Huntington Beach Insurance Bad Faith Lawyer
Insurance Bad Faith Attorney in Huntington Beach, CA
Insurance companies are notorious for treating their policyholders with contempt when a claim for benefits is made, making unreasonable offers, ignoring the insured, or wrongfully denying coverage outright. At Bentley & More, LLP, we strive to hold insurance companies accountable to their policyholders, forcing them to abide by their promises and pay the policy benefits that are owed.
What Is Bad Faith?
In California, insurers commit “bad faith” when they unreasonably and without proper cause deny or delay claims for policy benefits. Every insurance policy in California carries an implied duty of good faith and fair dealing, a rule the California Supreme Court confirmed in Gruenberg v. Aetna Insurance Co. (1973) 9 Cal.3d 566. The California Insurance Code also lists specific claim-handling practices insurers cannot use, at Insurance Code section 790.03.
By committing bad faith, the insurers breach the duty of good faith and fair dealing inherent in every policy, and expose themselves to a wide range of damages beyond that normally available for breach of contract. Bentley & More handles many varieties of bad faith and on many types of policies, including everything from common homeowner, disability, life, auto, or commercial general liability policies to more exotic insurance products like those used in the entertainment business or specific policies for special events. We also prosecute claims against insurance brokers for procuring improper or insufficient coverage.
This is not a theoretical problem. In May 2026, the California Department of Insurance filed a formal enforcement action against State Farm after finding hundreds of claim-handling violations tied to the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, under Insurance Code section 790.035, which allows penalties of up to $10,000 per willful violation. Bentley & More has been on the front lines of this fight too, suing USAA and AAA-affiliated insurers on behalf of Los Angeles-area wildfire victims who say their insurers underestimated what it would cost to rebuild their homes.
Founding partner Gregory Bentley has been recognized in Insurance Law by Best Lawyers every year since 2017.Let Bentley & More help tell your story. If your insurer wrongfully denied, delayed, or underpaid your claim, we will work to recover the policy benefits you are owed.
Filing an Insurance Bad Faith Claim in Huntington Beach
If your insurer mishandled your claim, you generally have two options, and they are not mutually exclusive. You can file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance by calling 1-800-927-4357, or you can bring a bad faith lawsuit against your insurer.
Insurance bad faith lawsuits arising out of Huntington Beach are typically filed in Orange County Superior Court, with complex insurance litigation often handled at the court’s Civil Complex Center in Santa Ana. A lawyer can help you decide which path, or both, makes sense for your case.
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Contact Bentley & More for Free Consultation
Our Huntington Beach lawyers are committed to standing by you and fighting for your rights from the beginning of the case through the end, and afterward. All consultations are free and cases are handled on a contingency basis, you have nothing to lose by getting in touch with us and exploring your options. There is no fee unless we obtain a settlement for you. Contact our Insurance Bad Faith lawyers today and take back control of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as insurance bad faith in California?
Insurance bad faith happens when your insurer unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim, or misrepresents your coverage. California Insurance Code section 790.03 lists specific practices insurers cannot use when handling your claim.
How long do I have to file an insurance bad faith claim in California?
Bad faith is generally treated as a tort claim with a two-year deadline, while a breach of contract claim over the same denied benefits generally has four years. Deadlines can shift depending on when the harm was discovered, so it is worth talking to a lawyer before either one passes.
What can I recover in an insurance bad faith lawsuit?
You can generally recover the policy benefits you were owed, plus damages the denial caused, such as financial losses tied to the delay. Punitive damages may also be available if you can show your insurer acted with fraud, oppression, or malice.
Should I file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance or hire a lawyer?
These are not mutually exclusive. A Department of Insurance complaint can prompt an investigation into your insurer, but it does not get you paid or decide whether the insurer owes you money. A lawyer can pursue that on your behalf while your complaint moves forward.
Client Testimonials
“I can’t thank Bentley & More enough, especially Steve. After my dad’s passing in a car accident, they secured a settlement we are so grateful for. From the start, they made sure we were taken care of, handling everything so we didn’t have to worry. Steve went above and beyond, always there when we needed support, and it was such a relief knowing we were in good hands. If you’re looking for a firm that truly cares, Bentley & More is the one. Highly recommend them!” – Kevin Jimenez ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Bentley & More LLP Office
Address: 4931 Birch Street Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: (949) 870-3800
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