What is bad faith?
Under Florida law, an insurance company must deal fairly and honestly with its policyholders when it handles a claim. That includes settling a claim promptly once it becomes reasonably clear that coverage applies, and telling the policyholder which coverage the payment is made under. When an insurer falls short of those standards and your claim is wrongfully denied or underpaid, the insurer may be liable.
Bad faith can arise under almost any policy: your auto coverage, your homeowners policy, a life insurance policy, or medical, health and disability coverage.
Common warning signs
- Failing to investigate a claim in a reasonably timely and proper manner
- Withholding payment without a valid reason
- Delaying payment that is clearly owed under your policy
- Wrongfully denying a covered claim
- Offering a lowball settlement
- Voiding or rescinding a policy after a claim is presented, for invalid or questionable reasons
Why policyholders push back
Insurers know that many people never dispute a denial or a low offer. Paying claims costs them money, and some companies use that to discourage policyholders from collecting what they are owed.
Pursuing a bad faith or unfair claims practice case lets you recover the policy benefits you are entitled to, and in some cases more. Every case is different. Mr. Sapourn examines your policy and your claim carefully before recommending a course of action.
An insurance industry insider on your side
Michael Sapourn spent 23 years running a large insurance agency, worked as a Florida Public Adjuster, and has been qualified as an expert witness on bad faith claims practices in federal and state courts. He knows how claims departments operate and what fair claims handling looks like, which helps him recognize when an insurer is not playing by the rules.
If you believe your insurer is not treating you fairly, call for a free consultation.