When Your Insurer Says No

You pay premiums for years expecting that when something goes wrong, your insurer will be there. When a claim is denied, delayed, or paid for far less than it’s worth, the imbalance of power can feel overwhelming. The insurance dispute lawyers at Getz Collins and Associates help policyholders in Calgary, Strathmore, and across Alberta hold insurers to the coverage they sold.

We act for individuals and businesses against insurers — not for the insurance companies — so our focus is on getting you what your policy actually owes you.

Common Insurance Disputes We Handle

• Denied claims — your insurer refuses to pay, often citing a policy exclusion or alleged non-disclosure;
• Underpaid claims — the insurer accepts the claim but offers far less than the loss is worth;
• Delayed claims — unreasonable foot-dragging that leaves you without funds when you need them;
• Property and home insurance disputes — fire, water, theft, and damage claims;
• Business interruption claims — disputes over coverage when your operations are disrupted;
• Disability and life insurance disputes — denied benefits when you need them most; and
• Coverage disputes — disagreements over whether a loss falls within the policy at all.

The Insurer’s Duty of Good Faith

Insurance contracts are special: insurers owe policyholders a duty of good faith in handling claims. This means they must investigate fairly, communicate honestly, and pay valid claims promptly. When an insurer handles a claim in bad faith — denying without proper investigation, making lowball offers in the face of clear coverage, or unreasonable delay — the law may allow recovery beyond the policy amount itself, including additional damages. We assess whether the insurer’s conduct crossed that line.

How We Approach Insurance Disputes

We start by carefully reviewing your policy wording, because coverage disputes usually turn on the specific language, definitions, and exclusions. We then evaluate the insurer’s stated reasons against that language and the facts. Many disputes resolve once an insurer faces a well-documented demand backed by the threat of litigation; others require a claim in court. Either way, we aim to recover what you’re properly owed as efficiently as possible.

A Note on Time Limits

Insurance disputes can carry shorter deadlines than ordinary claims.

Many insurance claims are subject to the general two-year limitation period under the Limitations Act, RSA 2000, c L-12. But some policies and certain statutory frameworks contain their own, sometimes shorter, limitation and notice provisions, and the clock may start running from the date of denial or loss. Because these vary by policy and claim type, you should get advice quickly after a denial rather than assuming you have years.

Frequently Asked Questions

My insurance claim was denied. Is that the final word?

No. A denial is the insurer’s position, not a binding decision. Denials are frequently overturned when the policy language and facts are examined carefully. We review the basis for the denial against your actual coverage and advise on your options.

What does “bad faith” mean in insurance?

Insurers owe a duty to handle claims in good faith — investigating fairly, communicating honestly, and paying valid claims promptly. When they fall short, such as denying without proper investigation or unreasonable delay, that may amount to bad faith and can support recovery beyond the policy amount.

How long do I have to dispute a denied claim?

Often two years, but some policies and statutory schemes impose shorter notice and limitation periods, sometimes running from the date of denial. Because the deadline depends on your specific policy, seek advice promptly after a denial.

Do I have to sue, or can this be resolved without court?

Many disputes settle once the insurer faces a well-supported demand. We pursue efficient resolution first and litigate when the insurer won’t pay what it owes.

Contact Getz Collins and Associates today — your partner in insurance disputes. Contact Us | Calgary: 587-391-5600 | Strathmore: 403-934-2500