Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Legal Remedies for Bad Faith Insurance Practices in Pennsylvania
While many of us are insured by companies that use great care in reviewing claims, responding to policyholder concerns, and providing proper coverage after an accident, theft, or a natural disaster, an alarming number of insurers are not so conscientious. Fortunately, consumers in Pennsylvania are protected from the bad faith insurance practices of unscrupulous… Read More »
What is Repair Shop Fraud?
We’ve all had to take our vehicles to a mechanic at one point or another, whether for a safety inspection, repair estimate, or a repair itself. In taking vehicles to repair shops, we place an enormous amount of trust in the mechanics employed there. Many mechanics fully repay this trust by making careful repairs,… Read More »
Why Was My Property Loss Claim Denied?
No matter how many precautions we take, our homes are always vulnerable to damage from natural disasters, such as wildfires, storms, and flooding, as well as damage resulting from criminal activity like burglary and vandalism. While homeowners insurance covers many of the costs associated with making repairs after these types of events, a surprisingly… Read More »
How Pennsylvania Law Protects Consumers from Unscrupulous Car Dealers
Although many used car dealers are careful to conduct thorough inspections of their vehicles, offer vehicles at fair prices, and only use proper advertising practices, it is also not uncommon for a used car dealer to engage in deceptive practices or fraudulent activity, which can have serious consequences for those who end up buying… Read More »
Used Car Dealers Who Sell Recalled Vehicles
Dealerships that sell new vehicles are prohibited from selling cars that are subject to an open recall. While no similar federal law exists that protects used car buyers in this way, Pennsylvania recently enacted a law that does require used car dealerships to formally disclose when a vehicle has been recalled. Unfortunately, dealerships find… Read More »
How Much Time Does My Pennsylvania Insurer Have to Review My Claim?
In Pennsylvania, insurers are required to comply with strict regulations and standards. These rules apply to a number of insurance-related matters, including how long an insurer has to investigate, review, and issue decisions on open claims. While most insurers are careful to abide by these rules, it is also not uncommon for insurers to… Read More »
Pennsylvania’s Fair Debt Collection Laws
In Pennsylvania, creditors and debt collectors are forbidden to engage in deceptive and unfair debt collection practices by the Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act. While many creditors and debt collectors are careful to abide by these rules and respect consumers’ rights to be free of harassment, an alarming number fail to do so. Unfortunately,… Read More »
What is Predatory Lending?
Buying or refinancing a home is one of the most important financial decisions that a person can make. Unfortunately, many unscrupulous lenders take advantage of individuals who find themselves in this situation and who are unfamiliar with the complex process of buying or refinancing a home. Many of the practices used by these predatory… Read More »
Home Contractor Fraud
Contractor fraud occurs when an individual contractor or firm commits illegal acts. This includes everything from making substandard repairs and purposely misquoting project costs to failing to obtain the proper permits and making shoddy repairs. This type of conduct can have serious consequences for homeowners who may find themselves paying more than they should… Read More »
Pennsylvania’s Used Car Fraud Law
Customers who find themselves defrauded by used car dealers are often surprised to learn that Pennsylvania’s lemon law doesn’t actually cover defective vehicles if those vehicles qualify as used. Fortunately, there are other laws in Pennsylvania that protect consumers who purchase used vehicles in the state. To learn more about these laws and how… Read More »
