Can I sue an insurance company for changing information without my permission?
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Can I sue an insurance company for changing information without my permission?
A couple months ago, I received a letter from my mortgage company stating they
never received my homeowner’s insurance policy and that they would buy which ever insurance they chose if they did not receive the policy by a certain date. I automatically contacted my insurer and asked why it was never sent. I was told they sent it but the mortgage company that it was sent to was not mine. They changed my mortgage lender and forwarded my information to them without any of my knowledge or approval. I don’t know when or who changed my information but nothing has ever changed. I have been with my insurer for over 12 years now and every claim filed has pretty much been denied or short changed. They’ve screwed me over for years and I unfortunately never knew there was anything I could do about it. After years of paying and them not helping with their good hands I’m wondering if I can file a lawsuit against them for changing my information and to get rid if their slogan that is complete fake advertisement.
Asked on October 9, 2018 under Insurance Law, Rhode Island
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
If the insurer either negligently (i.e. unreasonably carelessly) or intentionally changed the information and that change resulted in some additional losses or costs (e.g. higher premiums) for you, you could sue the insurer to recover the additional costs, etc. you incurred. But you can only sue them for the actual, provable costs or losses you suffered due to their negligent or intentionally wrongful act. The civil law system (i.e. lawsuits) is designed to provide compensation, no punish wrongdoing.
In any event, you cannot do anything about their slogan, no matter how much you believe it is wrong or false.
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