How to Dispute a Life Insurance Claim

Life insurance is meant to provide financial security to loved ones after the loss of a policyholder. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always make the process simple. A denied or delayed claim can leave families struggling with unexpected bills, funeral costs, and lost income. If your life insurance claim has been denied or disputed, you may have options to challenge the insurer’s decision and fight for the benefits you believe are owed.

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, our experienced attorneys have handled many life insurance disputes, helping beneficiaries across the country recover benefits after denials. Every case is unique, but understanding the process can help you protect your rights.

Common Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied

Insurance companies must provide a reason when they deny a claim. While some denials may be legitimate, others are based on technicalities or questionable interpretations of the policy. Common reasons include:

• Alleged misrepresentation on the application – Insurers often claim the policyholder left out or misstated information about health history, tobacco use, or other factors.
• Lapse in premium payments – If a premium was missed, insurers may argue the policy lapsed, even if payments were only slightly late.
• Contestability period disputes – During the first two years of a policy, insurers can more aggressively investigate claims and deny them for alleged misrepresentations.
• Cause of death exclusions – Some policies exclude deaths related to suicide within a certain timeframe, risky activities, or illegal acts.
• Beneficiary disputes – Conflicts between multiple family members or ex-spouses can trigger insurer hesitation or lawsuits called interpleaders.

Steps to Take if Your Claim is Denied

Disputing a life insurance denial requires patience and strategy. Here are some steps beneficiaries may consider:

1. Review the denial letter carefully
   The letter should explain the insurer’s reason for denying the claim. Save all correspondence and request a full copy of the policy.
2. Gather supporting documentation
   Medical records, death certificates, proof of payment history, and policy documents can all help strengthen your appeal.
3. Request an internal appeal
   Most insurance companies have an appeal process. This often requires submitting evidence or legal arguments within strict deadlines.
4. Consider outside help
   Insurers often have legal teams on their side. Beneficiaries may benefit from having an experienced life insurance attorney review their case.
5. Explore litigation if needed
   If appeals fail, filing a lawsuit in state or federal court may be necessary to recover benefits.

Case Examples of Life Insurance Disputes

• Lapsed Policy Dispute
  A widow contacted our office after her claim was denied because the insurer said her husband missed a premium payment. We showed that the payment had been mailed and processed late due to the insurer’s own delay. The claim was reinstated, and she recovered the full benefit.
• Beneficiary Conflict
  In another case, children and a former spouse both made claims as beneficiaries. The insurance company filed an interpleader lawsuit, asking the court to decide who should receive the money. Through negotiation, we helped the parties reach a settlement without years of litigation.
• Alleged Misrepresentation
  A policyholder failed to mention a minor health condition on his application. After his death, the insurer denied the claim. By showing that the condition was not related to the cause of death and that the question was vague, we persuaded the insurer to pay the full benefit.

These examples highlight that denials are not always the end of the road. We’ve handled hundreds of life insurance claims.

Why Timing Matters

Insurance disputes have deadlines. Some appeals must be filed within months of the denial. State and federal laws also set statutes of limitations for lawsuits. Waiting too long could forfeit your rights, so it’s important to act quickly.

How a Life Insurance Lawyer Can Help

While some beneficiaries handle appeals alone, many turn to attorneys for support. An experienced life insurance lawyer may:

• Review policy terms and identify errors in the denial
• Gather medical, financial, or employment records to strengthen the claim
• Communicate with the insurer to prevent further delays
• Represent beneficiaries in interpleader lawsuits
• Pursue litigation when negotiations fail

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we know how overwhelming these disputes can feel. Our goal is to reduce stress for families and work toward recovering the benefits their loved ones intended.

Frequently Asked Questions About Life Insurance Disputes

1. Can I dispute a denied life insurance claim on my own?

Yes, you can. Many beneficiaries begin with an internal appeal. However, because insurance companies have significant resources, working with a lawyer may improve your chances of success. You also risk making more errors without the benefit of legal guidance.

2. How long does the dispute process take?

It varies. Some cases resolve in weeks through negotiation, while others may take months or longer if litigation is required.

3. What happens if multiple people claim the same benefit?

The insurer may file an interpleader lawsuit and deposit the money with the court. A judge will then decide how to divide the funds.

4. Can an insurance company deny a claim after two years?

Yes, but the grounds for denial may be more limited after the contestability period ends. Denials based on fraud, for example, can still occur.

5. What if my loved one missed one premium payment?

Insurers may argue the policy lapsed, but grace periods and reinstatement provisions can sometimes keep coverage active.

6. Are suicide exclusions enforceable?

Many policies exclude suicide within the first two years. After that period, most policies will cover it, but exclusions should be reviewed carefully.

7. Do I need to live in the same state as the insurance company to file a lawsuit?

Not necessarily. Jurisdiction depends on several factors, including where the beneficiary lives, where the insurer operates, and where the policy was issued.

8. What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

Our life insurance lawyers handle these cases on a contingency basis, meaning there may be no fees or costs unless compensation is recovered.

9. What is the difference between a denial and a delay?

A denial is a formal rejection of benefits. A delay means the insurer has not yet made a decision, often due to “ongoing investigation.” Both can be challenged if unreasonable.

10. How do I start the dispute process?

Begin by requesting the insurer’s denial letter and gathering policy documents. From there, you can submit an appeal or contact an attorney for help.

Taking the Next Step

If your life insurance claim was denied or delayed, you don’t have to face the insurer alone. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin has experience handling life insurance disputes nationwide. Call us today at (800) 337-7755 for a free consultation, or visit LifeClaims.com to learn more about your options.