Fontana Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer

Fontana Bad Faith Insurance Attorney

When you’ve suffered an incident that requires filing an insurance claim, you should be able to rely on your insurance company to do the right thing and pay out. Unfortunately, insurance companies are businesses that are looking for any reason to avoid paying. Working with a Fontana bad faith insurance lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Bad Faith Insurance

Contact Hobbs Law Group 24/7 to schedule a free case review with a Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer. You will not pay us anything unless you win.

626-782-4520

Contact Us

Hire a Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer That You Can Trust

Hobbs Law Group has helped California residents with their unique cases since 2011. Attorneys Timothy Hobbs and Kristin Hobbs have secured millions in settlements, such as:

• $700,000 for a client who suffered an insurance claim denial in 2024 after their sports memorabilia was stolen
• Over $16 million for a client who suffered a bad faith case from State Farm in 2022

In 2022, California property and casualty insurance companies had a 52.89% loss ratio. This means that for every $1 collected in premiums, only about 53 cents were paid out in claims. Our team works tirelessly to secure fair compensation for our clients when insurance companies act in bad faith.

We are proud to offer new clients a free consultation with our team. During your meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to explain your situation in detail. Our Fontana bad faith insurance attorneys offer compassion and pass no judgment when meeting with you. We’ll offer our extensive legal knowledge to help you make informed choices regarding your case.

Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies

In 2023, 67.2% of Fontana residents owned their homes. With California homeowner insurance companies cancelling policies during the January 2025 wildfires, many residents have lost trust in the insurance system altogether. It’s meant to be simple: you pay a premium, and if something bad happens, the insurance company pays for it.

Despite this, insurance companies often act in bad faith. Bad faith happens when an insurance company employs shady tactics to avoid paying what it owes. Understanding these tactics can help you protect yourself and your claim. Common red flags can include:

• Disputing liability. Insurance companies may try to shift some or all of the blame onto you, even if you were not at fault
• Having you resubmit claims
• Claiming that your evidence is insufficient
• Delaying claims without reason
• Giving false information about deadlines and what’s covered in your policy
• Trying to settle quickly. They might offer a low amount, hoping you’ll accept it before knowing the full cost of your losses.
• Asking for extra paperwork that you’ve already submitted to them
• Responding slowly to calls and emails. In California, insurance companies have to either accept or deny a claim within 40 days. If the insurance company denies your claim, they have to explain why they do so in writing.

If the company needs longer than the 40-day period to make their determination, they have to notify you in writing. They must continue to update you every 30 days until they make their final decision regarding your claim.

Insurance adjusters may also ask for recorded statements. These are designed to catch you off guard and potentially create statements that could be used against you later. Remember, these companies are looking for any reason to avoid paying. It’s recommended to hire a bad faith insurance lawyer before giving any recorded statement.

Types of Damages Available for Recovery in a California Bad Faith Insurance Case

If you suspect your insurance company in Fontana is acting in bad faith, reach out to Hobbs Law Group to discuss your situation. If we determine your suspicions to be correct, we can pursue a legal case. These cases are generally filed at the Fontana Superior Court, located at 17780 Arrow Boulevard.

In a California bad faith insurance case, a person may be able to recover three main types of damages: 

1. Contract damages: Contract damages represent the amount that should have been paid under the insurance policy, plus added interest. For example, if an insurance company wrongly denied an $80,000 claim, the policyholder could recover that amount along with 10% annual interest.
2. Extracontractual damages: Extracontractual damages cover additional losses that go beyond the value of the denied claim. This includes financial harm and emotional distress.

FAQs About Fontana, CA Bad Faith Insurance Laws

What Types of Evidence Can Help My Bad Faith Insurance Claim in Fontana?

Having extensive and diverse evidence can help your bad faith insurance claim in Fontana. Your lawyer can help you gather witness and expert testimony and incident reports. Providing your medical records can be beneficial, if applicable. Photos and videos of the incident, as well as surveillance footage or traffic camera footage, can be helpful to show what happened. Be sure to keep records of your conversations with the insurance company.

What Is Subrogation When It Comes to Insurance?

Subrogation is what happens when your insurance company pursues a third party to obtain compensation from them. This happens if a third party was responsible for your loss, such as the other driver in a car accident. In California, your insurance company has to notify you if it is pursuing subrogation. If they recover compensation from it, they have to return your deductible to you.

What Are Punitive Damages?

Punitive damages are a third type of damage that may be awarded in specific cases. This includes situations where the insurer’s behavior is malicious, fraudulent, or oppressive. While these damages mean more money for you, they’re specifically meant to further punish the company for its conduct and deter any similar behavior from happening in the future. Punitive damages can apply in scenarios where an insurance company intentionally hides important facts or shows a willful disregard for a policyholder’s legal rights.

What Are Examples of Financial Harm and Emotional Distress Losses in a Bad Faith Insurance Case?

Financial harm and emotional distress losses can vary, depending on the circumstances of your case. Financial harm can include things such as interest paid on loans taken out to cover expenses the insurer should have paid, or damage to a person’s credit if they were forced into bankruptcy. Emotional distress damages can apply if the insurer’s actions caused worry, stress, or suffering during a time when the insured needed protection the most.

Experienced Insurance Law Firm That Locals Trust

You don’t have to try to take on powerful insurance companies alone. The team at Hobbs Law Group is here for you. Contact our office today to schedule your first free consultation and learn how we can help. We’re passionate about helping our clients feel in control of their lives after a devastating event happens.