Insurance is a crucial stopgap between people who get hurt unexpectedly and financial devastation. It helps pay medical expenses and cover lost wages. It can repair your vehicle or even your house, depending on the situation and what lead to your injury.

Although the insurance company approved your claim, they haven’t paid you yet. They are uncommunicative and will not commit to a specific date regarding when you will finally get the funds that you need. Your bills keep piling up, and you feel worried that your credit could suffer if the delay continues.

When does this stop being a source of frustration and start being a form of bad faith insurance?

Every state has unique rules about insurance claims

There are some federal rules regarding bad faith insurance, but most insurance enforcement takes place at the state level. Every state has its own rules regarding insurance claims. Some states have specific rules about turnaround times for claims, while others use broad language. In New Hampshire, companies should pay a claim within five days of approving it. In Massachusetts, there’s no specific rule.

Individual policies may also include specific terms regarding how quickly the company should pay. Determining the laws that apply and reviewing the policy itself can help you figure out if the delay in your insurance claim is an example of bad faith insurance practices.

Once the insurance company crosses that line into bad faith practices, it opens itself up to the risk of civil litigation and even punitive damages. Knowing your right while handling and insurance disputes after your injury will help you get the results that you need.