California Insurance Bad Faith Claims Attorney
Standing Up to Insurance Companies for You
When you pay for insurance, you expect your provider to honor their promise to protect you in times of need. Unfortunately, some insurance companies in California engage in bad faith practices, wrongfully denying, delaying, or underpaying claims to maximize their profits. If you’ve been unfairly treated by your insurer, our dedicated California insurance bad faith claims attorneys are here to hold them accountable and secure the compensation you’re entitled to. We understand the frustration and financial strain caused by bad faith tactics, and we’re committed to fighting for your rights with tenacity and compassion.
With millions of insurance policies active in California in 2025, bad faith claims are a growing issue. Our team leverages deep knowledge of insurance law to deliver justice for policyholders. Don’t let an insurance company take advantage of you—contact us today for a free consultation to reclaim what’s rightfully yours.
What is Insurance Bad Faith?
Insurance bad faith occurs when an insurer fails to act in good faith and deal fairly with policyholders, violating the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing inherent in every insurance contract. In California, common examples include:
Wrongful Claim Denials
Refusing to pay a valid claim without a reasonable basis.
Unreasonable Delays
Intentionally stalling claim processing to pressure policyholders into accepting less or abandoning their claim.
Lowball Offers
Offering settlements far below the claim’s value to save money.
Failure to Investigate
Neglecting to thoroughly review a claim or ignoring evidence supporting coverage.
Misrepresenting Policy Terms
Providing false or misleading information about coverage to avoid payment.
Our attorneys meticulously analyze your policy and the insurer’s actions to build a compelling case for bad faith.
California’s Insurance Bad Faith Laws
California has strong protections for policyholders, governed by statutes and case law that hold insurers accountable. Key legal frameworks include:
California Insurance Code Section 790.03(h)
Defines unfair claims settlement practices, such as misrepresenting facts, failing to investigate promptly, or denying claims without reasonable cause.
Implied Covenant of Good Faith
Every insurance contract in California includes an implied promise that insurers will act fairly and promptly, enforceable through civil lawsuits.
Civil Code Section 1714
Establishes a general duty of care, supporting claims when insurers act negligently or recklessly.
Pure Comparative Negligence
Allows recovery even if you contributed to the claim dispute, with damages reduced by your fault percentage.
Notable Advantage: California law allows for punitive damages in bad faith cases where the insurer’s conduct is particularly egregious, significantly increasing potential compensation.
Recoverable Damages in Bad Faith Claims
If your insurer has acted in bad faith, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Policy Benefits
The full amount owed under your insurance policy, such as property damage, medical costs, or disability payments.
Economic Losses
Additional financial harms, like lost wages or out-of-pocket expenses caused by the insurer’s actions.
Emotional Distress
Damages for stress, anxiety, or mental anguish resulting from the insurer’s bad faith.
Attorney’s Fees
Recoverable under California law to cover legal costs, easing the burden of pursuing justice.
Punitive Damages
Awarded in cases of malicious or oppressive conduct to punish the insurer and deter future misconduct.
Obstacles in Bad Faith Insurance Cases
Pursuing an insurance bad faith claim can be challenging due to:
Insurer Defenses
Companies may argue your claim was invalid, you failed to comply with policy terms, or their denial was reasonable.
Complex Policies
Insurance contracts are often dense with technical language, making it hard to identify violations without legal expertise.
Resource Disparity
Insurers have vast legal teams and resources to fight claims, intimidating policyholders.
Proving Bad Faith
Demonstrating intentional or unreasonable conduct requires detailed evidence of the insurer’s actions.
Our attorneys counter these obstacles by analyzing policy documents, correspondence, and claim records, and by consulting industry experts to expose bad faith practices.
Time Limits for Filing Bad Faith Claims
California imposes strict deadlines for insurance bad faith claims. Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 339, you generally have four years from the date of the insurer’s bad faith act to file a lawsuit. However, if the claim involves personal injury or property damage, the statute may be two years under Section 335.1. For claims against public insurers, a government claim must be filed within six months.
Critical Action: Document all interactions with your insurer, including letters, emails, and phone calls, to establish a timeline and support your claim.
Steps to Strengthen Your Bad Faith Claim
To build a strong insurance bad faith case, take these steps:
Review Your Policy
Understand your coverage and keep a copy of your insurance contract.
Document Communications
Save all correspondence with the insurer, including denial letters, emails, and call logs.
File Promptly
Submit your claim as soon as possible and follow up regularly to avoid delays.
Seek Independent Assessments
Obtain third-party evaluations (e.g., repair estimates or medical opinions) to support your claim’s value.
Contact an Attorney
Consult a bad faith insurance attorney to evaluate the insurer’s conduct and pursue legal action.
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Vehicle-Related Accidents
Premises & Liability Cases
Serious & Catastrophic Injuries
Why Work With Our Bad Faith Attorneys
Our California insurance bad faith attorneys offer:
Deep Legal Expertise
We’ve successfully challenged major insurers, securing substantial settlements for policyholders.
Detailed Case Analysis
We scrutinize policy terms, claim denials, and insurer conduct to uncover bad faith practices.
Tenacious Representation
We negotiate aggressively with insurers and are prepared to litigate for maximum recovery.
Client-Centered Support
We provide clear guidance and emotional support, keeping you informed every step of the way.
No Upfront Fees
Keep clothing, shoes, or other items involved in the incident.
Get Justice for Insurance Bad Faith Today
Why let an insurance company profit at your expense? Call us or fill out our online contact form now to get started. With our contingency fee approach, you pay nothing unless we win.