Andy has been fighting with Permanent Indemnity for three months to collect on his fire damage claim. First, witnesses were unavailable because a hurricane caused an evacuation of the area. Second, a fire in Permanent's field office destroyed some of its files, including the one on Andy's claim. Third, the claim representative assigned to handle the case died of a heart attack. Which statement about Permanent's delay in settling the claim is correct?

a$.$ The delay is reasonable given Permanent's situation and the lack of intent to delay.

b$.$ The delay is proof of bad faith in dealing with Andy.

c$.$ The delay is considered a violation of the policy's timeliness provision.

d$.$ The delay is considered a violation of the policy's cooperation provision.