INSURANCE BAD FAITH DEMAND LETTER – MISSOURI
To: [Insurance Company Name, Claims Department Address]
From: [Insured/Claimant Name, via Counsel if applicable]
Date: [DATE]
Claim Number: [CLAIM NUMBER]
Policy Number: [POLICY NUMBER]
Insured: [INSURED NAME]
Date of Loss: [DATE OF LOSS]
Claim Type: [First-Party / UM-UIM / Property]
1. INTRODUCTION
This letter demands immediate payment. Continued vexatious refusal to pay exposes Insurer to statutory penalties under Missouri law.
2. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
- Date of Loss: [DATE] — [describe loss]
- Coverage: [$LIMITS]
- Status: [Unpaid / Underpaid / Denied]
3. LEGAL BASIS – MISSOURI BAD FAITH
Vexatious Refusal to Pay (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 375.420)
If an insurer vexatiously refuses to pay a claim, the court may award:
- Damages not to exceed 20% of the first $1,500 of the loss; plus
- 10% of the amount in excess of $1,500; plus
- Reasonable attorney's fees.
A refusal is vexatious if it is without reasonable cause or excuse.
Unfair Claims Practices (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 375.1000 et seq.)
Missouri prohibits unfair claims settlement practices.
4. DAMAGES
- Policy benefits: [$AMOUNT]
- Vexatious refusal penalty (§ 375.420)
- Reasonable attorney's fees
- Interest and costs
5. DEADLINE
Payment due by: [DATE – 30 days]
Signed:
[Name / Attorney]
[Contact Information]