Anchorage Insurance Bad Faith Lawyers

What does an insurer owe its policyholder?

Every insurance policy carries a duty of good faith and fair dealing. An insurer must investigate claims fairly, evaluate them honestly, and pay what it owes without unreasonable delay. In Alaska, an insurer's bad-faith handling of its own policyholder's claim can support a tort claim.

What are the signs of insurance bad faith?

• Denying a claim without a reasonable basis.
• Delaying payment without a good reason.
• Offering far less than the claim is worth.
• Failing to investigate, or ignoring evidence that supports the claim.
• Misstating what the policy covers.
• Refusing to defend a policyholder who is sued.
• Refusing a reasonable chance to settle within policy limits, leaving the policyholder exposed to a larger judgment.

Claims we handle

• Auto claims, including uninsured and underinsured motorist claims.
• Homeowners and property claims.
• Commercial and business interruption claims.
• Liability coverage and duty-to-defend disputes.
• Class claims involving common claim-handling practices.

The insurance code and private claims

Alaska's insurance code lists unfair claim settlement practices, and the Division of Insurance enforces it. That statute does not itself create a private lawsuit (AS 21.36.125). Contract and bad-faith tort claims can still be available.

Our experience

Partner Peter Sandberg has handled insurance bad faith and coverage cases, including an insurance coverage class action against a major insurer. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any other matter.

What to keep

• Your full policy, including the declarations page.
• Every letter and email from the insurer.
• Notes of phone calls, with dates and names.
• Photos, estimates, and invoices.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• AS 21.36.125 (unfair claim settlement practices).

This page gives general information, not legal advice for your situation.