Insurance companies play a major role in compensating victims of personal injury, and providing financial relief for medical expenses and other damages. However, it’s important to be aware that some insurers may engage in bad-faith practices, such as delaying or denying valid claims without proper justification.
If your insurer handled your claim in bad faith, you may be able to seek recourse to hold them accountable and recover the compensation you are rightfully owed. However, when filing a bad faith insurance claim, there are several mistakes to avoid to ensure the best chance of success.
Failing to understand your policy
Your insurance policy details the terms and conditions of your coverage including what is covered, the limits of coverage, any exclusions and the procedures for filing a claim. Failing to thoroughly understand your policy can lead to misunderstandings about your rights and entitlements, making it easier for the insurer to exploit loopholes or deny your claim unfairly.
Fail to document all evidence
The success of your bad faith insurance claim will heavily depend on the evidence you can present to support your allegations. Failing to document all relevant evidence, including communications with the insurer, documentation of damages and any other pertinent information, can weaken your case significantly. Keep meticulous records of all interactions with your insurer, including emails, letters and phone calls as well as any documentation related to your injury or damages.
File claim to the wrong department
Your bad faith claim in Oklahoma should be filed with the appropriate regulatory body or legal authority responsible for overseeing insurance practices in the state. In Oklahoma, this would typically involve filing a complaint with the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID). Filing your claim with the wrong department or failing to follow the right procedures could result in delays or complications in your case, potentially undermining your efforts to hold the insurer accountable for their bad faith actions.
If you are considering filing a bad faith insurance claim, consider seeking legal guidance to better understand the steps involved, your rights under the law and the potential challenges you may encounter along the way.