenging, something insurers are aware of. Making excessive requests for documentation or requiring you to repeatedly refile forms is prohibited.
- They denied your claim without cause.
There are often exclusions and other policy terms that insurers can use to deny or downplay your claim. In doing so, they must notify you of the exact reason. Failing to do so and denying your claim without cause is another common bad faith practice.
- They are pressuring you to accept an unreasonable offer.
Insurers may surprise you by offering an immediate settlement and may pressure you into accepting. You can generally count on the fact that a first offer will be far less than what you are entitled to.
- Payments you are entitled to are delayed.
Even if your property damage claim is approved, your insurer may delay payments for weeks or even months after signing a settlement.
When any of the above happens, you may be entitled to file a civil claim against your insurer. To find out whether this is an option and for help in meeting requirements, such as filing a notice with the Florida Department of Financial Responsibility, reach out to our Daytona Beach property damage claims attorneys.
Let Us Help You Today
You have only one chance to get compensation in a property damage claim. At Bundza & Rodriguez, we help you get the maximum amount you deserve. To request a consultation, call or contact our Daytona Beach property damage attorneys online today.
