Can I sue an insurance company for ignoring me?
Asked by: Miracle Dicki | Last update: November 3, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (66 votes)
What to do if an insurance company ignores you?
You should try to contact the supervisor of the adjuster (if there is one). If not, you can report the company to your state's insurance commission. You may also want to consult with a personal injury lawyer (if you were injured).
Can you sue an insurance company for not responding?
Seeking Legal Advice
A lawyer specializing in insurance law can guide you through your options and help you decide on your next steps. Yes, it is possible to sue an insurance company if they are taking too long to settle a claim, as this could be considered bad faith.
When should you sue an insurance company?
You may be able to sue your insurance company for bad faith if they intentionally neglect to perform the duties necessary according to your policy. If the insurance company knows that the claim is valid but they deny it anyway, you may be able to sue for bad faith.
How likely is an insurance company to sue you?
While subrogation allows insurance providers to pursue third parties, an insurer usually cannot sue their policyholders. However, there are certain situations where an insurer may take legal action against its policyholder.
The Insurance Company is Ignoring My Claim. What Can I Do? | Denver Attorney Offers Solutions
Can I sue my insurance company for emotional distress?
Yes, you can sue for emotional distress under the common law standard, but it can be hard to prove. This is because you must show that the result of your claim denial caused you pain and suffering or emotional distress. This intangible loss can be more difficult to prove than, say, the cost of medical bills.
Can I sue my insurance company for taking too long?
The answer to this question is complex, but California health insurance providers are bound by state law to respond to claims within a specific amount of time. If they fail to do so, you may have the basis for a lawsuit against your insurer due to bad faith.
Do you have to have a lawyer to sue an insurance company?
If you've found yourself in this situation and are considering legal action, you might be wondering if you can sue an insurance company without hiring a lawyer. It is definitely possible, but it's essential to understand the potential challenges and complexities involved.
What is an example of negligence in insurance?
Negligence is an insurance term that is tied to various types of liability insurance, such as home, life, health, business, and auto. For example, perhaps a retail shop owner was negligent by leaving their water hose out after cleaning the sidewalk, causing a passerby to trip.
What is it called when an insurance company refuses to pay a claim?
If your insurance company unreasonably delays or denies your claim, you may have a claim for bad faith.
What happens if insurance doesn't respond?
Insurers Do Not Need to Respond to Demand Letters
However, your attorney will be ready to take action against the company if they refuse to give your claim the attention it deserves. This might be by filing a civil lawsuit against the company if they continue to handle your claim in bad faith.
Why would someone sue an insurance company?
Third-Party Lawsuits
This proposition allows an individual or a business to file a third-party lawsuit against an insurance company for unfair claims practices in handling liability claims. (Liability insurance provides financial protection to individuals and businesses for harm that occurs to others.)
How do I fight back against insurance companies?
- Internal appeal: If your claim is denied or your health insurance coverage canceled, you have the right to an internal appeal. ...
- External review: You have the right to take your appeal to an independent third party for review.
Why is my insurance ghosting me?
Insurance companies often try to avoid liability for a claimant's losses entirely through delays or wrongful claim denials. Sometimes, an insurance company will ignore your claim and not return your phone calls to save money. If an insurance company is ignoring you, be proactive about pursuing coverage.
How long after a demand letter can I expect settlement?
In some cases, you may receive a response within a few weeks, while in others, it may take several months.
What to do if an insurance company is stalling?
- Ask the adjuster for a complete list of documents and information needed to fully evaluate your claims.
- Keep physical copies of all evidence that can support your claim.
- Follow up with the insurance company regularly.
What are the 4 types of negligence?
While seemingly straightforward, the concept of negligence itself can also be broken down into four types of negligence: gross negligence, comparative negligence, contributory negligence, and vicarious negligence or vicarious liability.
How do you prove negligence in insurance?
To succeed in a negligence case in California, you must establish four key elements: duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Negligence Per Se allows the automatic establishment of duty and breach when a law is violated, making it essential in cases like dog attacks.
What does 100% negligence mean?
The pure comparative negligence rule in California allows injured parties to recover damages no matter how much they were at fault, except if they were 100% responsible. This approach is intended to reflect a more precise measure of each party's contribution to the accident.
How long does it take to sue an insurance company?
If handled quickly, a civil case may be resolved in one year or less. A two-year lifespan is not uncommon for a civil injury case against a single defendant or against an insurance company. Sometimes lawsuits in civil court may last a few years if delays occur.
How do I file a lawsuit against a company without a lawyer?
You start a lawsuit by filing a complaint. In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit.
How do I sue someone's insurance company?
The lawsuit process starts with filing a complaint in court and providing notice to the insurance company of your intention to sue. From here, both parties engage in a process known as discovery where each side gathers evidence and prepares for trial.
What to do if your insurance company ignores you?
- Make a Follow-Up Call. ...
- Document & Keep Everything. ...
- Stay Calm If or When You Do Make Contact with an Adjuster. ...
- Do NOT Feel Pressured to Accept a Settlement. ...
- Request All Follow-Up Contact to Be in Writing. ...
- Talk to a Lawyer.
What happens if insurance doesn't respond in 30 days?
What happens if a settlement claim takes longer than anticipated? Some states require the insurer to provide a written explanation in response to why the claim is taking longer than 30 days. Occasionally, claims are delayed, but most state laws require insurance companies to inform you of the claim's status.
What is a bad faith claim?
Looking for evidence that supports the insurance company's basis for denying a claim and ignoring evidence that supports the policyholder's basis for making a claim is considered bad faith. If an insurer fails to promptly reply to a policyholder's claim, that act of negligence, willful or not, is considered bad faith.