How to Overcome the "Delay, Deny, Defend" Tactic of Insurance Companies

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If you have recently suffered a catastrophic loss and have a sneaking suspicion that your insurance company has not offered to pay you all that you are entitled to under your policy, you might be on to something.

Suspicion of Fraud

As I have discussed in recent articles, the recession has caused a spike in potentially fraudulent claims and "heightened awareness" on the part of insurance companies when reviewing new claims.

However, the suspicion of fraud is not the only reason you perceive a delay in the payment of your claim. While an insurance company is required to act in good faith in handling your claim, nothing requires them to "maximize" your coverage!

Profits vs. Payouts

According a new book by Jay M. Feinman, Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It, an insurance companies main objective is not to protect the insured, but to protect its profits. Obviously, you may have to hire an attorney to protect yourself.

Insurance Company Hall of Shame

If you are concerned that your carrier has engaged in the "Delay, Deny, Defend" tactic, check out the Halls of Shame and Fame at the Fight Bad Faith Insurance Companies website (www.badfaithinsurance.org). The number one "Hall of Shamer" is Berkshire Hathaway. The second "number one Hall of Shamer" is Hartford. Allstate and State Farm are both listed as number two. The website's Hall of Famers, ranked one through four are: Amica, Chubb, Allianz and Coventry Health.

If you have any further concerns, you may call the Hoag Law Group for a free consultation.

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By clicking "Find a Lawyer", you agree to the Martindale-Nolo Texting Terms. Martindale-Nolo and up to 5 participating attorneys may contact you on the number you provided for marketing purposes, discuss available services, etc. Messages may be sent using pre-recorded messages, auto-dialer or other automated technology. You are not required to provide consent as a condition of service. Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Any information sent through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

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