What to Do If Voya Retirement Insurance & Annuity Company Denied Your Life Insurance Claim

If Voya Retirement Insurance & Annuity Company has denied your life insurance claim, you may feel confused and unsure about how to proceed. Life insurance benefits are often a financial lifeline during difficult times, so receiving a denial can be particularly frustrating. However, a denial doesn’t have to be the final word. Many claims can be successfully appealed or resolved. If your life insurance claim was denied, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 or chat with us live. We may help explain the reasons for the denial and guide you through the steps to contest it.

Common Reasons Voya May Deny Claims

Voya Retirement Insurance & Annuity Company may deny claims for various reasons. Understanding why the life insurance claim was rejected is the first step in addressing the issue. Common reasons include:

• Policy Lapse Due to Missed Premiums:
  If premium payments are not made on time, the policy may lapse, resulting in a denial. Insurers are typically required to send proper lapse notices before canceling coverage. If Voya did not provide these notices, the policy might still be valid, giving you grounds to appeal.
• Errors or Omissions in the Application:
  Claims may be denied if there are discrepancies or omissions in the original policy application. For example, failing to disclose a medical condition could lead to rejection. Providing additional documentation and clarifications can help resolve these issues and support your appeal.
• Policy Exclusions or Limitations:
  Many life insurance policies have exclusions that may prevent payouts under certain circumstances. Carefully reviewing the policy terms can help determine whether Voya applied an exclusion correctly. If it was misapplied, you may have grounds to challenge the denial.
• Beneficiary Disputes:
  If there is confusion over who the rightful beneficiary is, Voya may delay or deny payment until the issue is resolved. This can happen if multiple parties claim the proceeds or if recent beneficiary changes are contested. Clear documentation of the insured’s intent can help clarify these disputes.
• Incomplete or Missing Documentation:
  A claim may also be denied if required documents—such as a certified death certificate or properly completed claim forms—are missing or incomplete. Ensuring that all necessary paperwork is accurate and fully submitted can help prevent this type of denial and strengthen your appeal if it occurs.

What You Can Do After Receiving a Denial

If Voya denies your life insurance claim, consider these steps to improve your chances of a successful appeal:

1. Review the Denial Letter Carefully:
   The denial letter should explain why the claim was rejected and provide instructions for filing an appeal. Understanding Voya’s rationale is critical for preparing a strong 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 any related medical records
   • Correspondence with Voya Retirement Insurance & Annuity 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, and present a well-organized argument. A strong appeal can 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, a life insurance attorney can provide valuable guidance. An experienced attorney can identify procedural mistakes, gather further evidence, and advocate on your behalf.
5. Consider Filing a Life Insurance Lawsuit:
   If the denial appears unjust or if Voya acted in bad faith, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. An attorney can help determine whether legal action is appropriate and guide you through the litigation process if necessary.
6. Contact State Insurance Regulators:
   If other efforts fail, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department may prompt additional scrutiny. Regulatory authorities can investigate whether Voya followed proper procedures and may encourage them to reconsider the denial.

Example of a Claim That Could Be Denied

A life insurance claim might be denied if the insured omitted a prior medical condition on their application. If Voya later determines that the omission influenced their underwriting decision, they might reject the claim. However, if the condition was unrelated to the cause of death, providing medical records and a clear explanation may demonstrate that the omission was not material. This additional information could help support a successful appeal.

Interpleader Lawsuits and Beneficiary Disputes

If multiple parties claim the same life insurance proceeds or if there is confusion over the rightful beneficiary, Voya may file an interpleader lawsuit. In this case, the insurer deposits the policy proceeds with a court and asks the court to determine who should receive them. Providing updated beneficiary forms, correspondence, and other evidence that clarifies the insured’s intent can help strengthen your case. Legal guidance can help ensure your rights are protected and that your case is presented effectively.

Florida Claims Against Voya Retirement Insurance & Annuity Company

For Florida residents, state-specific protections and regulations may apply. Florida’s insurance laws often require insurers to follow strict procedures before denying a claim. If Voya failed to comply with these rules, it could strengthen your appeal. Consulting a Florida-based attorney with experience in life insurance disputes can help identify regulatory violations and bolster your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if my claim was denied due to a lapse in premium payments?
Check whether Voya 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 caused by errors in the application?
Yes. Providing additional documentation and clarifications can demonstrate that the error was not material to the claim, potentially reversing the denial.

What happens if there’s a dispute over the rightful beneficiary?
Gather evidence of the insured’s intent, including original beneficiary designations and any updates. An attorney can help clarify your position and protect your rights.

What if Voya applied an exclusion incorrectly?
Review the policy’s exclusions carefully. If you believe the exclusion doesn’t apply, submitting evidence that demonstrates this can help strengthen your appeal.

How the Law Offices of Jason Turchin May Help

If Voya Retirement Insurance & Annuity Company denied your life insurance claim, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin may be able to help. With extensive experience in life insurance disputes, we can guide you through the appeals process or assist you in taking legal action if necessary. Call us at 800-337-7755 or start a live chat today to learn more.