26-12-206. Attorney fees in actions against unauthorized insurer.
In any action against an unauthorized insurer, if the insurer fails for thirty (30) days after demand prior to the commencement of the action to make payment in accordance with the terms of the contract, and it appears to the court that the refusal is without reasonable cause, the court shall allow to the plaintiff a reasonable attorney fee and include that fee in any judgment that may be rendered in the action. The fee shall not be less than one hundred dollars ($100.00). Failure of an insurer to defend any such action is prima facie evidence that its failure to make payment was without reasonable cause.