What to Do If Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company Denied Your Life Insurance Claim

If Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company denies your life insurance claim, it can feel like an uphill battle. Life insurance benefits often provide a safety net for your family during difficult times, so a denial might leave you feeling stuck and unsure of where to turn. However, a denial doesn’t mean your case is closed. Many claims can be successfully appealed. If your claim was denied, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 or chat with us live. We can help explain why the claim was denied and guide you through the steps to contest it.

Common Reasons Standard Life and Accident Insurance May Deny Claims

Understanding why a claim was denied is the first step toward building a strong appeal. Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company may deny claims for a number of reasons, including:

• Policy Lapse Due to Missed Premiums:
  A common cause of claim denial is that the policy lapsed because premiums were not paid. However, insurers are generally required to provide proper lapse notices before canceling coverage. If Standard Life and Accident Insurance didn’t send these notices, the policy might still be active, giving you grounds to appeal.
• Application Errors or Omissions:
  Claims may be denied if discrepancies or omissions are discovered in the original policy application. Even unintentional mistakes, such as failing to disclose a medical condition, can lead to denial. Providing accurate documentation and clarifications can help address these concerns and strengthen your appeal.
• Policy Exclusions or Limitations:
  Many life insurance policies contain exclusions that prevent payouts under certain conditions. If Standard Life and Accident Insurance applied an exclusion, reviewing the policy terms carefully can help determine whether it was enforced correctly. If the exclusion was misapplied, you may have grounds to dispute the denial.
• Conflicts Over Beneficiary Designations:
  Beneficiary disputes can delay or deny a claim. If multiple parties claim the proceeds or if the beneficiary designation was changed shortly before the insured’s death, Standard Life and Accident Insurance may withhold payment until the dispute is resolved. Clear documentation of the insured’s intent can help clarify these issues.
• Incomplete or Missing Documentation:
  Claims may also be denied if required documents—such as a certified death certificate or completed claim forms—are missing or incomplete. Ensuring all necessary paperwork is accurate and fully submitted can help prevent this type of denial and support a strong appeal if it happens.

What You Can Do After Receiving a Denial

If Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company denies your claim, taking the following steps may improve your chances of success on appeal:

1. Review the Denial Letter Carefully:
   The denial notice should explain why the claim was rejected and provide instructions on how to appeal. Understanding the insurer’s reasoning is critical for crafting a well-prepared response.
2. Gather Supporting Documentation:
   Collect all relevant records, including:
   • A complete copy of the policy, including any amendments or riders
   • Proof of premium payments
   • Certified death certificates and medical records, if applicable
   • Correspondence with Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company
   • Beneficiary designation forms and any updates
3. Prepare a Comprehensive Appeal Letter:
   Address the reasons for the denial directly. Provide additional documentation, clarify any errors or omissions, and present a well-organized argument. A strong appeal can significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
4. Consult a Life Insurance Attorney:
   If your initial appeal is unsuccessful or if you’re unsure how to proceed, consulting a life insurance attorney can provide critical support. An attorney experienced in handling insurance disputes can identify procedural errors, gather further evidence, and advocate on your behalf.
5. Consider Filing a Life Insurance Lawsuit:
   If the denial was unjust or if Standard Life and Accident Insurance acted in bad faith, you may have the option to file a lawsuit. Consulting with an attorney can help you determine whether legal action is appropriate and guide you through the process if necessary.
6. File a Complaint With State Regulators:
   If other efforts fail, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department may prompt additional scrutiny. Regulatory authorities can investigate whether Standard Life and Accident Insurance followed proper procedures.

Example of a Claim That Could Be Denied

A claim might be denied if the insured failed to disclose a prior medical condition on their application. If Standard Life and Accident Insurance later determines that this omission influenced their underwriting decision, they may reject the claim. However, if the condition was unrelated to the cause of death, providing medical records and a clear explanation can demonstrate that the omission was not material. This additional information might help support an appeal and lead to a successful outcome.

Interpleader Lawsuits and Beneficiary Disputes

If multiple parties claim the same life insurance proceeds or there is confusion over the rightful beneficiary, Standard Life and Accident Insurance may file an interpleader lawsuit. This involves the insurer depositing the policy proceeds with a court and asking the court to determine who should receive them. Providing original beneficiary forms, updated designations, and correspondence clarifying the insured’s intent is crucial. Legal guidance can help ensure your rights are protected and that your case is presented effectively.

Florida Claims Against Standard Life and Accident Insurance Company

For Florida residents, state-specific protections may apply. Florida’s insurance regulations often require insurers to follow strict notification and procedural requirements before denying a claim. If Standard Life and Accident Insurance failed to comply with these rules, it could strengthen your appeal. Consulting a Florida-based attorney experienced in these regulations can help identify procedural violations and support your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if my claim was denied due to a lapse in premium payments?
Check whether Standard Life and Accident Insurance sent proper lapse notices. If they failed to follow state notification rules, the policy may still be valid, providing grounds to appeal.

Can I appeal a denial based on a contestability period issue?
Yes. If the denial was due to discrepancies in the application, you can 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 of the insured’s intent, including original beneficiary forms and any updates. A life insurance attorney can help clarify your position and protect your rights.

What if Standard Life and Accident Insurance 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 Standard Life and Accident 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 or file a lawsuit if necessary. Call us at 800-337-7755 or start a live chat today to learn more.