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What to Do If Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company Denied Your Life Insurance Claim
A denial from Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company can feel frustrating and disheartening, especially if you’re depending on the benefits to support your family during a difficult time. Life insurance claims may be denied for various reasons, but in many cases, denials can be appealed successfully. If Nationwide denied your claim, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at (954) 515-5000 or chat with us live. Our top-rated life insurance attorneys may help you understand the denial and guide you through the steps to challenge it, increasing your chances of recovering the benefits you deserve. Jason Turchin is AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell, and A+ Rated by the BBB.
Common Reasons Nationwide Denies Claims
Before you can effectively appeal, it’s often important to know why your claim was denied. Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company might deny a claim for reasons such as:
- Policy Lapse Due to Nonpayment:
A common reason for denial is a lapse in coverage. If Nationwide claims that premiums weren’t paid, they may argue that the policy was no longer active at the time of the insured’s death. You may be able to appeal this by showing proof of payment, providing evidence of financial hardship, or demonstrating that the policyholder intended to keep the policy active. - Contestability Period Issues:
Most life insurance policies have a contestability period usually the first two years, during which claims undergo additional scrutiny. If Nationwide finds discrepancies in the application, such as omitted medical conditions or incorrect information, they might deny the claim. Submitting corrected documents, medical records, and clear explanations may improve your chances of a successful appeal. - Policy Exclusions or Limitations:
Certain policies have exclusions that limit payouts under specific circumstances. For instance, deaths caused by certain activities or pre-existing conditions might be excluded. Reviewing the policy’s terms carefully can help you determine whether the exclusion was correctly applied. If it wasn’t, you may have grounds to challenge the denial. - Beneficiary Disputes or Changes:
If multiple claimants or recent beneficiary changes are contested, Nationwide may withhold payment until the issue is resolved. Legal guidance may help clarify beneficiary rights and ensure the benefits are distributed according to the policyholder’s wishes. - Missing or Incomplete Documentation:
Claims may be denied if critical documents such as a certified death certificate, completed claim forms, or proof of beneficiary status are missing or incomplete. Ensuring that all paperwork is accurate and fully submitted may help prevent or resolve this type of denial.
Steps to Take After Receiving a Denial
If Nationwide denies your claim, consider these steps to strengthen your appeal and possibly improve your chances of a favorable resolution:
- Review the Denial Letter Carefully:
The denial letter should explain the reasons for rejection and provide instructions on how to appeal. Understanding Nationwide’s rationale will help guide your response. - Gather Supporting Documentation:
Collect all relevant records, including:- A complete copy of the life insurance policy and any riders or amendments
- Proof of premium payments
- Medical and hospital records addressing disputed health conditions
- Certified death certificates
- Correspondence with Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
- Documentation verifying beneficiary status
- Submit a Formal Appeal:
Follow the appeal instructions provided by Nationwide. Clearly explain why the denial was incorrect and support your argument with the evidence you’ve gathered. A detailed, thorough appeal may improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome. - Consider Consulting a Life Insurance Attorney:
If your initial appeal is denied or if the process feels overwhelming, consulting a life insurance attorney may provide invaluable support. An experienced attorney may help identify errors in Nationwide’s reasoning, gather additional evidence, and represent you in negotiations or legal proceedings if necessary. - Consider Filing a Complaint With State Regulators:
If your appeal fails, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department may prompt further investigation.
Example of a Claim That Could Be Denied
A claim might be denied if the insured did not fully disclose a pre-existing medical condition on their application. If Nationwide later found that the omission affected their underwriting decision, they might refuse to pay the claim. However, if the condition was unrelated to the cause of death or the application question was vague or ambiguous, the beneficiary could provide medical records and a clear explanation to demonstrate that the omission was not intentional and did not impact the policy’s issuance. This additional information might help reverse the denial.
Interpleader Lawsuits and Life Insurance
In some cases, disputes over the rightful beneficiary can lead Nationwide to file an interpleader lawsuit. This process involves the insurer depositing the policy proceeds with a court and asking the court to determine who should receive them. This may happen when:
- Conflicting beneficiary designations exist
- Questions arise about the validity of a beneficiary change
- Multiple claimants assert rights to the same benefit
How to Handle an Interpleader:
If you’re named in an interpleader, it’s important to provide all supporting documentation such as original beneficiary designations, correspondence with Nationwide, and records showing the policyholder’s intent. Consulting a life insurance attorney may help ensure that your rights are protected and that your case is effectively presented in court.
You generally have a very limited time to answer an interpleader or your claims could be barred forever, even if valid.
Florida Claims Against Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
Florida residents may have additional protections under state-specific insurance regulations. Florida’s consumer protection laws may provide important safeguards that help beneficiaries contest unfair claim denials. Working with an attorney who understands Florida’s legal requirements may improve your chances of success and help you recover the benefits you’re owed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my claim is denied because of unpaid premiums?
If Nationwide denies your claim due to unpaid premiums, you can start by gathering evidence of any payments made. You might also collect documentation that shows the policyholder intended to maintain coverage, such as bank statements, correspondence with the insurer, or proof of financial hardship. Presenting this information in your appeal may help reverse the denial.
What if there’s a dispute over the rightful beneficiary?
If there’s a dispute over who should receive the benefits, you may need to provide documentation such as the original beneficiary designation form, any updated forms, and correspondence with Nationwide. Legal guidance can help clarify your rights and expedite the resolution process.
Can I challenge a policy exclusion if I believe it was wrongly applied?
Yes, you may challenge a policy exclusion if it was not clearly stated or applied incorrectly. Providing additional documentation, such as medical records or correspondence with Nationwide, may help you contest the exclusion.
What is the contestability period, and how does it affect my claim?
The contestability period is the first two years after a life insurance policy is issued. During this time, the insurer may carefully review claims and investigate application discrepancies. If the insurer finds any discrepancies, they may deny the claim. After the contestability period ends, claims are generally less likely to be denied due to application errors.
How the Law Offices of Jason Turchin May Help
If Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company denied your life insurance claim, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin may be able to help. We have experience handling life insurance disputes and may assist you in challenging claim denials. We can review your case, identify errors in the denial, and guide you through the appeals process. Call us at (954) 515-5000 or start a live chat today to learn more.
