If you were hurt in a crash in Vancouver, Clark County, or anywhere in Washington, you’re not expected to be an insurance expert. Most drivers carry a mix of coverages that can help right away:
You may also have rental reimbursement, towing, or other add-ons—but those three do most of the heavy lifting after an injury crash.
Does IFCA apply to the other driver’s insurer?
No. Washington’s Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA) applies to misconduct by your insurer. The other driver’s insurer owes you no such duties.
What is the IFCA 20-day notice?
Before suing your insurer for certain unfair practices, you typically give a written 20-day notice and notify the Insurance Commissioner. It’s a short fuse that often prompts movement.
Do I have to give a recorded statement to my insurer?
Talk to a lawyer first. Recorded statements can be used to minimize your claim.
PIP is delaying or denying my bills—what now?
We push for prompt payment, demand written reasons tied to your policy language, and—if needed—use IFCA and bad-faith law to correct unfair handling.
Even when you’ve paid premiums for years, your insurer can feel like an adversary. Some delay or nickel-and-dime PIP/MedPay, question necessary care, or demand broad medical releases. Others push quick, low offers before anyone understands the full scope of your injuries and future needs.
With UM/UIM, the frustration can be worse. Although this coverage is for your protection, some insurers treat it like a fight with the other driver—arguing fault, downplaying injuries, or disputing the true value of your losses.
Bottom line: your own company can act adversarial—especially on UM/UIM—at the exact moment you need help.
Unlike the other driver’s insurer, your insurer owes you legal duties: good faith, fair dealing, reasonable investigation, clear communication, and timely payment of covered benefits. When they fall short, Washington law gives you tools to hold them accountable—and we use them.
These duties govern first-party benefits under your policy—PIP/MedPay, UM/UIM, and collision/property claims.
Unreasonable denials, unexplained underpayments, ignoring medical evidence, lowballing, or endless delays aren’t just frustrating—they may be unlawful. Washington’s Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA) and bad-faith law provide leverage against your insurer for unfair practices.
Important guardrails: IFCA protections apply to your insurer. They do not bind the other driver’s company. That adjuster’s job is to protect their insured—not you. We handle those third-party negotiations and, when needed, litigation, so you’re not outgunned.
The IFCA process, briefly: Before filing certain claims, we serve a 20-day notice on your insurer and notify the Insurance Commissioner. This often forces a clear, written position—and can spur payment without a lawsuit. If not, we’re ready to file.
We start by taking over all communications to shield you from recorded-statement traps, excessive document demands, and pressure tactics. Then we build the proof—medical records, bills, wage-loss documentation, and expert support—so the numbers reflect reality, including future care.
Next, we demand accountability: request the claim file, require written reasons for any reductions tied to specific policy language, and press for prompt PIP/MedPay payments. When lines are crossed, we leverage IFCA and bad-faith principles to correct unfair conduct and deter repeat behavior.
Finally, we negotiate from strength. Because we prepare every case as though it could go to trial, insurers know we won’t accept a discounted version of your rights. If necessary, we litigate aggressively to secure a fair outcome.
Insurers respond to evidence and accountability. Clear documentation, a focused claim file request, and a firm timetable—backed by Washington’s IFCA—turn “we’re still reviewing” into action. We move fast so your recovery isn’t held hostage by delay.
If your claim is stalled, underpaid, or denied in Vancouver, Clark County, or anywhere in Southwest Washington, we can step in quickly. Call (360) 213-0013 for a free case strategy session. We’ll make sure your insurer keeps its promises—so you can focus on getting better.