144,000
Sandy claims reopened due to falsified insurer report.
30 Years
This reform has been before the NY Legislature.
$0
What policyholders can recover beyond their claim under current law
Addressing Legal Gaps
Our Mission
Right now, New York law gives insurance companies almost free rein to delay, undervalue, or deny legitimate claims.
Policyholders have no real private right of action to fight back. The New York Unfair Claims Practices Act would change that. It would finally let people hold insurers accountable and recover the full harm they’ve suffered.
“Due to the delay and complete unresponsiveness, we were compelled to file suit over seven months after the fire.”
The Villaltas — Long Island
Tell Albany.
Find your Senator and Assembly Member, then send them the bill.
Why this Law? - The New York Unfair Claims Practices Act
Policyholders who pay insurance premiums should expect insurers to live up to their policy obligations. Currently, insurance companies routinely deny consumers the benefits of the policy they purchased, misrepresent policy coverage, and undervalue claims.
It has also been widely reported that some insurance company experts’ opinions and reports have been falsified and conclusions changed to favor a claim denial to the prejudice of the premium-paying public on a massive scale. This activity is so widespread it resulted in reopening 144,000 Sandy claims. Insurers can now deny or undervalue claims with impunity.
Berel and Hindy — Crown Heights, Brooklyn
“We are trying to live without a kitchen in an incomplete home while we wait….for five years.”
Fire. Lowball, delay, refused appraisal. Two lawsuits. Observant family unable to gather for Sabbath and holidays.
Taffy — Northern Westchester
“I had a water leak. Period. A simple thing…yet because of the mishandling of my insurance claim it turned into a nightmare.”
Still without a home years later. Appraisal costs far beyond what she was told. ER visit from stress.
Five Stars Furniture and Electronics — The Bronx
“Due to the carrier’s inaction and failure to provide any response whatsoever, this small business was forced to close its doors.”
Covered burglary, more than $140,000 in stock. Six months of silence, including to counsel.
Bad Faith for New York publishes first-person accounts of insurance claim handling in New York. Submissions are reviewed before posting. We may decline or redact material. Default public name is first name and last initial unless you choose otherwise. This site is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Sending a story is not a complaint to the Department of Financial Services and is not the filing of a lawsuit. Do not send medical records or Social Security numbers.