You pay your premium every month. You drive carefully. You trust your insurance company will have your back if something goes wrong.
Then the accident happens — and suddenly, you’re hit with something else: a denied claim.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Arizona drivers find themselves in a second battle after a crash — this time, with their own insurer.
Let’s break down what’s really going on behind those denied claims, what Arizona law says in 2025, and what you can do if your insurance company isn’t playing fair.
They Promised Protection — Then Denied Your Claim
Most people assume full coverage means full protection. But after a crash, many Arizona drivers are shocked to find their claim rejected, delayed, or lowballed — often without a clear explanation.
Common excuses include:
- “There’s not enough documentation.”
- “You waited too long to report the accident.”
- “You weren’t covered for that kind of damage.”
- “We’re still investigating.”
It’s frustrating. And when your medical bills are piling up or you’re stuck without a car, it can feel downright impossible to fight back.
Here’s the thing: not every denial is legal.
When Delays Become Deception: Arizona’s Bad Faith Law
Insurance companies are businesses. And like any business, they try to minimize payouts. But in Arizona, they’re also held to a legal standard known as the duty of good faith and fair dealing.
If an insurer unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim, they may be acting in bad faith — and that’s against the law.
Under ARS § 20-461, insurance companies are required to promptly investigate and process claims. They must respond to communications within a reasonable time, provide a clear reason for any claim denial and offer a fair settlement based on the facts of the case
In 2025, Arizona courts continue to uphold bad faith lawsuits, and in serious cases, victims may be awarded punitive damages or reimbursement for attorney’s fees — especially if the insurer intentionally misled or harmed the policyholder.
How to Spot Bad Faith After a Car Crash
You don’t need to be a legal expert to know when something feels wrong. If your insurance company is dodging your calls, making up new requirements, or offering pennies on the dollar, you may be dealing with more than just a slow claims process.
Insurance companies are legally obligated to treat you fairly. That means reviewing your claim promptly, communicating clearly, and offering a reasonable payout based on your coverage and the facts. When they start bending those rules — or breaking them — it may signal bad faith behavior. Watch for these red flags:
- Your claim was denied without a clear, written reason
If you simply get a vague “not covered” message with no explanation, they’re violating Arizona regulations. You have the right to know why you were denied. - The insurer keeps “losing” or ignoring your paperwork
If you’ve submitted documents multiple times — police reports, medical bills, proof of injury — and they keep claiming they never received them, that’s not just disorganization. It could be a stalling tactic. - The adjuster refuses to explain how they calculated your payout
A common example: you get offered $2,000 for damages and medical bills that clearly cost much more. You ask why, and they just say, “That’s our evaluation.” No breakdown. No clarity. That’s not okay. - They pressure you to settle quickly, without reviewing your injuries
Some adjusters try to get accident victims to sign release forms within days — before you’ve even seen a doctor or gotten test results. Once you sign, you can’t go back. That kind of pressure isn’t just unethical — it could be illegal.
If any of these situations sound familiar, it’s time to stop trusting the insurer to do the right thing on their own. Start asking questions — and seriously consider talking to a personal injury attorney.
What You Can Do (Starting Today)
You don’t have to sit back and hope for a better outcome. You can take action — and the sooner you do, the better your chances of recovering what you’re owed.
Here’s how to take back control after a denied or delayed car accident claim:
- Get a copy of your full policy — not just the summary.
Many people only see a few pages when they sign up for coverage. But the real details — including exclusions, limits, and deadlines — are often buried in the full document. You have the right to request it. - Keep everything in writing — phone calls, emails, paperwork.
If an adjuster says something over the phone, follow up with an email: “Just confirming what we discussed…” This creates a paper trail that can be crucial if you later file a complaint or lawsuit. - Ask for a written explanation.
Arizona law requires insurers to provide specific reasons for denial or delay. Don’t accept vague responses or verbal shrugs. Put your request in writing — and keep a copy. - Consult a personal injury lawyer.
Most car accident lawyers in Arizona offer free consultations and work on contingency — which means they only get paid if you win. They can evaluate your case, pressure the insurer to act fairly and file a bad-faith lawsuit if needed.
Don’t let the insurance company call all the shots. You have rights — and in many cases, you’re entitled to far more than they want to admit. When you speak up and get legal support, you shift the balance of power back where it belongs — in your hands.
After a car crash, your focus should be on healing — not fighting your own insurance provider.
If you’ve been left in the dark, denied coverage, or treated unfairly after an accident in Arizona, don’t stay silent. You may have a case for bad faith, and you don’t have to face it alone.
