Bad Faith Blog

Homeowners David and Kristina Parks, brought an action against Safeco Insurance Company alleging breach of contract and bad faith in handling the claim after a wildfire destroyed their house. Safeco then hired an appraiser to determine the actual cash value (“ACV”) of the destroyed house who determined the ACV to be $169,000. Safeco paid that amount five days after the determination. Safeco also advised the Parks of their options for recovering the full replacement cost. Safeco estimated that it would cost $440,195.55 to replace the home using equivalent construction. Safeco also informed the Parks that Safeco would “pay the replacement cost of the dwelling up to $440,195.55 or the amount actually incurred, whichever is less.”