When you file an insurance claim in Washington State—whether for your home, business, or rental property—you expect your insurer to honor their promise. But when they delay, deny, or underpay your claim without a valid reason, that may be considered bad faith. In Washington, that kind of misconduct isn’t just wrong. It’s against the law.
So what happens when an insurance company crosses the line? And more importantly, how much is a bad faith insurance claim actually worth?
Let’s take a closer look.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Bad Faith Claim?
The value of a bad faith claim often goes well beyond the original amount your insurer failed to pay. In Washington State, compensation may include:
- The original policy benefits — what the insurer should have paid you in the first place
- Additional financial damages — including the cost of delays, out-of-pocket expenses, or loss of business income
- Damages for emotional distress — especially in cases where the insurer’s actions caused severe stress or disruption to your life or work
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs — when misconduct is proven, insurers may be required to pay your legal expenses
Washington State law gives policyholders powerful tools to hold insurers accountable — including the Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA), which allows for enhanced damages when an unreasonable denial of benefits is proven.
What Affects the Value of Your Case?
Every bad faith case is different. But a few common factors play a major role in how much your claim might be worth:
- The severity of the insurer’s behavior — Were their actions negligent, deceptive, or clearly unlawful?
- The impact on your life or business — Did the delay or denial cause financial strain, force you to close your doors, or leave you without a livable home?
- The type of policy involved — Homeowners, business, or landlord claims may lead to different outcomes depending on the scale of loss.
- Washington law — State regulations offer strong protections for policyholders, giving you more legal tools to pursue compensation.
- Settlement versus trial — Some cases settle quickly, while others go to trial and may result in higher awards if a jury finds bad faith occurred.
While some bad faith claims may resolve for modest amounts, others—particularly those involving substantial financial or personal losses—can result in six- or seven-figure outcomes.
The Importance of Documentation
If you suspect your insurer is acting in bad faith, documentation is key.
Save everything, including:
- Emails, letters, and call logs with your insurer
- Copies of your insurance policy
- Photos, videos, receipts, and estimates related to the damage
- Notes about delays, mixed messages, or questionable denial reasons
The more you can document, the stronger your case becomes.
When to Talk to a Lawyer
If your claim has been denied or delayed without a clear, valid reason, it’s time to speak with a legal team that focuses on insurance misconduct in Washington.
At Bastion Law, we review your claim, your policy, and how the insurance company handled your case. If we see signs of misconduct, we act fast to protect your rights and recover full compensation. We don’t just go through the motions—our reputation as a trial-focused firm means insurers know we’re prepared to take them to court if needed.
You Paid for Coverage. You Deserve Accountability.
When insurers fail to hold up their end of the agreement, we make them answer for it. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or landlord, your financial future shouldn’t hinge on an insurance company’s bad behavior.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis—so you don’t pay unless we recover money for you.
Contact Bastion Law today to schedule your free consultation.