What to Do If Security National Life Insurance Company Denied Your Life Insurance Claim

Receiving a claim denial from Security National Life Insurance Company can be a stressful experience. Life insurance is designed to offer financial security, and a denial might leave you wondering what went wrong and how to proceed. The good news is that many denials can be successfully appealed. If you’ve had a claim denied, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 or chat with us live. We can help explain the denial and guide you through the steps to challenge it.

Common Reasons Security National May Deny Claims

Before you can appeal a denial, it’s important to understand why the claim was denied in the first place. Security National Life Insurance Company may deny claims for several reasons, such as:

• Policy Lapse Due to Missed Payments:
  A lapse in coverage can occur if premiums are not paid on time. However, insurers are generally required to send advance notice before a policy is canceled. If Security National failed to meet these requirements, the policy might still be active, giving you grounds to appeal the denial.
• Application Discrepancies or Errors:
  Claims can be rejected if the insurer discovers errors or omissions in the original policy application. Even unintentional mistakes—such as not disclosing a prior medical condition—can lead to a denial. Providing additional documentation and clarifications can help address these issues.
• Policy Exclusions or Restrictions:
  Many life insurance policies include exclusions for certain causes of death or high-risk activities. If Security National applied an exclusion, reviewing the policy’s terms can help determine whether it was enforced properly. If the exclusion was incorrectly applied, you may have a case to reverse the denial.
• Beneficiary Conflicts or Uncertainty:
  A claim may be denied if there’s confusion about the designated beneficiary. If multiple parties claim the benefits or if recent changes to the beneficiary designation create uncertainty, Security National may hold or reject the claim. Clear documentation of the insured’s intent can help resolve these disputes.
• Incomplete or Missing Documentation:
  Claims can also be denied if essential documents—like a certified death certificate or completed claim forms—are missing or incomplete. Ensuring that all necessary paperwork is accurate and fully submitted can reduce the likelihood of a denial and strengthen your appeal if it occurs.

Steps to Take After a Claim Denial

If your claim is denied, taking prompt and careful steps can sometimes help improve your chances of success on appeal. Some things to consider:

1. Review the Denial Letter Thoroughly:
   The denial notice should outline why the claim was rejected and provide instructions for appealing the decision. Understanding the insurer’s rationale can be the first step in preparing a strong appeal.
2. Gather Supporting Documentation:
   Collect all relevant records, including:
   • The complete policy and any amendments
   • Proof of premium payments
   • Certified death certificates and medical records, if applicable
   • Correspondence with Security National Life Insurance Company
   • Any beneficiary designation forms or updates
3. Prepare a Detailed Appeal Letter:
   Address the reasons for the denial in your appeal letter. Provide additional documentation and clarify any discrepancies. A well-organized and thorough appeal can sometimes improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
4. Consult a Life Insurance Attorney:
   If the appeal process seems overwhelming or if your initial appeal is denied, an experienced life insurance attorney can help. Attorneys can identify procedural errors, gather more evidence, and advocate on your behalf.
5. Consider Filing a Complaint With State Regulators:
   If your appeal fails, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department may prompt further review. Regulatory authorities can investigate whether Security National followed proper procedures and may encourage the insurer to reconsider the claim.

Example of a Claim That Could Be Denied

A claim might be denied if the insured failed to disclose a medical procedure on their application. If Security National later finds that the omission influenced their underwriting decision, they may reject the claim. However, if the procedure had no bearing on the cause of death or the question was vague or ambiguous, you could provide medical records and other documentation to show that the omission was immaterial. This additional information might help support an appeal and lead to a successful outcome.

Interpleader Lawsuits and Beneficiary Disputes

In certain cases, Security National may file an interpleader lawsuit when there’s a dispute over the rightful beneficiary. This involves depositing the policy’s proceeds with a court and asking the court to decide who should receive them. If you’re involved in an interpleader, providing clear documentation—such as original beneficiary designations, updated forms, and correspondence—can help clarify the insured’s intent. Legal guidance may be often necessary to protect your rights in these situations.

Florida Claims Against Security National Life Insurance Company

If you live in Florida, state-specific insurance regulations may provide additional protections. Florida law often requires insurers to follow strict procedures before denying a claim. If Security National failed to comply with these regulations, it could strengthen your appeal. Working with an attorney familiar with Florida insurance laws may help identify procedural violations and use them to support your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if my claim was denied due to a lapse in premium payments?
Check whether Security National sent the required lapse notices. If they failed to comply with state notification rules, the policy may still be valid, providing grounds for an appeal.

Can I appeal a denial based on a contestability period issue?
Maybe. If the denial was due to discrepancies in the application, you may be able to provide additional documentation and clarifications to demonstrate that the errors were immaterial or unintentional.

What if there’s a dispute over the rightful beneficiary?
Gather evidence that shows the policyholder’s intent, including original beneficiary forms and any updates. A life insurance attorney can help clarify your position and protect your rights.

What if Security National applied an exclusion incorrectly?
Review the policy’s terms carefully. If you believe the exclusion doesn’t apply, submit evidence that demonstrates why the denial was incorrect. A detailed appeal can help clarify the situation and potentially reverse the denial.

How the Law Offices of Jason Turchin May Help

If Security National Life Insurance Company denied your life insurance claim, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin may be able to help. With experience handling life insurance disputes, we can guide you through the appeals process and work to secure the benefits you deserve. Call us at 800-337-7755 or start a live chat today to learn more.