BAD FAITH

Filing a bad faith insurance claim means you’re holding your insurance company accountable for failing to honor the promises they made under your policy. When an insurance provider delays payments, denies a valid claim, or engages in unfair practices, they may be acting in “bad faith.” In these situations, Florida law allows policyholders to seek justice through a bad faith lawsuit.

Insurance companies are required to act in good faith when handling claims, but sometimes they don’t. Common signs of bad faith include:

• Unjustified denial of claims: Your claim is denied without a valid explanation or after a limited investigation.
• Delaying payment or response: The insurance company delays processing your claim or responding to inquiries without reason.
• Lowball settlement offers: Offering significantly less than what your claim is worth.
• Failure to properly investigate: Not thoroughly reviewing the facts of your claim.
• Misrepresentation of policy terms: The company misleads you about the coverage limits or the terms of your policy.

If you're experiencing any of these, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Before you can file a bad faith lawsuit, Florida law requires that you first file a Civil Remedy Notice of Insurer Violation (CRN). This notice gives the insurance company 60 days to correct the alleged misconduct. To complete the CRN properly, you must:

• Identify the specific laws or regulations the insurer violated.
• Provide a detailed explanation of how the insurer acted in bad faith.
• Specify the damages or losses caused by the insurer’s actions.

The process can be complex, so working with a skilled attorney can ensure your CRN is complete and filed correctly.

A Civil Remedy Notice (CRN) is a legal requirement in Florida that serves as an official notice to the insurance company, detailing their alleged bad faith actions. Filing a CRN is a critical first step in any bad faith insurance claim because it gives the insurance company 60 days to resolve the issue. If they fail to correct the problem during this period, you may then pursue a bad faith lawsuit. The CRN process is essential in showing that the insurer had an opportunity to make things right but chose not to.

No, a bad faith claim can only be filed after the underlying insurance dispute is resolved. However, if your insurance company is delaying payments, denying coverage, or engaging in other wrongful conduct, it’s important to consult with an attorney early. While the bad faith lawsuit itself can only begin after the dispute ends, an attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure you are taking the necessary steps in the meantime.

Once you file a Civil Remedy Notice, the insurance company has 60 days to correct the conduct outlined in the notice. If they fail to act within that timeframe, you may then have grounds to file a bad faith lawsuit. During this period, your attorney will carefully monitor the insurance company’s actions to see if they attempt to remedy the situation or if further legal action is necessary.

At Murray Law Group, we understand the frustration and stress that come with fighting an insurance company. We’re here to relieve that burden. From filing the Civil Remedy Notice to negotiating a fair settlement or representing you in court, our attorneys handle every aspect of your bad faith claim. We stand by your side, holding insurance companies accountable and ensuring they fulfill their obligations. You don’t have to take on the insurance industry alone—contact Murray Law Group today to fight for the compensation you deserve.