Ontario Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer

Ontario Bad Faith Insurance Attorney

California residents should be able to rely on their insurance policies for financial help after a qualifying event. However, they often find themselves facing unfair claim denials for confusing reasons. A knowledgeable Ontario bad faith insurance lawyer can help you fight this and determine if your insurance company was acting in bad faith.

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.

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Hire a Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer

Since 2011, Kristin Hobbs and Timothy Hobbs of Hobbs Law Group have helped hundreds of California residents seek justice. They have fought to recover millions of dollars in their client cases and are proud to be effective lawyers during settlement meetings and court hearings.

Hobbs Law Group offers free consultations to those living in Ontario and the surrounding cities.

Understanding Bad Faith Insurance in Ontario

Bad faith insurance refers to situations where an insurance company doesn’t act fairly or honestly with the policyholder. In 2024, California insurance companies collected more money in premiums, but paid a smaller portion in claims than in 2023 in most areas.

For example, homeowners’ insurance collected $14.5 billion and paid out about 49% in claims, compared to $13.2 billion and 63% the previous year.

Insurance companies have a legal duty to act in good faith. This means they must:

1. Handle claims reasonably
2. Investigate claims thoroughly
3. Pay valid claims on time

When they fail to do so, they may be acting in bad faith. You may also be facing similar actions from a third-party insurance company, such as the insurance from the other driver in a car crash. These companies must also act in good faith, even if they aren’t your insurance company. If fraud or intimidation is suspected, you may be able to open a claim against them.

If proven, the policyholder can sometimes recover more than the original policy amount. It’s important to hire a bad faith insurance lawyer to represent your case.

The attorneys at Hobbs Law Group have years of experience facing insurance companies and understand the tactics they use to avoid paying compensation. We’re not afraid to escalate the case if needed and commonly represent our Ontario clients at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court, located at 8303 Haven Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga.

Common Red Flags That an Insurance Company May Be Acting in Bad Faith

In 2024, all fire, homeowners, workers’ compensation, private passenger auto, and Proposition 103 insurance companies in California brought in $106.6 billion in premiums and only paid out 62% in claims, compared to $96.3 billion and 68% in 2023. As time goes on, companies are paying out less to their policyholders.

When you buy a policy, you expect the insurer to investigate, communicate, and pay legitimate claims. Red flags of an insurance company acting in bad faith can include:

• Delaying their decision regarding your claim. A short delay can be understandable when investigations are ongoing, but when months pass with no substantial updates, the insurer may be stalling.
• Requesting the same documents, over and over again
• Poor communication. Insurers should give regular updates. If phone calls go unanswered, or you’re given vague non-answers, the insurer may be trying to frustrate you into giving up or accepting less money.
• Low settlement offers. If an offer doesn’t reasonably cover your bills or future needs, the company may be counting on your lack of options to get away with paying less.
• Pressure to settle quickly
• Problems with the investigation itself. If the insurer ignores witness statements, overlooks key documents, or focuses on minor inconsistencies while ignoring proof of your loss, that suggests they’re not conducting a thorough review. Remember, these companies are looking for any reason to avoid paying.

If you notice these patterns, it’s reasonable to be worried that the insurer is not handling your claim properly. Come in for a free consultation at Hobbs Law Group to discuss your concerns with one of our Ontario bad faith insurance attorneys.

FAQs About Ontario, CA Bad Faith Insurance Laws

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Bad Faith Insurance Case in Ontario?

In an Ontario bad faith insurance case, a person may be able to recover a few types of damages. Contract damages cover the amount that should’ve been paid under the insurance policy, plus added interest. Extracontractual damages cover losses beyond the value of the denied claim, such as economic and emotional losses. Economic losses can include interest paid on loans taken out to cover expenses the insurer should have paid. Emotional distress damages can include suffering from the claim denial.

What Are Punitive Damages?

Punitive damages are a special type of damages that can be pursued in specific cases. Punitive damages are awarded when the insurer’s behavior is particularly malicious, fraudulent, or oppressive. These damages are meant to punish wrongful conduct and discourage similar behavior by others in the future. Punitive damages can apply when an insurer intentionally hides important facts or shows a willful disregard for a person’s rights. Punitive damages are usually only awarded in the most serious cases of bad faith.

What Must Insurance Companies Do When Handling Insurance Claims in Ontario?

Insurance companies must follow specific rules when handling insurance claims in Ontario. Once an insurer receives proof of a claim, it must accept or deny it within 40 calendar days. If the claim is denied, the insurer must explain why in writing. If more time is needed to decide on the claim, the insurer must notify the claimant in writing within that same 40-day period and continue to update them every 30 days until a final decision is made.

What Evidence Can Help My Bad Faith Insurance Claim in California?

Having as much diverse evidence as possible can help prove your bad faith insurance claim in California. Keep a record of every conversation with the insurance company, including emails, letters, and phone calls. Save all medical records, bills, incident reports, or any other official documents that relate to your claim. Take photos or videos of the accident or event that caused your claim.

Choose an Experienced Law Firm in California

When you meet with Hobbs Law Group, you aren’t treated as just another case number. Our team values fairness and fights tirelessly to do what’s right. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with one of our attorneys. We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t accept payment for your case until we secure compensation for you.