# Penalty Interest Rates & Remedies - All 50 States + DC

**Purpose:** Quick reference for penalties when insurers violate claims handling requirements
**Last Updated:** August 2026 (verified against statute text)

---

## Important Notes

1. **Penalty interest** applies to late claim payments; most states have only the general legal/judgment rate
2. **Bad faith damages** may be separate from/in addition to penalties
3. **Attorney fees** may be statutory or recoverable only as an element of bad-faith damages
4. **Punitive damages** have various caps by state (see Punitive Damages Caps)
5. **Always verify** current law - remedies change frequently

**Verification:** Every row was checked against the cited statute or controlling case (August 2026). Each row links to the source used; rows marked "(not confirmed from text)" rely on a mirror or secondary text because the official page could not be retrieved. Mississippi and New Mexico, previously unverified, were checked in August 2026 against Veasley/Waltman (§ 11-1-65 caps) and Sloan/O'Neel.

---

## Master Penalty & Remedies Table

| State | Penalty Interest | Attorney Fees | Punitive Damages | Statutory Penalty | Key Statute | Source |
|-------|------------------|---------------|------------------|-------------------|-------------|--------|
| **Alabama** | Legal rate 6% (§ 8-8-1); no penalty interest | No fee statute; fees only as bad-faith damages | Bad-faith tort (Chavers); cap greater of 3x or $500K (§ 6-11-21) | None | Ala. Code § 6-11-21; Chavers | [Source](https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama/6-11-21) (not confirmed from text) |
| **Alaska** | None; prejudgment Fed discount + 3 pts (AS 09.30.070) | No fee statute; partial fees under Civil Rule 82 | Bad-faith tort (Nicholson); cap greater of 3x or $500K (AS 09.17.020) | None; AS 21.36.125 no private action | AS 09.17.020; Nicholson | [Source](https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#09.17.020) (not confirmed from text) |
| **Arizona** | None; legal rate 10% (§ 44-1201) | Discretionary in contract actions (§ 12-341.01) | Bad-faith tort (Noble); no cap | None; § 20-461 no private action | Noble; A.R.S. § 12-341.01 | [Source](https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/00341-01.htm) |
| **Arkansas** | **12% damages penalty** on the loss | Yes (§ 23-79-208) | Bad-faith tort (Broadwater); cap struck down (Bayer 2011) | 12% of amount due + fees | § 23-79-208 | [Source](https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-23-public-utilities-and-regulated-industries/ar-code-sect-23-79-208/) |
| **California** | None; 10% contract interest (Civ. Code § 3289) | Brandt fees as bad-faith damages only | Bad-faith tort; clear/convincing (Civ. Code § 3294); no cap | None; § 790.03 no private action (Moradi-Shalal) | Civ. Code §§ 3289, 3294; Brandt | [Source](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=3289.) |
| **Colorado** | None; prejudgment 8% (§ 5-12-102) | Yes (§ 10-3-1116) | Common-law tort; cap 1:1, up to 3x (§ 13-21-102) | **2x covered benefit** + fees | C.R.S. §§ 10-3-1115, 10-3-1116 | [Source](https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-10-insurance/co-rev-st-sect-10-3-1116/) |
| **Connecticut** | None; discretionary up to 10% (§ 37-3a) | Discretionary under CUTPA (§ 42-110g(d)) | Discretionary under CUTPA; no multiplier | None fixed | C.G.S. § 42-110g; § 38a-816 (via Lees) | [Source](https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_735a.htm) |
| **Delaware** | None; legal rate Fed discount + 5% (6 Del. C. § 2301) | **Yes, mandatory** on property policy (18 Del. C. § 4102) | Bad-faith tort (Tackett); no cap | None | 18 Del. C. § 4102; Tackett | [Source](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title18/c041/sc01/index.html) |
| **District of Columbia** | None; legal rate 6% (§ 28-3302) | None | Not available (no bad-faith tort, Choharis) | None; § 31-2231.17 no private action | Contract only; Choharis | [Source](https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/28-3302) |
| **Florida** | **§ 55.03 rate automatic** after 60 days (§ 627.70131(7)) | § 627.428 REPEALED 12/2022; only § 86.121 or § 624.155 | § 624.155(5) general business practice; cap 3x/$500K (§ 768.73) | None; § 624.155 civil remedy (60-day CRN) | §§ 624.155, 627.70131(7), 86.121 | [Source](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/627.70131) |
| **Georgia** | None; judgment prime + 3% (§ 7-4-12) | Yes (§ 33-4-6) | Not under § 33-4-6 (exclusive) | **Greater of 50% or $5,000** + fees (60-day demand) | O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6 | [Source](https://codes.findlaw.com/ga/title-33-insurance/ga-code-sect-33-4-6/) |
| **Hawaii** | None; legal rate 10% (HRS § 478-2) | **Yes, mandatory** (HRS § 431:10-242) | Bad-faith tort (Best Place); clear/convincing; no cap | None; § 431:13-103 no private action | HRS § 431:10-242; Best Place | [Source](https://codes.findlaw.com/hi/division-2-business/hi-rev-st-sect-431-10-242/) |
| **Idaho** | None; legal rate 12% (§ 28-22-104) | **Yes** (§ 41-1839, 30 days after POL) | Bad-faith tort (White); cap greater of $250K or 3x (§ 6-1604) | Attorney fees (30-day POL) | § 41-1839; § 6-1604 | [Source](https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title41/T41CH18/SECT41-1839/) |
| **Illinois** | None; prejudgment 5%, judgment 9% | Yes (§ 155, vexatious delay) | Not available (§ 155 exclusive, Cramer) | Least of **60%, $60,000**, or excess over offer | 215 ILCS 5/155 | [Source](https://www.ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/021500050K155.htm) |
| **Indiana** | None; interest 8% (§ 24-4.6-1-101) | No fee statute; fees as bad-faith damages | Bad-faith tort (Hickman); cap greater of 3x or $50K; 75% to state | None; § 27-4-1-4.5 no private action | Ind. Code § 34-51-3-4, -6; Erie v. Hickman | [Source](https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-34-civil-law-and-procedure/in-code-sect-34-51-3-4/) |
| **Iowa** | None; judgment 1-yr Treasury + 2% (§ 668.13) | No fee statute; fees as bad-faith damages | Bad-faith tort (Dolan); no cap; 75% to state fund if not directed at claimant (§ 668A.1) | None; § 507B.4 no private action | Iowa Code § 668A.1; Dolan | [Source](https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/668A.1.pdf) |
| **Kansas** | None; legal rate 10% (K.S.A. 16-201) | **Yes, mandatory** (40-256 without just cause; 40-908 property) | No bad-faith tort (Spencer); independent tort only, cap § 60-3701 | Attorney fees only (no 20%/10% penalty) | K.S.A. 40-256; 40-908 | [Source](https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch40/040_002_0056.html) |
| **Kentucky** | 12% per annum on final settlement value from 30 days after proof of claim if insurer fails good-faith settlement attempt (KRS 304.12-235(2)) | Yes - reasonable fees if delay beyond 30 days was without reasonable foundation (KRS 304.12-235(3)) | Available; oppression, fraud or malice by clear and convincing evidence (KRS 411.184) | 12% interest + attorney fees (KRS 304.12-235); no separate flat penalty | KRS 304.12-235; KRS 304.12-230 (UCSPA, private action recognized in State Farm v. Reeder, Ky. 1988) | [Source](https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=17038) |
| **Louisiana** | No statutory penalty interest; legal/judicial interest only (R.S. 13:4202) from judicial demand | Yes - reasonable fees and costs when failure to pay/offer within 30 days is arbitrary, capricious or without probable cause (R.S. 22:1892(B)(1)(a)) | Not available (Louisiana does not allow punitive damages absent express statute; none for first-party claims) | 50% of amount due (or of unpaid difference after partial tender) plus proven economic damages, or $1,000, whichever greater (R.S. 22:1892(B)(1)(a), as amended by Acts 2024 No. 3); catastrophic first-party immovable-property claims governed by R.S. 22:1892.2 | R.S. 22:1892 (R.S. 22:1973 repealed eff. July 1, 2024 by Acts 2024 No. 3) | [Source](https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=509041) |
| **Maine** | 1.5% per month on overdue claims; claim due 30 days after proof of loss (24-A M.R.S. s.2436(1),(3)) | Yes - mandatory if overdue benefits recovered (24-A M.R.S. s.2436(3)); also under s.2436-A civil action for unfair claims practices | Common law only; actual malice required (Tuttle v. Raymond, Me. 1985) | 1.5%/month interest + attorney fees (s.2436); damages, costs, fees and 1.5%/month interest for enumerated unfair practices (s.2436-A) | 24-A M.R.S. s.2436 and s.2436-A | [Source](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/title24-Asec2436.html) |
| **Maryland** | 10% per annum (legal rate under Cts. & Jud. Proc. s.11-107(a)) from date claim should have been paid (Cts. & Jud. Proc. s.3-1701(e)) | Yes - reasonable fees, capped at one-third of actual damages recovered (Cts. & Jud. Proc. s.3-1701(e),(f)) | Not available under s.3-1701; actual damages capped at policy limits | Actual damages up to policy limits + interest + fees/costs; requires lack of good faith and MIA complaint first (Ins. s.27-1001) | Cts. & Jud. Proc. s.3-1701; Ins. s.27-1001 | [Source](https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj&section=3-1701) |
| **Massachusetts** | Judgment/prejudgment interest 12% (G.L. c.231 ss.6B-6C); no separate insurance penalty rate | Yes - mandatory to prevailing plaintiff (G.L. c.93A s.9(4)) | None as such; statutory 2x-3x actual damages mandatory once violation found willful or knowing (c.93A s.9(3)) | Double to treble damages (min. 2x if willful/knowing) + attorney fees (c.93A s.9(3)-(4); c.176D s.3(9)) | G.L. c.93A s.9; c.176D s.3(9) | [Source](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXV/Chapter93A/Section9) |
| **Michigan** | 12% simple interest from 60 days after satisfactory proof of loss (MCL 500.2006(4)); first-party insureds entitled regardless of dispute (Nickola v. MIC, Mich. 2017) | None in statute | Not available; no first-party bad-faith tort (Kewin v. Mass. Mutual, Mich. 1980) | 12% penalty interest only (MCL 500.2006) | MCL 500.2006 | [Source](https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-500-2006) |
| **Minnesota** | Prejudgment interest at statutory rate (Minn. Stat. 549.09); no insurance penalty rate | Yes under 604.18 subd. 3 - reasonable fees capped at $100,000 | Not under 604.18; general punitive standard Minn. Stat. 549.20 (deliberate disregard) rarely applied to contract claims | Taxable costs = lesser of one-half of proceeds exceeding insurer's offer or $250,000 (604.18 subd. 3); requires absence of reasonable basis and knowledge/reckless disregard (subd. 2) | Minn. Stat. 604.18 | [Source](https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/604.18) |
| **Mississippi** | Judgment rate; no penalty-interest statute | Yes, as Veasley extra-contractual damages (attorney fees, foreseeable emotional distress) where insurer lacked an arguable basis | Available (malice/gross negligence, clear & convincing); cap § 11-1-65(3)(a): $20M (net worth >$1B) sliding to 2% of net worth (≤$50M) | None statutory; Veasley intermediate tier — extra-contractual damages without punitive where denial negligent but not willful | Miss. Code § 11-1-65; Universal Life Ins. Co. v. Veasley, 610 So. 2d 290 (Miss. 1992) | [Source](https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/5914bec2add7b049347aa352) |
| **Missouri** | Judgment interest (RSMo 408.040); no penalty interest | Yes - reasonable attorney fee with vexatious refusal (RSMo 375.420) | Not for vexatious refusal (statutory remedy exclusive; Overcast v. Billings Mut., Mo. 2000) | 20% of first $1,500 of loss + 10% of excess, plus attorney fees, if refusal vexatious and without reasonable cause (375.420); 30-day pre-suit demand (375.296) | RSMo 375.420; 375.296 | [Source](https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=375.420) |
| **Montana** | Judgment interest only (MCA 25-9-205); no statutory penalty interest | Not in 33-18-242; recoverable only under common-law insurance exception (Brewington v. Employers Fire, Mont. 1999) | Available under 27-1-221 via 33-18-242(4); capped at lesser of $10M or 3% of net worth (MCA 27-1-220(3)); no state split | None; actual damages proximately caused + punitive (33-18-242); reasonable-basis defense (33-18-242(5)) | MCA 33-18-242; 33-18-201; 27-1-220 | [Source](https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0330/chapter_0180/part_0020/section_0420/0330-0180-0020-0420.html) |
| **Nebraska** | Judgment interest (Neb. Rev. Stat. 45-103); no penalty interest | Yes - mandatory statutory fee to insured who obtains judgment against insurer (Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-359) | Not available - unconstitutional (Neb. Const. art. VII s.5; Distinctive Printing v. Cox, Neb. 1989) | None | Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-359; common-law bad faith (Braesch v. Union Ins., Neb. 1991) | [Source](https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=44-359) |
| **Nevada** | Judgment interest prime+2% (NRS 17.130); no penalty interest | Not provided by NRS 686A.310; only via NRS 18.010 (small judgments/frivolous defenses) | Available (NRS 42.005); general 3x/$300K cap does NOT apply to insurers acting in bad faith (NRS 42.005(2)(b)) - no cap | None; actual damages for unfair claims practices (NRS 686A.310(2)) | NRS 686A.310; NRS 42.005 | [Source](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-042.html) |
| **New Hampshire** | Judgment/prejudgment interest at RSA 336:1 rate (RSA 524:1-b); no penalty interest | Yes only in coverage declaratory-judgment actions where insured prevails (RSA 491:22-b) | Not available in NH (RSA 507:16); enhanced compensatory damages only | None; RSA 417:19 allows consumer damages suit only after commissioner's finding/cease-and-desist order becomes final | RSA 417:19; RSA 491:22-b; common-law bad faith (Lawton v. Great Southwest, N.H. 1978) | [Source](https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/XXXVII/417/417-19.htm) |
| **New Jersey** | Prejudgment interest per R. 4:42-11; no penalty interest | No for first-party property (R. 4:42-9(a)(6) applies only to liability/indemnity policies); IFCA fees only for UM/UIM claims (N.J.S.A. 17:29BB-4) | Available only on egregious conduct; Punitive Damages Act cap 5x compensatory or $350,000 (N.J.S.A. 2A:15-5.14) | None for property; IFCA (2022) UM/UIM only: actual damages, prejudgment interest, fees, up to 3x coverage limit | Common law (Pickett v. Lloyd's, N.J. 1993, 'fairly debatable'); N.J.S.A. 17:29BB-1 et seq. (UM/UIM only) | [Source](https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/) (not confirmed from text) |
| **New Mexico** | Judgment rate | Yes — § 59A-16-30(B) (discretionary, willful UCPA violation) and § 39-2-1 (insured prevails in first-party action; insurer unreasonably failed to pay); O'Neel v. USAA, 2002-NMCA-028 | **No cap**; Sloan v. State Farm, 2004-NMSC-004, 135 N.M. 106 — punitive instruction ordinarily goes to jury with bad-faith claim (culpable mental state required) | None statutory; private action under § 59A-16-30(A) | NMSA §§ 59A-16-30, 39-2-1; Sloan; O'Neel | [Source](https://static.case.law/nm/135/cases/0106-01.json) |
| **New York** | 9% per annum judgment/prejudgment interest (CPLR 5001, 5004); no penalty interest (Ins. Law 3224-a prompt-pay is health only) | No - insured cannot recover fees in first-party action (Mighty Midgets v. Centennial, N.Y. 1979); Ins. Law 2601 no private action | Available only for egregious tortious conduct aimed at public (Rocanova v. Equitable, N.Y. 1994); no cap | None; consequential damages recoverable (Bi-Economy Market v. Harleysville, N.Y. 2008) | Common law; Ins. Law 2601 (administrative only); CPLR 5004 | [Source](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/ISC/2601) |
| **North Carolina** | 8% legal rate prejudgment/judgment interest (G.S. 24-1, 24-5); no penalty interest | Discretionary - only if violation willful and unwarranted refusal to resolve (G.S. 75-16.1) | Available; capped at greater of 3x compensatory or $250,000 (G.S. 1D-25); must elect treble or punitive (G.S. 1D-20) | Mandatory treble damages for UDTPA violation (G.S. 75-16) via 58-63-15(11) unfair claim practices (Gray v. NCFB, N.C. 2000) | G.S. 75-1.1, 75-16, 75-16.1; 58-63-15(11); 1D-25 | [Source](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_75/GS_75-16.html) |
| **North Dakota** | Judgment rate (N.D.C.C. 32-03-05); no penalty interest | No fee statute (American rule, 28-26-01) | Bad-faith tort (Corwin); cap greater of 2x or $250K (32-03.2-11) | None; 26.1-04-03 no private action | N.D.C.C. 32-03.2-11; Corwin | [Source](https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t32c03-2.pdf) (not confirmed from text) |
| **Ohio** | Fed short-term rate + 3% (R.C. 1343.03) | Only when punitive awarded (Zoppo) | Actual malice; cap 2x compensatory (R.C. 2315.21) | None; R.C. 3901.21 no private action | R.C. 2315.21; Zoppo | [Source](https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-2315.21) |
| **Oklahoma** | **15%/yr** on verdict from date payable (36 O.S. 3629(B)) | Yes, prevailing party (3629(B)) | Bad-faith tort (Christian); caps 23 O.S. 9.1 (greater of $100K/actual; $500K/2x; none if life-threatening) | 15% interest + fees | 36 O.S. 3629(B); 23 O.S. 9.1; Christian | [Source](https://www.oklegislature.gov/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os36.pdf) |
| **Oregon** | Legal rate 9% (ORS 82.010); no penalty interest | Yes (ORS 742.061, 6-month rule) | Generally unavailable (no bad-faith tort, Farris) | None; negligence per se (Moody 2023) | ORS 742.061; ORS 746.230; Moody | [Source](https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_742.061) |
| **Pennsylvania** | **Prime + 3%** if bad faith found (§ 8371) | Yes (§ 8371) | Available; no cap; clear/convincing (Rancosky) | Interest + punitive + fees (discretionary) | 42 Pa.C.S. § 8371 | [Source](https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.083.071.000..HTM) |
| **Rhode Island** | 12% prejudgment (§ 9-21-10) | Yes (§ 9-1-33) | Available (§ 9-1-33) | Compensatory + punitive + fees | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-33 | [Source](https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE9/9-1/9-1-33.htm) |
| **South Carolina** | Judgment rate (§ 34-31-20); no penalty interest | **Yes (1/3 cap, 90-day demand)** (§ 38-59-40) | Bad-faith tort (Nichols); cap greater of 3x or $500K (§ 15-32-530) | Attorney fees (1/3 cap) | § 38-59-40; § 15-32-530; Nichols | [Source](https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t38c059.php) |
| **South Dakota** | Prejudgment (SDCL 21-1-13.1); no penalty interest | Yes (SDCL 58-12-3, vexatious refusal) | Available (SDCL 21-3-2); no cap | None; bad-faith tort (Champion) | SDCL 58-12-3; Champion | [Source](https://sdlegislature.gov/api/Statutes/58-12-3.html) |
| **Tennessee** | Interest on loss (§ 56-7-105; rate § 47-14-123) | Folded into 25% penalty | Not available (§ 56-8-113 exclusive) | **Up to 25%** of loss (60-day demand) | T.C.A. § 56-7-105; § 56-8-113 | [Source](https://codes.findlaw.com/tn/title-56-insurance/tn-code-sect-56-7-105/) (not confirmed from text) |
| **Texas** | **18%** (§ 542.060(a)); Ch. 542A property claims: Finance Code § 304.003 rate + 5% | Yes (§ 542.060) | Up to 3x if knowing (§ 541.152); CPRC § 41.008 cap | Interest + fees; treble under § 541.152 | Ins. Code § 542.060; Ch. 542A; § 541.152 | [Source](https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._ins._code_section_542.060) |
| **Utah** | Legal rate 10% (§ 15-1-1); no penalty interest | None (contract only) | Not available (Beck, contract only) | Consequential damages only (Beck) | Beck; Utah Code § 31A-26-303 | [Source](https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title15/Chapter1/C15-1-S1_1800010118000101.pdf) (not confirmed from text) |
| **Vermont** | 12% statutory (9 V.S.A. § 41a); no penalty interest | No fee statute | Malice only; bad-faith tort recognized (Bushey) | None; 8 V.S.A. § 4724 no private action | Bushey; 8 V.S.A. § 4724 | [Source](https://codes.findlaw.com/vt/title-8-banking-and-insurance/vt-st-tit-8-sect-4724/) (not confirmed from text) |
| **Virginia** | Judgment rate 6% (§ 6.2-302); no 9% rate | Yes (§ 38.2-209, denial not in good faith) | Not available (no bad-faith tort) | Attorney fees only (§ 38.2-209) | Va. Code § 38.2-209 | [Source](https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title38.2/chapter2/section38.2-209/) |
| **Washington** | Judgment rate (RCW 4.56.110) | **Yes, mandatory** (RCW 48.30.015(3)) | No common-law punitive; court may treble (discretionary) | **Up to 3x** (discretionary) + fees; 20-day notice | RCW 48.30.015 (IFCA) | [Source](https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=48.30.015) |
| **West Virginia** | Fed discount + 2% (4-9%) (§ 56-6-31); no Prime + 1% | Yes if substantially prevails (Hayseeds); 1/3 guideline only | Actual malice (McCormick); cap greater of 4x or $500K (§ 55-7-29) | Hayseeds damages (fees + net loss + aggravation) | Hayseeds; W. Va. Code §§ 33-11-4a, 55-7-29 | [Source](https://code.wvlegislature.gov/56-6-31/) |
| **Wisconsin** | **7.5% simple** on overdue claims (§ 628.46) | As bad-faith damages (Anderson); no fee statute | Available; cap greater of 2x or $200K (§ 895.043) | 7.5% interest for late payment | Wis. Stat. § 628.46; § 895.043; Anderson | [Source](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/628/iii/46) |
| **Wyoming** | **10%/yr** if refusal unreasonable (§ 26-15-124(c)) | Yes, discretionary (§ 26-15-124(c)) | Bad-faith tort (McCullough); no statutory cap | 10% interest + fees (discretionary) | Wyo. Stat. § 26-15-124 | [Source](https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title26.pdf) |

---

## States with Strongest Policyholder Remedies

### Treble/Multiple Damages
| State | Multiplier | Statute | Notes |
|-------|------------|---------|-------|
| **Washington** | Up to 3x (discretionary) | IFCA RCW 48.30.015(2) | + mandatory attorney fees; no common-law punitive |
| **Texas** | Up to 3x (knowing violation) | Ins. Code § 541.152 | Actual damages trebled; CPRC § 41.008 cap on exemplary |
| **Colorado** | 2x covered benefit | C.R.S. § 10-3-1116 | + fees and costs |

*Connecticut removed: CUTPA punitive damages are discretionary with no fixed multiplier (C.G.S. § 42-110g(a)).*

### Automatic Penalty Interest
| State | Rate | Trigger | Statute |
|-------|------|---------|---------|
| **Texas** | 18% simple; Ch. 542A property claims: Finance Code § 304.003 rate + 5% | Late payment | Ins. Code § 542.060(a), (c) |
| **Oklahoma** | 15%/yr on verdict | Insured prevails; from date loss payable | 36 O.S. § 3629(B) |
| **Arkansas** | 12% (damages penalty, not interest) | Failure to pay within policy time after demand | § 23-79-208 |
| **Wyoming** | 10%/yr | Unreasonable refusal to pay | § 26-15-124(c) |
| **Wisconsin** | 7.5% simple | Claim overdue 30 days after notice | § 628.46 |
| **Pennsylvania** | Prime + 3% | Bad faith found | 42 Pa.C.S. § 8371 |
| **Florida** | § 55.03 rate | Payment after 60 days from notice | § 627.70131(7)(a) |

### Highest Statutory Penalties
| State | Penalty | Statute |
|-------|---------|---------|
| **Georgia** | Greater of 50% of liability or $5,000 (+ fees) | § 33-4-6 |
| **Illinois** | Least of 60% of recovery, $60,000, or excess over offer | 215 ILCS 5/155 |
| **Tennessee** | Up to 25% of loss | § 56-7-105 |
| **Arkansas** | 12% of amount due | § 23-79-208 |

*Kansas removed: K.S.A. 40-256/40-908 award attorney fees only; the 20%/10% vexatious percentage is Missouri § 375.420.*

---

## States with Weakest/No Remedies

### No First-Party Bad Faith Tort
| State | Limitation | Alternative Remedy |
|-------|------------|-------------------|
| **District of Columbia** | Contract only (Choharis) | Contract damages |
| **Illinois** | § 155 exclusive (Cramer) | § 155 fees + capped penalty |
| **Kansas** | No tort (Spencer) | Mandatory fees (40-256/40-908) |
| **Oregon** | No tort (Farris) | ORS 742.061 fees; Moody negligence per se |
| **Tennessee** | § 56-7-105 exclusive (§ 56-8-113) | 25% penalty |
| **Utah** | Contract only (Beck) | Consequential damages |
| **Virginia** | No tort | § 38.2-209 attorney fees |

*Vermont removed: Bushey v. Allstate (1993) recognizes a first-party bad-faith tort.*

### No Private Action Under UCSPA
Most states do NOT have a private action under their UCSPA/unfair claims statute (verified):
- AL, AK, AZ, CA, DC, DE, HI, IA, ID, IN, KS, ND, OH, OR, SC, UT, VA, VT

**Verified states WITH a private statutory action:**
- CO (§ 10-3-1116), FL (§ 624.155), GA (§ 33-4-6), RI (§ 9-1-33), TX (Ch. 541/542), WA (IFCA), WV (§ 33-11-4(9), first-party only), PA (§ 8371), OK (§ 3629(B)); CT only indirectly via CUTPA on a general business practice (Lees)

*California removed from the private-action list: Ins. Code § 790.03 creates no private right (Moradi-Shalal).*

*All rows verified this cycle.*

---

## Punitive Damages Caps

| State | Cap | Notes |
|-------|-----|-------|
| **Alabama** | Greater of 3x compensatory or $500K | Ala. Code § 6-11-21 |
| **Alaska** | Greater of 3x or $500K; 4x/$7M if financially motivated | AS 09.17.020(f)-(g) |
| **Arizona** | No cap | Noble set no ratio; due-process limits only |
| **Arkansas** | None (cap struck down) | Bayer CropScience v. Schafer (2011) |
| **California** | No cap | Civ. Code § 3294; clear/convincing |
| **Colorado** | 1:1 with actual damages, court may raise to 3x | C.R.S. § 13-21-102 |
| **Connecticut** | No fixed cap; discretionary | CUTPA § 42-110g(a) |
| **Delaware** | No cap | Tackett |
| **District of Columbia** | N/A | No bad-faith tort |
| **Florida** | Greater of 3x or $500K | § 768.73; § 624.155(5) general business practice |
| **Georgia** | $250K (no cap for specific intent) | § 51-12-5.1; not under § 33-4-6 |
| **Hawaii** | No cap | Best Place; clear/convincing |
| **Idaho** | Greater of $250K or 3x | § 6-1604(3) |
| **Illinois** | N/A | § 155 exclusive |
| **Indiana** | Greater of 3x or $50K | 25% to plaintiff, 75% to state (§ 34-51-3-4, -6) |
| **Iowa** | No dollar cap | 75% to state fund if not directed at claimant (§ 668A.1) |
| **Kansas** | Lesser of highest annual gross income or $5M | K.S.A. 60-3701(e); independent tort only |
| **North Dakota** | Greater of 2x or $250K | N.D.C.C. 32-03.2-11(4) |
| **Ohio** | 2x compensatory | R.C. 2315.21(D)(2); small employers lesser of 2x or 10% net worth (max $350K) |
| **Oklahoma** | Cat. I greater of $100K/actual; Cat. II greatest of $500K/2x/benefit; Cat. III none | 23 O.S. § 9.1 |
| **Oregon** | Generally unavailable | No bad-faith tort; 70% to state if awarded (ORS 31.735) |
| **Pennsylvania** | No cap | § 8371 |
| **Rhode Island** | No statutory cap | § 9-1-33 |
| **South Carolina** | Greater of 3x or $500K (CPI-adjusted) | § 15-32-530 |
| **South Dakota** | No cap | SDCL 21-3-2 |
| **Tennessee** | N/A | § 56-7-105 exclusive |
| **Texas** | CPRC § 41.008 | Treble actual damages under § 541.152 |
| **Utah** | N/A | Contract only (Beck) |
| **Vermont** | No statutory cap | Malice required (Bushey) |
| **Virginia** | N/A | No bad-faith tort |
| **Washington** | N/A (no punitive); treble up to 3x discretionary | IFCA |
| **West Virginia** | Greater of 4x or $500K | W. Va. Code § 55-7-29 |
| **Wisconsin** | Greater of 2x or $200K | § 895.043(6) |
| **Wyoming** | No statutory cap | McCullough |

---

## Attorney Fees Provisions

### Mandatory Attorney Fees
| State | Provision | Statute |
|-------|-----------|---------|
| **Delaware** | "Shall allow" on any judgment against insurer on property policy | 18 Del. C. § 4102 |
| **Hawaii** | "Shall be awarded" when insurer contests liability and loses | HRS § 431:10-242 |
| **Kansas** | Mandatory when refusal without just cause; on any judgment on fire/hail property policy | K.S.A. 40-256; 40-908 |
| **Washington** | Mandatory on finding of unreasonable denial | RCW 48.30.015(3) |

*West Virginia removed: Hayseeds fees require substantially prevailing and the 1/3 figure is a guideline, not automatic (Miller v. Fluharty).*

### Conditional Attorney Fees
| State | Condition | Statute |
|-------|-----------|---------|
| **Arkansas** | Failure to pay within policy time after demand | § 23-79-208 |
| **Colorado** | Unreasonable delay/denial | § 10-3-1116 |
| **Florida** | Declaratory action after total denial, or bad-faith civil remedy (§ 627.428 repealed Dec 2022) | § 86.121; § 624.155(4) |
| **Georgia** | Bad-faith refusal after 60-day demand | § 33-4-6 |
| **Idaho** | Nonpayment 30 days after POL | § 41-1839 |
| **Illinois** | Vexatious and unreasonable delay | 215 ILCS 5/155 |
| **Oklahoma** | Judgment exceeds insurer's written offer | 36 O.S. § 3629(B) |
| **Oregon** | No settlement within 6 months of POL and recovery exceeds tender | ORS 742.061 |
| **Pennsylvania** | Bad faith found (discretionary) | § 8371 |
| **Rhode Island** | Bad-faith refusal | § 9-1-33 |
| **South Dakota** | Vexatious refusal; recovery exceeds tender | SDCL 58-12-3 |
| **Texas** | Prompt-pay violation | § 542.060 |
| **Virginia** | Denial or refusal not in good faith | § 38.2-209 |
| **West Virginia** | Insured substantially prevails | Hayseeds |
| **Wyoming** | Unreasonable refusal (discretionary) | § 26-15-124(c) |

### Attorney Fee Caps
| State | Cap | Statute |
|-------|-----|---------|
| **South Carolina** | 1/3 of judgment (90-day demand) | § 38-59-40 |
| **Arizona** | Fees actually paid/agreed | § 12-341.01 |
| **Tennessee** | Folded into 25% penalty | § 56-7-105 |

---

## Pre-Suit Notice Requirements

| State | Notice Period | Statute |
|-------|---------------|---------|
| **Florida** | 60-day civil remedy notice (cure period) | § 624.155 |
| **Georgia** | 60-day demand | § 33-4-6 |
| **Tennessee** | Formal demand + 60 days | § 56-7-105 |
| **South Carolina** | 90 days after demand | § 38-59-40 |
| **Texas** | Ch. 542A pre-suit notice (limits fees) | Ch. 542A |
| **Washington** | 20 days (to insurer + OIC) | RCW 48.30.015(8) |

---

## Key Observations

- Only a handful of states impose a true percentage penalty on late or bad-faith payment: Georgia (greater of 50%/$5,000), Tennessee (up to 25%), Arkansas (12%), Illinois (capped at least of 60%/$60K/excess over offer), Colorado (2x benefit).
- Elevated statutory interest exists in Texas (18%, or Finance Code rate + 5% for Ch. 542A property claims), Oklahoma (15%), Wyoming (10%), Wisconsin (7.5%), Pennsylvania (prime + 3%), and Florida (§ 55.03 rate after 60 days).
- California has no percentage penalty; the 10% figure is ordinary contract interest and § 790.03 gives no private action.
- Kansas has no 20%/10% vexatious penalty; that formula belongs to Missouri § 375.420. Kansas awards mandatory attorney fees only.
- Florida's one-way fee statute (§ 627.428) was repealed in December 2022; fees are now limited to § 86.121 declaratory actions and § 624.155 bad-faith claims.
- Virginia does grant attorney fees (§ 38.2-209) but has no bad-faith tort and no 9% rate (judgment rate is 6%).
- Punitive caps are common: ND 2x/$250K, OH 2x, SC 3x/$500K, WV 4x/$500K, CO 1:1 (up to 3x), WI 2x/$200K, ID $250K/3x, AL and AK 3x/$500K, IN 3x/$50K.
- Washington's IFCA treble award is discretionary ("may") and capped at 3x; Connecticut's CUTPA has no multiplier; Arizona has no punitive ratio cap.
- No first-party bad-faith tort: DC, IL, KS, OR, TN, UT, VA (verified); Vermont recognizes one (Bushey).

---

## Key Cases & Statutes

| State | Key Authority |
|-------|---------------|
| AL | Ala. Code § 6-11-21; Chavers |
| AK | AS 09.17.020; Nicholson |
| AZ | Noble; A.R.S. § 12-341.01 |
| AR | § 23-79-208 |
| CA | Civ. Code §§ 3289, 3294; Brandt |
| CO | C.R.S. §§ 10-3-1115, 10-3-1116 |
| CT | C.G.S. § 42-110g; § 38a-816 (via Lees) |
| DE | 18 Del. C. § 4102; Tackett |
| DC | Contract only; Choharis |
| FL | §§ 624.155, 627.70131(7), 86.121 |
| GA | O.C.G.A. § 33-4-6 |
| HI | HRS § 431:10-242; Best Place |
| ID | § 41-1839; § 6-1604 |
| IL | 215 ILCS 5/155 |
| IN | Ind. Code § 34-51-3-4, -6; Erie v. Hickman |
| IA | Iowa Code § 668A.1; Dolan |
| KS | K.S.A. 40-256; 40-908 |
| KY | KRS 304.12-235; KRS 304.12-230 (UCSPA, private action recognized in State Farm v. Reeder, Ky. 1988) |
| LA | R.S. 22:1892 (R.S. 22:1973 repealed eff. July 1, 2024 by Acts 2024 No. 3) |
| ME | 24-A M.R.S. s.2436 and s.2436-A |
| MD | Cts. & Jud. Proc. s.3-1701; Ins. s.27-1001 |
| MA | G.L. c.93A s.9; c.176D s.3(9) |
| MI | MCL 500.2006 |
| MN | Minn. Stat. 604.18 |
| MS | Universal Life Ins. Co. v. Veasley, 610 So. 2d 290 (Miss. 1992); Miss. Code § 11-1-65 |
| MO | RSMo 375.420; 375.296 |
| MT | MCA 33-18-242; 33-18-201; 27-1-220 |
| NE | Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-359; common-law bad faith (Braesch v. Union Ins., Neb. 1991) |
| NV | NRS 686A.310; NRS 42.005 |
| NH | RSA 417:19; RSA 491:22-b; common-law bad faith (Lawton v. Great Southwest, N.H. 1978) |
| NJ | Common law (Pickett v. Lloyd's, N.J. 1993, 'fairly debatable'); N.J.S.A. 17:29BB-1 et seq. (UM/UIM only) |
| NM | NMSA §§ 59A-16-30, 39-2-1; Sloan v. State Farm, 2004-NMSC-004 |
| NY | Common law; Ins. Law 2601 (administrative only); CPLR 5004 |
| NC | G.S. 75-1.1, 75-16, 75-16.1; 58-63-15(11); 1D-25 |
| ND | N.D.C.C. 32-03.2-11; Corwin |
| OH | R.C. 2315.21; Zoppo |
| OK | 36 O.S. 3629(B); 23 O.S. 9.1; Christian |
| OR | ORS 742.061; ORS 746.230; Moody |
| PA | 42 Pa.C.S. § 8371 |
| RI | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-33 |
| SC | § 38-59-40; § 15-32-530; Nichols |
| SD | SDCL 58-12-3; Champion |
| TN | T.C.A. § 56-7-105; § 56-8-113 |
| TX | Ins. Code § 542.060; Ch. 542A; § 541.152 |
| UT | Beck; Utah Code § 31A-26-303 |
| VT | Bushey; 8 V.S.A. § 4724 |
| VA | Va. Code § 38.2-209 |
| WA | RCW 48.30.015 (IFCA) |
| WV | Hayseeds; W. Va. Code §§ 33-11-4a, 55-7-29 |
| WI | Wis. Stat. § 628.46; § 895.043; Anderson |
| WY | Wyo. Stat. § 26-15-124 |

---

**Disclaimer:** This table is for reference only. Penalties and remedies change frequently. Always verify current law before relying on this information.

*Last Updated: August 2026 (verified against statute text)*