If you believe your insurance company is intentionally not paying a claim or is misrepresenting information, there are several things you can do in Washington state.
Make A Complaint
You can contact the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) and file a complaint. The Washington State OIC is responsible for regulating the insurance industry and protecting consumers.
You can file a formal complaint with them if you believe your insurance company is acting in bad faith or not handling your claim properly. You can file a complaint online through the OIC’s website or call the Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-562-6900.
Prepare Your Complaint
Before filing a complaint, gather all documentation related to your claim, including correspondence with the insurance company, claim forms, denial letters, and any other relevant records. Documentation is key. You will need to provide records of phone calls, emails and all attempts you have made to properly resolve the claim.
If the complaint is in regards to a third party insurance company (the company that represents an at-fault driver or homeowner), you may be able to file a complaint but, for the most part, if there is any factual dispute regarding liability or injuries, those issues are typically resolved through a lawsuit.
Request a Review by the Insurance Company
Prior to making a formal complaint or filing a lawsuit, you can try to file an appeal or request for further review. Most insurance companies have an internal appeals process. You can request a review of your claim by a higher-level adjuster or a different department. As noted above, keep all records of what you provided in the review/appeal process as well as any correspondence received in response to your request.
Consider Legal Action
If your complaint involves serious misconduct or bad faith, such as deliberate misrepresentation or refusal to pay a valid claim, you might also want to consult with an attorney. Washington State law allows policyholders to sue insurance companies for bad faith and seek damages beyond the original claim amount. If you are considering this step, search for bad faith insurance civil litigation attorneys in your area.
Consumer Protection Resources
In addition to notifying the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, you can also reach out to Better Business Bureau (BBB). Not all companies will response to BBB complaints but it might be another step before taking legal action.
Finally, you could also reach out to the Attorney General’s office. The AG’s office has a Consumer Protection Division and they may be able to offer some guidance on further steps you can take to “encourage” the insurance company to appropriately handle your claim.
Kitsap & Thurston Personal Injury Lawyers – Local Matters!
At Witt Law Group, we help personal injury clients evaluate every angle of their case, from settlement opportunities to trial risks. With experience, expert insight, and compassion, we’re here to guide you through complex legal decisions. If you’re unsure what your case is worth—or whether to settle or go to court—reach out today for a free consultation tailored to your unique situation.
Witt Law Group handles cases in the City of Olympia, City of Lacey, City of Tumwater and Thurston County as well as Kitsap County and the nearby cities of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island, and Kingston. We have been successfully defending our clients’ rights for over 20 years.
We have won numerous awards, including Best of West Sound. We are proud to be the “go to” personal injury lawyers in Kitsap and Thurston counties. Call to get help today. (360) 792-1000
The Witt Law Group does not handle bad faith claims or medical malpractice cases. However, if you have another personal injury matter that you would like to discuss with our attorneys, we are here 7 days a week to help. (360) 792-1000
