INSURANCE BAD FAITH DEMAND LETTER
State of Hawaii
[LAW FIRM LETTERHEAD]
PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
SETTLEMENT COMMUNICATION - FOR RESOLUTION PURPOSES ONLY
PROTECTED UNDER HI RULES OF EVIDENCE AND F.R.E. 408
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
AND VIA EMAIL TO: [ADJUSTER_EMAIL]
Date: [DATE]
[INSURANCE_COMPANY_NAME]
[CLAIMS_DEPARTMENT_ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Attention: [ADJUSTER_NAME], [ADJUSTER_TITLE]
Re: FORMAL BAD FAITH DEMAND - HAWAII LAW
Insured: [INSURED_NAME]
Claimant: [CLAIMANT_NAME]
Policy Number: [POLICY_NUMBER]
Claim Number: [CLAIM_NUMBER]
Date of Loss: [DATE_OF_LOSS]
Policy Limits: [POLICY_LIMITS]
Response Deadline: [RESPONSE_DEADLINE] (This is a Time-Limited Demand)
Dear [ADJUSTER_NAME]:
I. INTRODUCTION AND NATURE OF DEMAND
This firm represents [CLIENT_NAME] ("our client") in connection with the above-referenced insurance claim arising under the laws of Hawaii. This letter constitutes a formal demand for payment of policy benefits wrongfully withheld and serves as notice of [INSURANCE_COMPANY_NAME]'s ("the Company" or "[CARRIER_SHORT_NAME]") bad faith conduct in handling our client's claim under Hawaii law.
As a seasoned insurance litigator with decades of experience representing policyholders against major carriers in Hawaii, I am well aware of the Company's obligations under Haw. Rev. Stat. Chapter 431 and Hawaii common law. The Company's conduct in this matter constitutes a textbook example of bad faith claims practices that Hawaii courts routinely punish with substantial damages.
This is a time-limited demand. The Company has until [RESPONSE_DEADLINE] to tender the full amount owed of $[DEMAND_AMOUNT] and resolve all claims arising from this loss. Failure to do so will result in immediate litigation seeking all available remedies under Hawaii law.
II. HAWAII BAD FAITH LAW
A. Legal Standard
Hawaii recognizes first-party bad faith claims. Implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing requires insurer to give equal consideration to interests of insured. Bad faith is failure to deal fairly and in good faith. Best Place, Inc. v. Penn Am. Ins. Co., 920 P.2d 334 (Haw. 1996).
B. Available Damages Under Hawaii Law
Under Hawaii law, our client is entitled to recover:
Compensatory damages, consequential damages, emotional distress, and punitive damages
C. Punitive Damages Standard
Wanton or oppressive conduct showing positive element of conscious wrongdoing
D. Attorney's Fees
Generally follows American Rule; attorney fees may be damages in bad faith cases
III. POLICY INFORMATION AND COVERAGE
A. Policy Details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Named Insured | [INSURED_NAME] |
| Policy Number | [POLICY_NUMBER] |
| Policy Period | [POLICY_PERIOD_START] to [POLICY_PERIOD_END] |
| Policy Type | [POLICY_TYPE] |
| Applicable Coverage | [COVERAGE_TYPE] |
| Per-Occurrence Limit | [PER_OCCURRENCE_LIMIT] |
| Aggregate Limit | [AGGREGATE_LIMIT] |
| Deductible | [DEDUCTIBLE_AMOUNT] |
B. Coverage Analysis
The policy provides coverage for [DESCRIBE_COVERED_LOSS_TYPE]. The loss clearly falls within the policy's insuring agreement under Hawaii law interpretation principles.
[CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] has acknowledged coverage by [DESCRIBE_COVERAGE_ACKNOWLEDGMENT]. Having accepted coverage, the Company is obligated under Hawaii law to:
- Conduct a thorough, fair, and objective investigation
- Evaluate the claim in good faith
- Promptly pay all amounts owed under the policy
- Communicate honestly and transparently with the insured
- Avoid unreasonable delays in claim handling
- Refrain from compelling litigation through unreasonable conduct
IV. FACTUAL BACKGROUND AND CLAIM HISTORY
A. The Underlying Loss
On [DATE_OF_LOSS], [DESCRIBE_LOSS_EVENT_IN_DETAIL].
[ADDITIONAL_LOSS_DETAILS]
B. Chronological Timeline of Bad Faith Conduct
| Date | Event | Bad Faith Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| [DATE_1] | [EVENT_1] | [INDICATOR_1] |
| [DATE_2] | [EVENT_2] | [INDICATOR_2] |
| [DATE_3] | [EVENT_3] | [INDICATOR_3] |
| [DATE_4] | [EVENT_4] | [INDICATOR_4] |
| [DATE_5] | [EVENT_5] | [INDICATOR_5] |
| [DATE_6] | [EVENT_6] | [INDICATOR_6] |
V. SPECIFIC BAD FAITH CONDUCT
[CARRIER_SHORT_NAME]'s handling of this claim violates both the express and implied covenants of good faith and fair dealing recognized under Hawaii law:
A. Unreasonable Delay
The Company has unreasonably delayed the investigation, evaluation, and payment of this claim in violation of Hawaii law:
- [DESCRIBE_SPECIFIC_DELAY_1]
- [DESCRIBE_SPECIFIC_DELAY_2]
- [DESCRIBE_SPECIFIC_DELAY_3]
B. Inadequate Investigation
[CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] failed to conduct the thorough, fair, and objective investigation required under Hawaii law:
- [INVESTIGATION_FAILURE_1]
- [INVESTIGATION_FAILURE_2]
- [INVESTIGATION_FAILURE_3]
C. Unreasonable Settlement Offers
The Company's settlement offers have been grossly inadequate:
| Date | Offer Amount | Actual Value | Discrepancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| [DATE_A] | [OFFER_A] | [VALUE_A] | [DISCREPANCY_A] |
| [DATE_B] | [OFFER_B] | [VALUE_B] | [DISCREPANCY_B] |
D. Misrepresentation of Policy Provisions
[DESCRIBE_MISREPRESENTATIONS]
E. Failure to Communicate
[DESCRIBE_COMMUNICATION_FAILURES]
VI. STATUTORY VIOLATIONS
A. Hawaii Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act
[CARRIER_SHORT_NAME]'s conduct violates Haw. Rev. Stat. 431:13-102 et seq., which prohibits:
- Misrepresenting pertinent facts or insurance policy provisions relating to coverages at issue
- Failing to acknowledge and act reasonably promptly upon communications with respect to claims
- Failing to adopt and implement reasonable standards for the prompt investigation of claims
- Refusing to pay claims without conducting a reasonable investigation
- Not attempting in good faith to effectuate prompt, fair, and equitable settlements of claims in which liability has become reasonably clear
- Compelling insureds to institute litigation to recover amounts due under an insurance policy by offering substantially less than the amounts ultimately recovered
- Attempting to settle a claim for less than the amount to which a reasonable person would have believed he or she was entitled
- Failing to promptly provide a reasonable explanation of the basis in the policy for denial or inadequate offer
B. Hawaii Prompt Payment Requirements
[CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] has violated Haw. Rev. Stat. 431:13-108 - Unfair claims settlement practices by:
- [SPECIFIC_PROMPT_PAYMENT_VIOLATION_1]
- [SPECIFIC_PROMPT_PAYMENT_VIOLATION_2]
- [SPECIFIC_PROMPT_PAYMENT_VIOLATION_3]
VII. DAMAGES
A. Contract Damages
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Policy Benefits Owed | $[AMOUNT] |
| Less Amounts Paid | ($[AMOUNT_PAID]) |
| Net Policy Benefits Due | $[NET_AMOUNT] |
B. Consequential Damages
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| [CONSEQUENTIAL_CATEGORY_1] | $[AMOUNT_1] |
| [CONSEQUENTIAL_CATEGORY_2] | $[AMOUNT_2] |
| [CONSEQUENTIAL_CATEGORY_3] | $[AMOUNT_3] |
| Total Consequential Damages | $[TOTAL_CONSEQUENTIAL] |
C. Emotional Distress Damages
[DESCRIBE_EMOTIONAL_DISTRESS_IF_RECOVERABLE_UNDER_HI_LAW]
D. Punitive/Exemplary Damages
Under Hawaii law, punitive damages require: Wanton or oppressive conduct showing positive element of conscious wrongdoing
The Company's conduct meets this standard because [DESCRIBE_AGGRAVATING_FACTORS].
E. Statutory Penalties
Under Hawaii law, our client is entitled to:
[STATE_SPECIFIC_STATUTORY_PENALTIES]
VIII. DEMAND
Based on the foregoing, we hereby demand that [CARRIER_SHORT_NAME]:
A. Monetary Demand
Pay the total sum of $[TOTAL_DEMAND_AMOUNT] as follows:
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Policy Benefits | $[POLICY_BENEFITS] |
| Statutory Interest/Penalties | $[STATUTORY_INTEREST] |
| Consequential Damages | $[CONSEQUENTIAL_DAMAGES] |
| TOTAL DEMAND | $[TOTAL_DEMAND_AMOUNT] |
B. Settlement Terms
In addition to the monetary payment:
- Full and complete release of all claims by [CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] against our client
- Confidentiality agreement regarding settlement terms (optional)
- Correction of any adverse information reported to industry databases
IX. TIME-LIMITED NATURE OF THIS DEMAND
THIS DEMAND EXPIRES AT 5:00 P.M. [TIME_ZONE] ON [RESPONSE_DEADLINE].
Consequences of Non-Response
If [CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] fails to accept this demand by the deadline:
-
Litigation will be filed immediately in Hawaii seeking all available remedies
-
This demand will be withdrawn and our client will seek:
- Full policy benefits plus prejudgment interest
- All consequential and emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages without limitation
- Attorney's fees and costs
- All statutory penalties under Hawaii law -
Regulatory complaints will be filed with:
- Hawaii Insurance Division, P.O. Box 3614, Honolulu, HI 96811
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners
X. DOCUMENT PRESERVATION NOTICE
This letter constitutes formal notice to preserve all documents and electronically stored information related to this claim, including but not limited to:
- The complete claim file, including all versions and drafts
- All internal communications regarding this claim
- All communications with the insured/claimant
- Adjuster notes, diaries, and activity logs
- All documents received from or sent to the insured/claimant
- All photographs, videos, and inspection reports
- All expert reports, estimates, and evaluations
- Claim handling guidelines, manuals, and procedures
- Training materials relevant to this type of claim
- Reserve information and reserve change documentation
- Supervisor notes and approvals
- Quality assurance or audit reports
XI. CONCLUSION
[CARRIER_SHORT_NAME]'s handling of this claim represents precisely the type of conduct that Hawaii bad faith laws were enacted to prevent and punish. We strongly encourage the Company to use this opportunity to resolve this matter fairly under Hawaii law.
Please direct all communications regarding this matter to the undersigned.
Respectfully submitted,
[LAW_FIRM_NAME]
By: _______________________________
[ATTORNEY_NAME]
[BAR_NUMBER]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], HI [ZIP]
[PHONE]
[FAX]
[EMAIL]
Counsel for [CLIENT_NAME]
ENCLOSURES:
- Policy declarations page
- Relevant policy provisions
- Claim correspondence chronology
- Damage documentation
- Expert reports (if applicable)
CC:
- [CLIENT_NAME]
- Hawaii Insurance Division, P.O. Box 3614, Honolulu, HI 96811 (via complaint filing)
HAWAII LAW QUICK REFERENCE
| Element | Hawaii Law |
|---|---|
| Bad Faith Type | Common Law |
| Governing Statute | Haw. Rev. Stat. Chapter 431 |
| Unfair Practices Act | Haw. Rev. Stat. 431:13-102 et seq. |
| Prompt Payment | Haw. Rev. Stat. 431:13-108 - Unfair claims settlement practices |
| Punitive Standard | Wanton or oppressive conduct showing positive element of conscious wrongdoing |
| Attorney Fees | Generally follows American Rule; attorney fees may be damages in bad faith cases |
| DOI Address | Hawaii Insurance Division, P.O. Box 3614, Honolulu, HI 96811 |