After Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, thousands of homeowners turned to their insurance companies for help. But instead of timely assistance and full payouts, many were met with silence, delays, or outright denials. When an insurer fails to treat you fairly under the terms of your policy, it’s not just frustrating; it could be bad faith insurance, and that’s a legal issue worth fighting.
If you suspect your insurance company is acting unfairly, call our law firm. At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we help policyholders understand their rights, recognize insurer misconduct, and pursue legal action when necessary.
What Is Bad Faith Insurance?
Bad faith insurance refers to an insurance company’s unfair or dishonest practices in handling a policyholder’s claim. Every insurer has a legal duty to act in good faith, which means processing claims promptly, communicating clearly, and paying out valid insurance claims according to the policy.
When insurers breach this duty, they may be held liable for more than just the original insurance claim amount; they could be responsible for additional damages, legal fees, and even punitive damages.
Recognizing Bath Faith After Your Hurricane Milton Claim is Denied
Hurricane-related claims are complex, but that doesn’t excuse unethical behavior. After Hurricane Milton, many policyholders encountered insurance companies using tactics that may qualify as bad faith insurance practices, including:
- Unreasonable delays in communication or payment
- Failing to investigate the claim promptly or thoroughly
- Offering extremely low settlements without justification
- Denying claims without a proper explanation
- Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage limitations
- Failing to respond to inquiries
If your insurer has engaged in any of these actions, it may be time to examine it more closely.
Do I Have a Bad Faith Practices Case?
Here are a few criteria to help determine whether you may have a case against your insurance company regarding your legitimate claims denial:
- You followed the rules: You filed your insurance claim on time, provided documentation, and complied with your policy requirements.
- Your claim was denied or delayed without cause: Insurance companies must give clear reasons for denial. If their explanation is vague, inconsistent, or missing altogether, it may indicate bad faith.
- You were offered an unreasonably low settlement: If the payout isn’t close to your repair or replacement costs and no justification is provided, this could be a red flag.
- The insurer ignored you: If you’re constantly left in the dark, chasing down adjusters, or not receiving status updates, your rights may be violated.
Even one of these issues could signal bad faith, but multiple signs strengthen your case significantly, hopefully helping you receive fair compensation.
Steps to Take If You Suspect an Unfair Settlement and Bad Faith
- Request all communications in writing: If your insurance company is stalling or denying your Hurricane Milton claim, get their reasoning in writing.
- Document everything: Save all documents. The more organized you are, the stronger your case and property damage claim.
- Request a detailed breakdown of your insurance policy: Ask your insurance company to explain how their denial aligns with your coverage. Their response, or lack of one, can be revealing.
- File a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services: This sends a message that you’re serious and may prompt faster action or oversight.
- Consult a property damage attorney: Legal support can help you build a case, escalate the issue, and pursue compensation beyond the originally offered insurance claim.
Common Missteps to Avoid for Your Hurricane Milton Claim
When dealing with a possible bad faith situation, be cautious not to:
- Accept a lowball offer just to move on: It could jeopardize your rights later
- Rely solely on verbal communication: Always request confirmation in writing
- Miss deadlines for appealing or escalating your claim: These can impact your legal options
- Give up too soon: Insurers often hope policyholders will simply walk away after a denied claim
The claims process often requires persistence, and property owners who receive a denied claim may need to hire their own insurance adjuster and seek legal advice.
The Role of Legal Representation
At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we specialize in helping Floridians take on powerful insurance companies. Here’s how our legal professionals support bad faith claimants:
- Conduct a policy and denial review to identify signs of misconduct
- Gather and present documentation that supports your case
- Negotiate directly with insurers to seek maximum compensation
- Pursue legal action when insurers refuse to act in good faith or if you find your Hurricane Milton claim denied
Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your property damage claim.
Don’t Let Your Insurer Get Away With Bad Faith
If you believe your insurer is playing games, you may have a strong case for a bad faith insurance claim. Delays, denials, or deception after Hurricane Milton aren’t just wrong—they may be illegal.
At Larry Moskowitz, PA, we fight for policyholders across Florida who’ve been wronged by their insurance companies. Schedule your free consultation today, and let’s talk about how we can help you get what you’re truly owed.