If your insurance company unreasonably denied your claim in Bergen County, a Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Bergen County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help. Under NJ law, insurers must act in good faith. We fight for policyholders. Call (888) 437-7747. Consultation by appointment.
Understanding Bad Faith Insurance in Bergen County
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Insurance bad faith occurs when an insurer unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim. In New Jersey, the duty of good faith and fair dealing is implied in every insurance contract. When an insurer breaches this duty, you may have a claim for bad faith. The New Jersey Supreme Court has recognized both first-party and third-party bad faith claims. An insurance company bad faith lawyer Bergen County can evaluate your policy and the insurer’s conduct to determine if bad faith occurred.
New Jersey Bad Faith Insurance Statute
New Jersey law does not have a single “bad faith” statute. Instead, bad faith claims arise under common law and the New Jersey Insurance Trade Practices Act (N.J.S.A. 17:29B-1 et seq.). The New Jersey Supreme Court in Pickett v. Lloyd’s established the standard for first-party bad faith: the insurer must have acted unreasonably in denying or delaying payment. For third-party claims, the standard is whether the insurer failed to settle within policy limits when there was a reasonable opportunity to do so. A denied claim lawsuit lawyer Bergen County can help you understand which standard applies to your case.
External Citation Links
N.J.S.A. 17:29B-1 et seq. (New Jersey Insurance Trade Practices Act) — Official New Jersey Legislature
Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage — Official NJ Courts Website
Insider Procedural Edge: Handling Bad Faith Claims in Bergen County
In Bergen County, bad faith claims are filed in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage Law Division. Discovery is extensive, often requiring production of the insurer’s internal claim files. The court applies a two-part test: (1) was the denial unreasonable, and (2) did the insurer know or recklessly disregard that its denial was unreasonable?
- Document every communication with your insurance company, including dates, names, and what was said.
- Request a written explanation for any denial or delay in payment.
- Review your insurance policy carefully to understand your coverage and the insurer’s obligations.
- Consult with a Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Bergen County to evaluate your claim.
- File a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance if appropriate.
- If necessary, file a lawsuit in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage.
Penalty Table for Bad Faith Insurance Claims in New Jersey
In Bergen County, bad faith insurance claims can result in significant damages, including the full policy amount, consequential damages, and attorney fees.
| Offense | Classification | Damages Available | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreasonable Denial of Claim | First-Party Bad Faith | Full policy amount + consequential damages | Attorney fees, court costs |
| Unreasonable Delay in Payment | First-Party Bad Faith | Full policy amount + interest | Attorney fees, court costs |
| Failure to Settle Within Policy Limits | Third-Party Bad Faith | Full judgment amount (even above policy limits) | Attorney fees, court costs |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block: Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We have a deep understanding of New Jersey insurance law and the tactics insurers use to deny valid claims.
Case Results
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. While specific Bergen County bad faith insurance case results are not available for this page, our firm-wide track record demonstrates our commitment to fighting for policyholders.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Pack Trigger Block
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We are accessible via I-80, NJ Turnpike, Route 17, Route 4, Route 46, GW Bridge, and GSP.
Looking for a Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Bergen County near you? We serve Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Faith Insurance in Bergen County
What is bad faith insurance in New Jersey?
Yes. Bad faith insurance occurs when an insurer unreasonably denies, delays, or underpays a valid claim, violating the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing.
Can I sue my insurance company for bad faith in Bergen County?
Yes. You can file a bad faith lawsuit in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. You must prove the insurer acted unreasonably in handling your claim.
What damages can I recover in a bad faith claim?
You may recover the full policy amount, consequential damages, attorney fees, and court costs. In third-party cases, you may recover the full judgment even above policy limits.
How long do I have to file a bad faith lawsuit in New Jersey?
It depends. The statute of limitations for breach of contract claims is 6 years. For tort-based bad faith claims, it is 2 years. Consult a Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Bergen County immediately.
What is the “fairly debatable” defense?
It depends. If the insurer had a reasonable basis to deny your claim, the court may find the denial was “fairly debatable” and not bad faith. Your lawyer must show the denial was unreasonable.
Do I need a lawyer for a bad faith claim?
Yes. Bad faith claims are complex and require extensive discovery. An experienced Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Bergen County can handle the legal process and maximize your recovery.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.