A Massachusetts statute prohibiting “Unfair Methods of Competition and Unfair and Deceptive Acts and Practices in the Business of Insurance.” The statute grants the commissioner of insurance broad authority in issuing cease and desist orders and fines to persons engaged in the business of insurance in the commonwealth. The statute also has a list of nine unfair insurance claim practices the violation of which are violations of G.L. c. 93A, by definition. Chapter 93A gives consumers the right to sue for punitive damages and attorney fees for violations of the unfair claim practice provision of G.L. c. 176D.
About Owen Gallagher
Owen Gallagher is an experienced insurance litigator as well as a certified mediator and arbitrator who specializes in insurance industry disputes. His interest and affinity for insurance began at a young age working the counter at his father’s assigned risk agency in Roxbury. Over the course of his career, Owen has argued a number of cases in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and has helped agents, insurance companies, and lawmakers alike with the complexities and idiosyncrasies of insurance law in the Commonwealth. Owen can be reached here.