Steps to Take After a Denial — and How to Spot Bad Faith
You’ve paid your premiums. You filed your claim. And now, your insurance company says “denied.” For many Washington homeowners, this is the most frustrating moment in the aftermath of property damage. Whether the issue was fire, flooding, or another unexpected event, a claim denial can leave you feeling powerless.
At Bastion Law, we help homeowners across Washington fight back when insurers refuse to honor valid claims. If you’ve just received a denial letter, don’t give up. Here’s what you need to do next.
Step 1: Get the Denial in Writing
Insurers are legally required to provide written notice explaining why your claim was denied. If you received only a phone call or vague summary, request a formal explanation that includes:
- The specific policy language or exclusion being cited
- The facts and reasoning the insurer relied on
- Any supporting documentation they used to reach their decision
This letter is the foundation of your next steps—and may reveal inconsistencies or improper handling.
Step 2: Review the Reason for Denial
Some common reasons for denied claims include:
- Damage classified as “wear and tear”
- Alleged policy lapses or missed payments
- Exclusions for certain types of water or fire damage
- Damage Allegedly Pre-Existed the Policy
- Lack of Supporting Evidence
Many of these reasons are open to interpretation—and in some cases, misused. Insurers sometimes apply exclusions unfairly or twist policy language to avoid payment.
Step 3: Gather Documentation
Organize everything related to your claim. This includes:
- A full copy of your homeowners insurance policy (not just the summary or declarations page)
- The denial letter(s) from the insurer
- Any estimates, photos, videos, or inspection reports you submitted
- All emails or written correspondence with the insurer
- Notes from phone calls with adjusters or representatives
Strong documentation can be the difference between a denied claim and a fully repaired home.
Step 4: Look for Signs of Bad Faith
In Washington, insurance companies must handle claims honestly, promptly, and reasonably. If they don’t, it may constitute insurance bad faith. Watch for:
- Long delays with no updates or justification
- Requests for the same documents multiple times
- Conflicting statements from different representatives
- Denials based on unclear or misapplied policy language
- Pressure to accept less than needed to fully repair your home
If you’re seeing any of these red flags, legal action may be warranted.
Step 5: Know Your Rights—and Act Quickly
You don’t have to accept your insurer’s decision. Under Washington law, you have the right to challenge a denial and seek compensation not just for your loss, but for any financial harm caused by bad faith handling.
But time matters. Evidence can be lost or destroyed, and some deadlines for legal action are strict. If you’re facing a denial, don’t wait.
Bastion Law Can Help
We don’t just review documents —we take action. At Bastion Law, we represent homeowners whose valid insurance claims were delayed, denied, or underpaid. Our team:
- Reviews your denial and policy language in full
- Identifies violations of Washington insurance law
- Builds a legal strategy designed to hold insurers accountable
We work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win for you. No upfront fees. No guessing games. Just real legal support when your insurer stops playing fair.