Delay, Deny, Defend: Insurance Company Strategies Exposed in Homeowners Claims
The phrase "Delay, Deny, Defend" has become synonymous with the troubling tactics some insurance companies use to minimize payouts and maximize profits, as detailed in Jay M. Feinman's 2010 book, Delay, Deny, Defend: Why Insurance Companies Don't Pay Claims and What You Can Do About It. In Washington State, where homeowners face increasing risks from wildfires, floods, and severe weather, these strategies are all too common, leading to frustration and financial hardship for policyholders. The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) recovered nearly $101 million for consumers through complaints in the 2023-2025 biennium, underscoring the prevalence of unfair practices in insurance claims. As a plaintiffs attorney specializing in bad faith insurance disputes in Washington, we've exposed these tactics in court, helping homeowners from Seattle to Spokane recover what they're owed under the state's strong protections like the Insurance Fair Conduct Act (IFCA, RCW 48.30.015). This guide breaks down the "Delay, Deny, Defend" playbook, how it plays out in homeowners claims, and your rights to fight back in Washington.
In 2025, with insurance rates rising over 21% amid climate uncertainties, understanding these strategies is more critical than ever. Don't let insurers profit from your loss—knowledge is your first line of defense.
What Does "Delay, Deny, Defend" Mean in Homeowners Insurance?
Coined to describe a profit-driven approach, "Delay, Deny, Defend" refers to insurers' systematic efforts to avoid or reduce claim payments. For homeowners in Washington, this might manifest in claims for storm damage, water leaks, or theft:
Delay - Prolonging the process to frustrate claimants into abandoning pursuits.
Deny - Rejecting valid claims outright, often on shaky grounds.
Defend - Aggressively litigating when policyholders sue, forcing costly battles.
These tactics boost insurer profits by keeping money in their pockets longer (through investment) or avoiding payouts altogether. In Washington, such behavior can violate IFCA, exposing companies to bad faith lawsuits with treble damages and attorney fees.
Delay: How Insurers Stall Homeowners Claims in Washington
Delay tactics wear down claimants, hoping they'll drop the matter or accept less. Common methods include:
Requesting excessive documentation repeatedly, even after submission.
Scheduling inspections far in the future or canceling them.
Ignoring communications, violating state timelines like 10 days for acknowledgment and 30 days for decisions under WAC 284-30-330.
In Washington homeowners claims, delays often hit after events like wildfires, where temporary housing costs mount. The OIC reported a historic volume of complaints since 2021, including delays in processing. A 2025 health clinic case (though not homeowners) recovered $1.6 million after months of delays, showing how persistence pays off.
Deny: Unjustified Rejections of Valid Homeowners Claims
Denial is the bluntest tool, where insurers reject claims without proper basis. Tactics include:
Misinterpreting policy exclusions, like denying water damage as "gradual" rather than sudden.
Alleging fraud or misrepresentation without evidence.
Undervaluing damages through biased adjusters.
Washington law requires thorough investigations, and unreasonable denials trigger IFCA claims.
Defend: Aggressive Litigation to Deter Homeowners
When policyholders push back, insurers "defend" by forcing expensive lawsuits, betting most won't afford to fight. This includes:
Challenging every detail in court.
Hiring high-powered lawyers to prolong cases.
Refusing reasonable settlements.
In Washington, this can backfire under IFCA, where bad faith can lead to damages beyond policy limits, including emotional distress.
Washington's Protections Against "Delay, Deny, Defend" Tactics
Washington leads in consumer safeguards. IFCA allows suits for unreasonable conduct, with mandatory 20-day notices before filing. The OIC offers free complaint resolution, recovering millions annually, but retaining a bad faith attorney first may be a better course of action.
Expose the Tactics: Contact a Washington Bad Faith Insurance Lawyer Today
"Delay, Deny, Defend" doesn't have to win. At Hogue Law Firm, we expose these strategies and fight for full recovery under Washington law. If your homeowners claim is stalled, denied, or defended unfairly, schedule a free consultation. Call 509-934-1998 or fill out our online form—hold your insurer accountable.