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

Receiving a claim denial from Standard Insurance Company can be both frustrating and stressful. Life insurance is often a critical resource for your family’s financial security, and a denial might leave you feeling uncertain about what steps to take next. However, a denial doesn’t have to mean the end of the road. Many denied claims can be successfully challenged and overturned. If your claim was denied, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 or chat with us live. We can help you understand the reasons behind the denial and guide you through the process of contesting it.

Common Reasons Standard Insurance Company May Deny Claims

Understanding why the claim was denied is the first step toward building a strong case for appeal. Standard Insurance Company may deny claims for several reasons, including:

• Policy Lapse Due to Missed Payments:
  If premiums aren’t paid on time, the policy can lapse, and a claim may be denied. However, insurers are often required by law to send proper lapse notices before canceling coverage. If Standard Insurance failed to follow proper notification procedures, the policy might still be considered active, giving you grounds to challenge the denial.
• Errors or Omissions in the Application:
  Claims can be rejected if the insurer discovers discrepancies or omissions in the original application. Even minor mistakes—such as forgetting to disclose a medical condition—can lead to a denial. Providing accurate documentation and explaining the error can help address these concerns and strengthen your appeal.
• Policy Exclusions or Limitations:
  Life insurance policies may have exclusions for certain causes of death or activities. Reviewing the policy’s terms carefully is essential to determine whether Standard Insurance applied an exclusion correctly. If the exclusion was misapplied, you may have grounds to dispute the denial.
• Conflicts Over Beneficiary Designations:
  Uncertainty or disputes over who the rightful beneficiary is can lead to claim denials. If multiple parties claim the policy’s proceeds or if recent changes were made to the beneficiary designation, Standard Insurance may delay or deny payment until the issue is resolved. Clear documentation of the insured’s intent can help clarify these disputes.
• Incomplete or Missing Documentation:
  Claims may also be denied if required documents—such as a certified death certificate or properly completed claim forms—are missing or incomplete. Ensuring all paperwork is accurate and fully submitted can help prevent this type of denial and support a strong appeal if it happens.

What You Can Do After Receiving a Denial

If Standard Insurance Company denies your claim, consider taking the following steps to improve your chances of success on appeal:

1. Review the Denial Letter Carefully:
   The denial notice should explain why the claim was rejected and provide instructions for filing an appeal. Understanding Standard Insurance’s rationale is critical for preparing 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
   • Certified death certificates and medical records, if applicable
   • Correspondence with Standard Insurance Company
   • Beneficiary designation forms and any updates
3. Prepare a Comprehensive Appeal:
   Address the reasons for the denial directly in your appeal letter. Include additional documentation, clarify any errors or omissions, 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, consulting a life insurance attorney can provide critical support. An attorney experienced in handling insurance disputes can identify procedural errors, gather further evidence, and advocate on your behalf.
5. Consider Filing a Life Insurance Lawsuit:
   If you believe the denial was unjust or Standard Insurance failed to act in good faith, you may have the option to file a lawsuit. An attorney can help you determine whether legal action is appropriate and guide you through the litigation process if necessary.
6. File a Complaint With State Regulators:
   If other efforts fail, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department may prompt additional scrutiny. Regulatory authorities can examine Standard Insurance’s procedures and may encourage them to reconsider the denial.

Example of a Claim That Could Be Denied

A claim might be denied if the insured omitted a medical condition on their application. If Standard Insurance later determines that this omission affected 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 can demonstrate that the omission was not material. This additional information might help support an appeal and lead to a successful outcome.

Interpleader Lawsuits and Beneficiary Disputes

If there are conflicting claims or disputes over the rightful beneficiary, Standard Insurance may file an interpleader lawsuit. This involves the insurer depositing the policy proceeds with a court and asking the court to determine who should receive them. Providing original and updated beneficiary forms, along with correspondence that clarifies the insured’s intent, can help strengthen your case. Legal guidance can ensure your rights are protected and that your case is effectively presented.

Florida Claims Against Standard Insurance Company

For Florida residents, state-specific protections may apply. Florida’s insurance regulations often require insurers to follow strict notification and procedural requirements before denying a claim. If Standard Insurance failed to comply with these rules, it could strengthen your appeal. Consulting a Florida-based attorney experienced in these regulations can help identify procedural violations and support your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if my claim was denied due to a lapse in premium payments?
Check whether Standard Insurance 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 based on a contestability period issue?
Possibly. 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 if there’s a dispute over the rightful beneficiary?
Gather evidence of the insured’s intent, including original beneficiary forms and any updates. A life insurance attorney can help clarify your position and protect your rights.

What if Standard 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 Standard 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 or file a lawsuit if necessary. Call us at 800-337-7755 or start a live chat today to learn more.