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How new regulations affect bad faith insurance claims

On Behalf of | Sep 16, 2024 | Insurance Law

Recent changes in insurance laws have made a big impact on handling bad faith insurance claims. The design of these new rules protects policyholders by making sure insurance companies act fairly.

Stricter rules for insurance companies

The new regulations set higher standards for insurance companies. Under the California Insurance Code, Section 790.03, they now have to communicate more clearly and respond to policyholders faster. For example, if an insurer denies a claim, they must give a detailed reason why. This helps you understand what’s going on with your claim and gives you a better chance to fix any problems.

Tougher penalties

The new rules also bring tougher penalties for insurance companies that don’t play fair. In the past, some insurers got away with unfair practices because the penalties weren’t strong enough. Now, if an insurance company acts in bad faith, they face bigger fines (up to $10,000 per violation) and legal trouble. These tougher penalties make it more likely that insurers will treat policyholders fairly.

More help for policyholders

The California Department of Insurance is offering more help to policyholders. They’ve made it easier to understand your rights and to get assistance. You can access clearer information and get support if you need to challenge a bad-faith action. This extra help gives you more power to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Understanding the new insurance rules

California’s new regulations have changed the process of handling bad faith insurance claims. By knowing your rights and understanding these new rules, you can handle the claims process with more confidence.