FAQ about Insurance Coverage 

1. What is an insurance coverage dispute?

 

A coverage dispute occurs when your insurance company delays, underpays, or denies a claim in a way that seems inconsistent with your policy. These disputes often involve unclear explanations, shifting reasons for denial, or a refusal to fully investigate the loss.

 

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2. What qualifies as insurance “bad faith”?

 

Bad faith refers to an insurer acting unfairly or unreasonably — for example, failing to investigate, ignoring evidence, lowballing without justification, or denying a valid claim. When insurers act in bad faith, they may owe additional damages beyond the original claim.

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3. Why was my claim denied?

 

Common reasons include alleged policy exclusions, insufficient documentation, missed deadlines, or the insurer’s interpretation of the facts. Sometimes the denial is legitimate; other times it’s improper. We review the policy and the insurer’s reasoning to determine whether the denial is valid.

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4. What should I do if my claim was denied?

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Start by gathering your policy, the denial letter, and any communication from the insurer. We can help determine whether the denial was lawful, what evidence is needed, and the best next steps. Preserve all of your documents, and we suggest you keep a detailed timeline of all communications with your insurer -- this can be important evidence later.

 

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5. What if my insurer is delaying my claim instead of denying it?

 

Unreasonable delays can be just as harmful as denials. Insurers have a duty to investigate and resolve claims promptly. If you’re getting endless requests, vague updates, or no response at all, it may be considered bad faith. We encourage you to keep a detailed timeline of all communications with your insurer -- this can be important evidence later.

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6. How do you evaluate my case?

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We offer a free case review for all potential clients. Our Free Case Review process begins with a short online client intake form. Once completed, an attorney will review the information you provide. Please note – the Free Case Review does not include legal advice or a formal opinion on your case, since that requires a more in-depth analysis of your facts and the law. Instead, the purpose of this review is to determine whether your situation may be a good fit for our firm.If your case appears to qualify, our team will follow up with you to request additional information or schedule a phone or video consultation with the attorney.In some situations, a more in-depth document review may be necessary, where the attorney will analyze your policy, the insurer’s explanation, the facts of the loss, and any other relevant documentation. We identify coverage that applies and assess whether the insurer acted fairly, reasonably, and in compliance with applicable law. There is typically a nominal charge for this service, which will be explained by our legal team, if applicable. You have no obligation to accept this option if we offer it to you.

 

 

7. Does hiring an attorney make the insurer treat my claim differently?

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Often, yes. When an experienced attorney becomes involved, insurers tend to respond more promptly, take the claim more seriously, and re-evaluate prior decisions. We ensure your rights are protected and that the insurer can no longer ignore or delay your claim.

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8. How much does it cost to have my claim reviewed?

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We offer a free case review. After reviewing your case, we’ll explain potential fees, which may involve contingency arrangements depending on the facts of your matter. For more on what a free case review entails, visit this page.

 

 

9. How long do insurance dispute cases take?

 

Timelines vary. Some disputes resolve quickly after an attorney becomes involved; others require negotiation, appraisal, arbitration, or litigation. We outline realistic expectations after reviewing your specific claim.

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10. What types of insurance claims do you handle?

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Wells Law - Chicago handles homeowners, auto, renters, property damage, water/fire/storm losses, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, business interruption, and other first-party coverage disputes.