How to Prove a Bad-Faith Insurance Claim in California?

By Timothy Hobbs

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Insurance

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Last Modified on Nov 11, 2025

In the aftermath of an accident or injury, you can face mounting medical bills that put severe financial pressure on you and your family. When your insurance claim is denied, it is understandable to feel upset and confused, especially if your conditions should be covered. You may wonder how to prove a bad-faith insurance claim in California. Hobbs Law Group is here to explain a few strategies you can use in your case.

About Us

Hobbs Law Group is dedicated to assisting the people of Los Angeles, Claremont, Pomona, and cities throughout Southern California in their bad-faith insurance claims. Our team has decades of experience and has won settlements worth millions from major providers such as GEICO. Kristin and Timothy Hobbs are active in the local legal community, with Kristen serving as president of the Consumer Attorneys of the Inland Empire in 2022.

What Qualifies as a Bad-Faith Insurance Case?

If you are frustrated with your insurer after an accident on the I-5 or treatment at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, you are not alone. In 2023, the California Department of Insurance received 7,384 formal complaints. The number one reason was a denial of claim, at 27.48%, followed by delays in claim processing at 25.02% and an unsatisfactory settlement offer at 14.28%.

Bad-faith insurance claims are civil cases filed against insurers when they act unlawfully or in breach of their established policy. A few examples of bad-faith conduct by an insurance company include:

• Coverage denial without legitimate reasons
• Unreasonable delays in your case
• Mismanagement of your claim
• Offering a settlement worth far less than what you are owed
• Misrepresentation or deceptive tactics

Insurance bad-faith claims are processed through the Superior Court for the county in which you live. For instance, if you live in Los Angeles, your case would be handled at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, located at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Strategies to Prove Bad-Faith Conduct

The exact strategy that can prove bad-faith conduct differs on a case-by-case basis. The following are common arguments utilized in claims:

• Vague wording: The language used in your denial or offer letter must be clear and direct. You can point out purposeful vague wording that shows a manipulation of your case.
• Policy language: Careful review of your policy and its exact wording can be crucial in your claim. Doing so can highlight how your claim should be covered or the deceptive language the company uses to deny cases.
• Complete claim file: Under state law, you can request your complete claim file, which includes the communications around your case, reasoning, and other related internal deliberations. This can expose how your case was mismanaged and any errors in the process.
• Your communications with the insurer: Document all interactions you have with your insurance provider. Emails and call logs can expose their behavior, while failed attempts to contact them can show their breach of duty.
• Medical or repair records: Some insurers may argue that there is a lack of evidence required for full coverage. Keeping detailed records of property damage repairs or doctors’ notes can push back against this argument.
• Pattern of bad-faith conduct: You can collect internal guidelines and prior complaints to show that the company has acted in a pattern of underpaying or denying valid claims.

Hire an Insurance Bad-Faith Lawyer

Filing a claim against an insurance company can be a daunting prospect to go through alone. Hire an insurance bad-faith lawyer to help you build your case. Your California insurance bad-faith attorney can guide you through the process and advise you on which strategy may be successful.

FAQs

What Is a California Insurance Bad-Faith Case?

Bad-faith insurance cases are defined as an insurer denying a claim in a manner that goes against their policies or violates state regulations. California Insurance Code Statute 790.03 highlights examples of unfair practices, such as unjustified delays, failure to conduct a full investigation, offering much less than is reasonable, or directly telling a claimant not to seek legal counsel.

How Much Does an Insurance Bad-Faith Attorney Cost in California?

How much your California insurance bad-faith attorney costs depends on the complexity of your case, the extent of faulty conduct, whether your case goes to trial, and the workload it involves. An underpaid settlement, where an insurer agrees to an early settlement, typically costs less than a claim involving serious bodily injury that requires litigation. Hobbs Law Group can provide a rough estimate for your total legal costs in our initial consultation.

Do You Need a Lawyer for an Insurance Bad-Faith Claim in California?

California does not legally require you to hire a lawyer to file an insurance bad-faith claim, but doing so can come with key benefits. Someone who has handled similar cases can have a depth of knowledge and experience that may make a positive difference in the proceedings. They can explain your rights, determine a strategy, and assist in each stage of your claim.

What Is Evidence of Bad-Faith Conduct in California?

Evidence that demonstrates bad-faith conduct in a California civil claim changes between cases. If your claim was denied, then the key supporting information is the wording in your policy and how your denial letter contradicts established standards.

You may also use documentation of unreasonable delays or unsatisfactory investigations to prove your insurance provider acted in bad faith. Your attorney can review the evidence with you to determine which angle may be successful.

Speak With an Insurance Bad-Faith Attorney Today

Hobbs Law Group understands how aggravating and confusing an insurance bad-faith claim can be. Our team has years of experience and knowledge representing other clients that we can use to make a positive impact on your case.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. In this meeting, we can discuss the details of your case, learn your story, and explain your potential legal pathways forward. You may also visit our Claremont office, located on West 1st Street, a few blocks west of Pomona College and just south of City Hall.