What to Do If Pekin Life Insurance Company Denied Your Life Insurance Claim

A denied claim from Pekin Life Insurance Company can feel frustrating and disheartening. This is especially true if you were depending on the policy’s benefits to support your family’s financial future. Fortunately, a denial doesn’t always mean the end of the road. Many life insurance claim denials can be appealed and ultimately resolved. If you’ve had a claim denied, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at (954) 515-5000 or chat with us live. We can help guide you through the process and identify steps to recover the benefits you’re owed.

Common Reasons Pekin Life May Deny Claims

Understanding the reasons for a claim denial can help you determine how to proceed with an appeal. Pekin Life Insurance Company may deny claims for a variety of reasons, including:

• Policy Lapse Due to Missed Payments:
  Claims may be denied if the policy lapsed because premiums were not paid. However, if Pekin Life failed to send proper lapse notices or did not meet state law requirements, the policy might still be in effect. Examining whether these notices were correctly issued is critical in challenging this type of denial.
• Issues During the Contestability Period:
  Many policies include a contestability period, usually the first two years, during which claims receive closer scrutiny. If Pekin Life identifies discrepancies in the application, such as omitted medical conditions or incorrect personal details, it may question the validity of the claim. Providing additional medical records, corrected information, and clear explanations can help address these concerns and support your appeal.
• Policy Exclusions or Limitations:
  Certain policies have exclusions that limit coverage in specific situations, such as certain activities or pre-existing conditions. Reviewing the policy terms carefully can help determine if the exclusion was applied correctly. If it wasn’t, you may have grounds to contest the denial.
• Beneficiary Disputes or Changes:
  Conflicting beneficiary designations or recent changes to the policy’s beneficiary list can lead to delays or denials. Providing clear documentation and evidence of the policyholder’s intent may help resolve these disputes and allow the claim to move forward.
• Missing or Incomplete Documentation:
  Claims may be delayed or denied if required 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 can help prevent or address these types of denials.

Steps to Take After Receiving a Denial

If Pekin Life denies your claim, the following steps can sometimes 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 on how to appeal. Understanding Pekin Life’s rationale is the first step in crafting an effective response.
2. 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 Pekin Life Insurance Company
   • Documentation verifying beneficiary status
   A well-prepared set of documents can significantly strengthen your case.
3. Submit a Formal Appeal:
   Follow the appeal instructions provided by Pekin Life. Clearly explain why the denial was incorrect and provide the supporting evidence you’ve gathered. A detailed appeal can significantly improve the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
4. 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 can identify errors in the insurer’s reasoning, help gather additional evidence, and represent you in negotiations or legal proceedings if necessary.
5. Consider Filing a Complaint With State Regulators:
   If your appeal fails, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department may prompt additional investigation. This step can bring further scrutiny to the insurer’s decision and potentially lead to a resolution.

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 Pekin Life later finds that the omission affected its underwriting decision, it might refuse to pay the claim. However, if the condition was unrelated to the cause of death, providing medical records and a clear explanation could demonstrate that the omission was not intentional and did not influence the policy’s issuance. This additional information could support an appeal.

Interpleader Lawsuits and Life Insurance

In some cases, disputes over the rightful beneficiary can lead Pekin Life 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 essential to provide all relevant documentation, such as original beneficiary designations, correspondence with Pekin Life, and records showing the policyholder’s intent. Consulting a life insurance attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that your case is presented effectively.

Florida Claims Against Pekin Life Insurance Company

Florida residents may have additional protections under state-specific insurance regulations. Florida’s consumer protection laws can help beneficiaries contest claims that were denied unfairly. Working with an attorney familiar with Florida’s legal requirements may improve your chances of a successful appeal 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 Pekin Life denied your claim due to unpaid premiums, you should examine whether lapse notices were properly sent and compliant with state laws. If the insurer failed to follow proper procedures, coverage might still be valid. Gather all relevant documentation related to lapse notices, payments, and policy correspondence.

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 can review claims more closely and investigate discrepancies in the application. If errors are found, they may deny the claim. After the contestability period ends, claims are generally less likely to be denied due to application discrepancies.

Can I challenge a policy exclusion if I believe it was wrongly applied?
Yes, you may challenge a policy exclusion if you believe it was applied incorrectly or was not clearly stated in the policy terms. Providing additional documentation, such as medical records or correspondence with Pekin Life, may help clarify the situation and strengthen your appeal.

What if there’s a dispute over the rightful beneficiary?
If there’s a dispute over who should receive the benefits, it’s important to provide documentation such as the original beneficiary designation form, any updated forms, and correspondence with Pekin Life. Legal guidance can help clarify your rights and expedite the resolution process.

How the Law Offices of Jason Turchin May Help

If Pekin Life 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 can 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.