1. In a suit on a collision insurance policy where it appears that there was a bona fide dispute between the insured and the insurer as to the amount of the loss, the difference in the amounts being substantial, neither a charge on nor a verdict for bad faith damages and attorneys fees was authorized. First Nat. Ins. Co. of America v. Thain, 110 Ga. App. 603, 606 ( 139 SE2d 447); Royal Ins. Co. v. Cohen, 105 Ga. App. 746 (3) (125 SE2d 709). 2. A proof of loss does not, standing alone, constitute a demand for payment. Guarantee Reserve Life Ins. Co. v. Norris, 219 Ga. 573 (134 SE2d 774), conformed to, 109 Ga. App. 21 (134 SE2d 880); George Washington Life Ins. Co. v. Smith, 90 Ga. App. 459 (83 SE2d 302). A demand, to be effective, must be made at a time when the insured has a right to exact present payment, and must be alleged and proven. Lester v. Piedmont &c. Life Ins. Co., 55 Ga. 475, 480; Life Ins. Co. of Ga. v. Burke, 219 Ga 214 (2) (132 SE2d 737); Alliance Ins. Co. v. Williamson, 36 Ga. App. 497, 504 ( 137 SE 277); National Cas. Co. v. Borochoff, 45 Ga. App. 745 (165 SE 905); Adams v. Washington Fidelity Nat. Ins. Co., 48 Ga. App. 753 (4) (173 SE 247). Unless this appears, a charge on bad faith and attorneys fees is unauthorized and a verdict including them is unsupported. 4. Where the loss was alleged to have been total and a recovery was sought for the full market value of the vehicle, less $50, deductible under terms of the policy, and it appeared from the evidence that there was salvage of substantial value, a verdict for the full market value, or a total loss, was unauthorized. |