Insurance Bad Faith in South Carolina: When Unreasonable Delay Makes a Claim Worse
South Carolina insurers must handle claims reasonably and in good faith. Unexplained delays, inadequate investigations, and low offers can create more than an ordinary coverage dispute.
Informational purposes only. This article discusses a recent news event and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different — contact Traywick Law Offices for a free evaluation.
The Incident
A Charleston man injured in a February 2026 collision submitted medical records, wage documentation, and photographs to the at-fault driver’s insurer. The adjuster acknowledged receiving everything but spent six months requesting the same records again. During that time, the insurer made no meaningful offer and declined to explain what investigation remained. When the man’s medical bills went to collections and his vehicle was still unrepaired, the insurer finally offered an amount that did not cover his documented medical expenses.
What South Carolina Law Says
South Carolina recognizes a cause of action for bad-faith refusal to pay an insurance claim when an insurer lacks a reasonable basis for its position or fails to properly investigate and evaluate the claim. The claim is distinct from the underlying negligence case. Evidence may include claim notes, unexplained delay, ignored medical records, inconsistent reasons for denial, and an offer disconnected from the available facts.
Your Rights and Options
Keep every letter, email, voicemail, bill, proof of delivery, and claim reference number. Communicate in writing when possible and respond accurately to reasonable requests. Do not exaggerate damages or conceal prior conditions; credibility matters in both the underlying claim and any bad-faith action.
What I Look For When Evaluating These Cases
I separate a legitimate coverage or liability dispute from an unreasonable claims process. I review the insurer’s timeline, information available to the adjuster at each decision point, internal explanations, and whether the investigation matched the seriousness of the claimed injuries.
How Insurance Companies Will Fight Back
Insurers argue they had a reasonable basis to delay, that records were incomplete, or that the claimant failed to cooperate. A detailed chronology can show whether those reasons were genuine or simply changed after the denial was challenged.
Related Practice Areas at Traywick Law Offices
Bad-faith work overlaps with auto accidents, uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, and personal injury litigation.
My Final Thoughts
Delay is not always bad faith, but unexplained delay backed by an inadequate investigation deserves scrutiny. Keep a complete claim file and obtain advice before signing a release.
This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is based on publicly available legal information and may not reflect the most current developments. For advice specific to your situation, please contact Traywick Law Offices.
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