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Bad Faith Blog

We cover current issues, highlights and best practices exclusively on claims of bad faith and extra contractual damages.

Bad Faith Blog
April 23, 2019

Pennsylvania Insurer Protected From Unfounded Bad Faith Allegation, Requiring a “Clear Conviction” of Insurer’s Bad Faith

The Western District of Pennsylvania held that an insurer did not act in bad faith but was well within its rights in denying an insured’s claim and voiding his policy.  The insured’s material misrepresentations caused the court to find that no reasonable jury could conclude that the insurer acted in bad faith in denying the claim. Mr. Felix submitted a homeowner’s insurance claim in excess of $1 million after a fire ravaged his home. The insurer assigned the case to a special investigations unit after identifying several “red flags” suggesting fraud. 

Bad Faith Blog
August 18, 2017

Michigan Supreme Court: UTPA Penalty Interest Proper for Untimely UIM Benefit Payments

Insured injured in a car accident claimed underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits because the adverse driver was insufficiently insured. The insured asked the court to assess penalty interest under the Uniform Trade Practices Act (UTPA) for payments made far beyond the statutory deadline. The trial court and Court of Appeals refused finding that penalty interest did not apply because the claim essentially placed the insured in the shoes of a third-party claimant. Because the claim was “reasonably in dispute” for purposes of MCL 500.2006(4), no penalty interest was owed. The Supreme Court of Michigan held that an insured making a first party claim cannot be considered a “third party tort claimant” under the Act. The Court reversed and remanded for further proceedings.