What to Do If Protective Life Corporation Denied Your Life Insurance Claim

A denied claim from Protective Life Corporation can be an unexpected and frustrating experience. When you rely on life insurance benefits to secure your family’s future, facing a denial may feel overwhelming. However, it’s important to know that many denied claims can be successfully challenged. If you’ve encountered a claim denial, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 or chat with us live. We can help you understand why the claim was denied and guide you through the steps to appeal it.

Common Reasons Protective Life Corporation May Deny Claims

Understanding the possible reasons for a denial can help you prepare a more effective appeal. Protective Life Corporation may deny claims for several common reasons, including:

• Policy Lapse Due to Missed Payments:
  Claims can be denied if the policy lapsed because premiums were not paid. However, if proper lapse notices were not sent, or if the company failed to follow state regulations, coverage may still apply. Reviewing these notices and ensuring they met all legal requirements can be critical in building a case.
• Issues During the Contestability Period:
  Most life insurance policies include a contestability period—usually the first two years—during which claims receive additional scrutiny. If Protective Life identifies discrepancies in the application, such as omitted medical conditions or incorrect personal details, it may question the validity of the claim. Providing corrected information, medical records, and clear explanations can help address these concerns and strengthen your appeal.
• Policy Exclusions or Limitations:
  Certain policies have exclusions that prevent payouts under specific circumstances. For instance, deaths caused by certain high-risk activities or pre-existing conditions may be excluded. Reviewing the policy terms thoroughly can help determine if an exclusion was applied correctly. If it wasn’t, you may have grounds to challenge the denial.
• Beneficiary Disputes or Changes:
  Disputes over 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 denied if required documents—such as a certified death certificate, completed claim forms, or proof of beneficiary status—are not provided or are incomplete. Ensuring that all paperwork is accurate and fully submitted can reduce the likelihood of denial and improve your chances of a successful appeal.

Steps to Take After Receiving a Denial

If Protective Life Corporation denies your claim, consider these steps to strengthen your appeal and improve your chances of a successful outcome:

1. Review the Denial Letter Carefully:
   The denial letter should outline the reasons for the rejection and provide instructions on how to appeal. Understanding the company’s rationale is a key step in preparing an effective response.
2. Gather Supporting Documentation:
   Collect all necessary 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 Protective Life Corporation
   • Documentation verifying beneficiary status
   A comprehensive set of documents can significantly strengthen your appeal.
3. Submit a Formal Appeal:
   Follow the appeal instructions provided by Protective Life Corporation. Clearly explain why the denial was incorrect and support your argument with the evidence you’ve gathered. A well-documented appeal can increase your chances of a favorable resolution.
4. Consider Consulting a Life Insurance Attorney:
   If your initial appeal is denied or if you feel unsure about handling the process on your own, consulting a life insurance attorney may provide invaluable guidance. An experienced attorney can identify errors in the denial 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 further investigation into the denial. This step can bring additional scrutiny to Protective Life’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 Protective Life later determines 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, providing medical records and a clear explanation can 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

Disputes over the rightful beneficiary may sometimes lead Protective Life Corporation 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 often important to provide all relevant documentation—such as original beneficiary designations, correspondence with Protective 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 Protective Life Corporation

Florida residents may have additional legal 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 Protective 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 Protective 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 Protective Life. Legal guidance can help clarify your rights and expedite the resolution process.

How the Law Offices of Jason Turchin May Help

If Protective Life Corporation 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 800-337-7755 or start a live chat today to learn more.