When you file an insurance claim, you expect your provider to handle it fairly and promptly. Unfortunately, some insurance companies prioritize their bottom line over their policyholders, using deceptive or unreasonable tactics to deny, delay, or undervalue claims. If you’re dealing with an insurer that seems to be giving you the runaround, you may be experiencing bad faith practices.
At Red Dirt Legal, we help individuals and businesses in Oklahoma fight back against unfair insurance tactics. If you suspect your insurer is acting in bad faith, knowing the warning signs can help you take action before it’s too late.
Unreasonable Delays in Processing Your Claim
A common bad-faith tactic is dragging out the claims process unnecessarily. While insurance claims can take time to investigate, there are reasonable timelines insurers should follow. If your insurer is giving vague reasons for delays, repeatedly asking for unnecessary documents, or failing to respond to your inquiries, it could be a deliberate effort to pressure you into giving up or accepting a low settlement.
Denying Your Claim Without a Clear Explanation
If your claim is denied, the insurance company should provide a valid and detailed explanation. A red flag for bad faith is receiving a denial with little to no reasoning or being given contradictory or unclear justifications. If you’re struggling to get a straight answer about why your claim was denied, it may be time to seek legal help.
Offering an Unreasonably Low Settlement
Insurance companies are required to evaluate claims fairly and offer settlements that reflect the damages covered under your policy. If your insurer makes a lowball offer without justification or refuses to consider valid evidence supporting a higher payout, they could be acting in bad faith. In some cases, insurers hope that policyholders will be desperate enough to accept a lower amount rather than fight for what they’re owed.
Misrepresenting Policy Terms
Some insurers intentionally misinterpret or misrepresent the language in your policy to avoid paying claims. They may wrongly claim that certain damages aren’t covered or manipulate policy terms to fit their denial. If your insurer is twisting policy language or refusing to explain how they reached their decision, they could be acting in bad faith.
Failing to Investigate Your Claim Properly
A fair claims process involves a thorough and unbiased investigation. If your insurer outright refuses to investigate or rushes through the process without reviewing key details, it may be setting the stage for an unjustified denial or underpayment. A lack of effort in assessing your claim is a serious warning sign.
Pressuring You to Accept Less Than You Deserve
If an insurance adjuster is aggressively pushing you to accept a settlement before you’ve had time to review it, they may be trying to take advantage of your financial stress. You have the right to carefully evaluate a settlement offer and negotiate if it doesn’t fully cover your damages. Don’t let an insurer pressure you into settling too quickly.
Contact Red Dirt Legal Today
At Red Dirt Legal, we fight for policyholders who have been wronged by insurance companies. If you suspect your insurer is using bad faith tactics to delay, deny, or underpay your claim, don’t wait—contact us today to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
