You should always count on your insurance company that they are making good on their promises according to the policy you pay for. However, insurance carriers can be notoriously difficult to deal with when a legitimate claim is made. Under the law, insurance companies are required to maintain good faith practices when dealing with their policyholders. When an insurance company infringes on the terms agreed upon in their contract with the policyholder, they could be guilty of bad faith insurance practices. 

What is Insurance Bad Faith?

Anytime an insurance company wrongfully denies a claim, they are acting in bad faith. The insurance policy between the insurance company and the insured is considered a contract that requires the company to act in good faith. Insurance companies often try to deny a claim for any reason they can or underpay for a claim. The insured’s bad faith needs to be proven by showing how the insurer failed to honor their policy. 

There are various ways in which an insurance carrier could operate in bad faith. Some of the signs that you may be the victim of bad faith insurance practices can include the following: 

  • Failure of the insurance carrier to confirm or deny a claim after receiving the evidence necessary to decide. 
  • Failure of an insurance carrier to properly investigate the case to determine liability. 
  • Attempts by the insurance carrier to settle a claim for far less than what you should receive and what is covered based on the policy limits. 
  • Failure of the insurance carrier to respond promptly to a claim or acknowledge a statement of a covered claim. 
  • Failure of the insurance carrier to properly defend their policyholder for claims made against them. 
  • The insurance carrier using unlawful or deceitful tactics during their investigation. 
  • The insurance company misinterpreting the language of the policy.

How to File a Bad Faith Claim

These are only a few of many ways in which an insurance carrier could operate in bad faith. Some steps to take when filing a bad faith claim include: 

  1. Review the contract. Thoroughly review your insurance contract to ensure there has been a violation. If you are unsure, speak to an insurance bad faith lawyer. The language of these contracts can be confusing. 
  2. Keep logs of all claims. It is vital to keep all documentation related to your original claim. Keep any evidence, including photos, accident reports, receipts, and any insurance company correspondence. 
  3. Document the denial. If the insurance carrier denies a claim, request that a supervisor with the carrier review the denial. You should begin the appeals process with the West Virginia insurance commissioner. Again, document every interaction you have with the insurance carrier. 
  4. Make a final demand. Before a lawsuit is filed, you need to show that you attempted to settle your claim. Do this by sending a demand letter detailing your claim. Typically, insurance carriers have 15 to 60 days to respond to a demand letter. If the insurance carrier refuses to settle a claim within that period, move forward with a lawsuit and a complaint. 
  5. File a complaint with the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner. While taking steps to file a lawsuit, file a complaint with the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner’s This department will likely also attempt to secure a resolution to your claim. 
  6. Speak to a lawyer. At any point during this process, you can choose to speak to a skilled attorney about your claim. Preferably, involve an attorney as soon as you suspect that your insurance carrier is operating in bad faith.

Free Consultation — Contact A Lawyer

Insurance carriers have enormous amounts of money and legal teams to defend against bad faith insurance claims. When you hire an attorney, you are essentially leveling the playing field. Your attorney will have the resources and experience necessary to pursue your bad faith claim properly. If you have questions regarding your insurance company’s actions, call the Manchin Injury Law Group in Fairmont, West Virginia, at (304) 367-1862 for a free consultation. 

Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.

  • Taylor Downs was easy to talk to (I do not speak the legal language well!) and was very upfront and honest about the entire process of my case. He kept me updated as the case progressed, and answered my relentless questions. The end result was a favorable settlement that I’m not sure could have been any better with anyone else. In short, go see Taylor if you have a case. Don’t be intimidated to go seek his help, he won’t blow your brains out with “legal speak”.

    - PAUL MOUSER

  • Being referred to Taylor was the best thing I could have asked for. Taylor and staff are very easy to talk to. I would highly recommend them to anyone.

    - DAWN FRISENDA

  • If I ever have to go through it again I would definetly call Taylor right away. The group was so helpful through my situation and handled everything that needed to be done. They made a stressful situation a stress free situation. With Taylor you dont have to worry about one thing. Definietly would recomend to anyone.

    - TAYLOR G.

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  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

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  • Manchin Injury Law Group, Took care of me when I got into a car accident while I was pregnant. Very scary moment for a first time mom but thankfully Manchin Injury Law Group had my back and treated me great. They made me feel as if I was part of their family. My son is now 7 Months Old and very happy and healthy. I’m very thankful for them for helping me through everything and getting me what we deserved. I 100% would recommend them to anyone. If I ever have an accident again they will be my number 1 phone call!

    - SHAWNNA SHAFFER.

  • The support given helped me to feel like I was included in my personal injury case every step of the way. I was informed about the entire process throughout. It was amazing how quick the turn around time was and I would definitely recommend Attorney Timothy J. Manchin to anyone!

    - ANONYMOUS

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    - TERRI L. ARMENTROUT

  • Excellent experience dealing with Manchin Injury Law. They were very responsive, professional and easy to talk to. I did my homework before I hired a lawyer after my accident and I am so glad I found Manchin Injury Law Group. If you are injured, give them a call!

    - VILLA COVENANTS

  • Taylor and Tim helped make a difficult moment in life, a little more bearable. Easy to communicate with and informative. I will absolutely recommend them to everyone.

    - CHAD BILOTTA

  • Kelly and Taylor did all the hard work so that I didn’t have to. They both cared about my circumstance and got me a nice settlement. Taylor knows what he is doing and I felt comfortable with my case in his hands.

    - JASON + STACIE MORGAN

  • Great lawyers. They helped me with a West Virginia case.

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  • Such a great experience with Taylor and this firm. Thankful for their diligence and their work on our case. Thank you to all!

    - RENEE FLORENCE WARNER

  • Had a easy and smooth experience with a great attorney so when you go there make sure you ask for Taylor.

    - TIM CROSS

  • My experience at the Manchin Injury Law Group was extremely positive, and I would recommend them to anyone who needs a compassionate and experienced lawyer on their side.

    - TAMMY LACARIA

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