What to Do If Selected Funeral & Life Insurance Company Denied Your Life Insurance Claim

If Selected Funeral & Life Insurance Company denies your life insurance claim, it can be both frustrating and overwhelming. Life insurance is meant to provide financial support in challenging times, and a denial may feel like an unexpected hurdle. However, many denied claims can be appealed and successfully resolved. 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 challenge it.

Common Reasons Selected Funeral & Life Insurance May Deny Claims

Understanding the reasons for a claim denial is the first step toward building a successful appeal. Selected Funeral & Life Insurance Company may deny claims for several reasons, including:

• Policy Lapse Due to Nonpayment of Premiums:
  A lapse in coverage is one of the most common reasons for claim denial. If premiums aren’t paid on time, the policy may be canceled. However, insurers typically must provide proper notice before canceling coverage. If Selected Funeral & Life Insurance failed to meet these requirements, the policy may still be considered active, providing grounds to contest the denial.
• Errors or Misstatements in the Application:
  Claims may be denied if the insurer finds discrepancies in the original policy application. Even unintentional mistakes, such as failing to disclose a medical condition, can lead to denial. Providing accurate documentation and a clear explanation can help resolve these concerns.
• Policy Exclusions or Limitations:
  Certain policies have exclusions that prevent payouts under specific conditions, such as deaths resulting from particular activities or health issues. Reviewing the policy’s terms is crucial to determine whether the exclusion was applied correctly. If it wasn’t, you may have a case for reversing the denial.
• Disputes Over Beneficiary Designations:
  Conflicts or confusion regarding the designated beneficiary can delay or lead to denial of a claim. If recent changes to the beneficiary list or multiple claims on the same policy occur, Selected Funeral & Life Insurance may deny payment until the matter is resolved. Providing documentation that verifies the insured’s intent can help clear up disputes.
• Missing or Incomplete Documentation:
  Claims may also be denied if required documents—such as a certified death certificate or completed claim forms—are missing or incomplete. Ensuring that all paperwork is accurate and fully submitted can help prevent denials or support a strong appeal.

What You Can Do After Receiving a Denial

If your claim is denied, taking the following steps can help you build a strong case for appeal:

1. Carefully Review the Denial Letter:
   The denial notice should explain why the claim was rejected and outline any next steps for appealing. Understanding the insurer’s reasoning is often crucial for preparing an effective response.
2. Gather Supporting Documentation:
   Collect everything you might need to strengthen your appeal, including:
   • A full copy of the life insurance policy and any amendments
   • Proof of premium payments
   • Certified death certificates and medical records, if relevant
   • All correspondence with Selected Funeral & Life Insurance Company
   • Beneficiary designation forms and any updates
3. Submit a Well-Documented Appeal:
   Address the reasons for the denial directly. Include additional evidence, clarify any errors, and ensure that your appeal is thorough and well-organized. A strong appeal can increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
4. Consider Filing a Life Insurance Lawsuit:
   If you believe the denial was unjust or if the insurer fails to act in good faith, you may have the option to file a lawsuit. Consulting with a life insurance attorney can help determine whether a legal claim is the best course of action.
5. Consult a Life Insurance Attorney:
   An experienced attorney can provide valuable guidance, identify procedural errors made by the insurer, and advocate on your behalf. This can include gathering additional evidence, filing the appeal, or pursuing legal action.
6. Contact Your State’s Insurance Regulator:
   If all other efforts fail, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department can prompt a regulatory review.

Example of a Claim That Could Be Denied

A claim might be denied if the insured failed to disclose a pre-existing medical condition on their application. If Selected Funeral & Life Insurance later determines that this omission affected their underwriting decision, they may refuse to pay the claim. However, if the condition wasn’t related to the cause of death, providing medical records and a clear explanation, or argument that the question was vague or ambiguous, can demonstrate that the omission was not material. This additional information could support an appeal and lead to a successful outcome.

Interpleader Lawsuits and Beneficiary Disputes

If there are conflicting claims or uncertainty about the rightful beneficiary, Selected Funeral & Life Insurance may file an interpleader lawsuit. This involves the insurer depositing the policy proceeds with a court and asking the court to determine who is entitled to the benefits. Providing original beneficiary designations, correspondence that clarifies the insured’s intent, and any relevant documentation is often crucial. Legal guidance can help ensure your rights are protected throughout this process.

Florida Claims Against Selected Funeral & Life Insurance Company

Florida residents may have additional legal protections under state law. Insurers in Florida must follow strict notification procedures and other regulations before denying a claim. If Selected Funeral & Life Insurance failed to comply with these rules, it may strengthen your appeal. Working with an attorney experienced in Florida insurance laws can help identify procedural errors and use them to support your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I do if my claim was denied due to a lapse in premium payments?
Verify whether Selected Funeral & Life Insurance sent the proper lapse notices. If the company failed to follow state notification rules, the policy may still be valid, providing grounds to appeal the denial.

Can I challenge a denial based on a contestability period issue?
Often, 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 should I do if there’s a dispute over the rightful beneficiary?
Gather evidence that shows the insured’s intent, including original beneficiary forms and any updates. Legal guidance can help clarify your position and ensure that your rights are protected.

What if Selected Funeral & Life 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 Selected Funeral & Life 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, and if necessary, assist with filing a lawsuit to recover the benefits you deserve. Call us at 800-337-7755 or start a live chat today to learn more.