Do you think your insurance company is great at taking your money, but terrible at paying it back out? If so, you are not alone. An insurance company is just that . . . a company. And, as a company, they have a duty to ensure that their business is profitable. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for an insurance carrier to devalue or deny a claim simply as a business decision.
Don't be bullied.
Under Massachusetts law, consumers are protected by "Chapter 93A" and "Chapter 176d." Taken together, these laws protect people from insurance bad faith. The two chapters were specifically developed to ensure that consumers are protected from unfair business practices and deception.
What is insurance bad faith?
Essentially, an insurance company has the duty to act in good faith toward its customers. This means that all claims must be thoroughly investigated. If a claim was denied without proper investigation it can be said that the insurance company didn't act in the consumer's best interest. Additionally, if a claim was devalued without the proper documentation or delayed unnecessarily, it might also be an indication of bad faith.
Too many people simply accept the insurance company's decision and move on with their lives. It is crucial to remember that you have paid an insurance carrier for years - or even decades - to protect your financial wellbeing after a serious accident. You have "insurance" that you will not face financial disaster if you your car was totaled in an accident. When your chosen insurance carrier doesn't hold up their end of the deal, it is crucial that you seek out an experienced personal injury attorney who knows how to negotiate with these companies . . . and will hold them accountable for unfair business practices.
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