When Your Insurer Won’t Play Fair: Bad Faith Insurance Claims in Albuquerque
You’ve paid your premiums, followed the rules, and trusted your insurance company to be there when it matters. But when you file a claim, everything changes. Suddenly, the insurer delays, underpays, or outright denies what looks like a valid claim. That’s when many people begin to question whether they’re facing bad faith insurance claims in New Mexico.
Just because your insurer says “no” doesn’t automatically mean bad faith. But if they start handling your claim dishonestly, using stalling tactics, or trying to avoid paying what your policy clearly covers, something’s not right. This is where an experienced Albuquerque bad faith insurance attorney like Marrs Griebel Law, Ltd (Marrs Legal) can step in. They help clients across New Mexico navigate unfair insurance practices, and they offer free consultations. For more information: albuquerque bad faith insurance lawyer
What Bad Faith Looks Like in Real Life
Bad faith usually isn’t about one single issue. It shows up as a pattern of questionable behavior. For example, an insurance company might:
- Drag out the claims process for weeks or even months without explanation
- Keep asking for the same documents over and over
- Use vague or confusing policy language to justify a low payment
- Push you to accept an offer that doesn’t fully cover your losses
- Pressure you into giving a recorded statement that could later be used against you
On top of that, the person you’re dealing with—often an adjuster—is trained to protect the company’s interests, not yours. Marrs Legal highlights a common reality: adjusters may try to convince you to accept their decision or get you to say something that weakens your claim.
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied or Underpaid
If your insurance company seems to be acting unfairly, your first priority should be protecting yourself and avoiding costly mistakes. Here are practical steps Marrs Legal recommends:
- Review your policy carefully. Understand what’s covered, what’s excluded, and what deadlines apply.
- Keep a paper trail. Save emails, letters, claim numbers, repair estimates, photos, and notes from any calls.
- Be mindful in conversations. Don’t make casual comments that could be twisted to suggest you’re at fault.
- Be cautious with releases. Some insurers push for access to personal records that aren’t relevant to your claim.
- Speak to an attorney early. The sooner you bring in legal help, the more options you may have to challenge bad faith behavior.
Dispute vs. Complaint: What’s the Difference?
Many people think the first step is to file a complaint with the state. But that’s not the same as disputing the claim.
A dispute is when you challenge the insurer’s denial or underpayment directly. A complaint is a formal filing with the state Insurance Commissioner. While the Commissioner can help move things forward, they don’t represent you. That’s why it’s still important to get legal advice.
Why Marrs Legal Can Help
Bad faith cases are rarely simple. They involve interpreting policy language, meeting deadlines, gathering solid documentation, and often going up against the insurance company’s legal team. Marrs Griebel Law, Ltd has decades of experience helping policyholders stand up to insurers who aren’t playing fair.