Insurance Claim Denied in Massachusetts? What Insurers Must Do Under M.G.L. c. 176D, § 3(9) & M.G.L. c. 93A, § 9

4 Things Insurance Companies Are Legally Required to Do in Massachusetts (When You Clearly Prove Your Claim)

• 1. Cite the Exact Policy Provision in Writing: Under M.G.L. c. 176D, § 3(9) & M.G.L. c. 93A, § 9, an adjuster cannot deny your claim with a vague excuse ("normal wear and tear" or "not covered"). They are required by law to provide a written denial specifying the exact policy exclusion and factual basis.
• 2. Obey the Mandatory Statutory Clock (Prompt Investigation & Mandatory Reasonable Settlement When Liability Is Clear): Insurers cannot use endless "under review" delays to starve you into accepting a lowball offer. Missing statutory investigation deadlines after you submit a Sworn Proof of Loss is direct evidence of unfair claim settlement practices.
• 3. Never Lowball When Liability & Damages Are Reasonably Clear: Failing to attempt in good faith to effectuate a prompt, fair, and equitable settlement once your independent contractor estimates, moisture logs, OBD2 scans, or dashcam video prove liability violates Massachusetts law.
• 4. Pay Statutory Penalties & Attorney's Fees for Bad Faith (M.G.L. c. 93A Double or Treble (2x to 3x) Statutory Damages + Mandatory Attorney's Fees!): When you build an unarguable paper trail via Certified Mail Return Receipt and preserve every inspection in a Fireproof Exhibit Binder, Massachusetts law provides powerful statutory leverage to recover your full benefit plus statutory penalties or fees.