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

If you’ve received a denial letter from Transamerica Life Insurance Company, it can feel like a dead end. Life insurance benefits are intended to provide financial stability for families during challenging times, so when a claim is denied, it may leave you feeling overwhelmed. However, a denial doesn’t have to be the final answer. Many denied claims can be successfully appealed. If your claim was denied, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 or chat with us live. We may help explain why the claim was denied and guide you through the steps to contest it.

Common Reasons Transamerica Life May Deny Claims

Understanding the reason for a denial is the first step in addressing the problem. Transamerica Life Insurance Company may deny claims for a variety of reasons, including:

• Policy Lapse Due to Missed Premiums:
  If premiums weren’t paid on time, the policy might have lapsed, resulting in a denial. Insurers are generally required to provide proper lapse notices before canceling coverage. If Transamerica failed to follow these procedures, the policy may still be considered active, giving you grounds to appeal the denial.
• Errors or Omissions in the Application:
  Claims can be rejected if discrepancies or omissions are discovered in the original application. Even minor mistakes—such as failing to disclose a medical condition—can lead to a denial. Providing additional documentation and clarifications can help address these concerns and strengthen your appeal.
• Policy Exclusions or Limitations:
  Life insurance policies often contain exclusions that limit payouts for specific causes of death or certain activities. Reviewing the policy terms carefully can help determine if Transamerica applied an exclusion correctly. If it wasn’t applied properly, you may have grounds to dispute the denial.
• Conflicts Over Beneficiary Designations:
  Disputes or confusion over who is the rightful beneficiary can result in claim denials. If multiple parties claim the proceeds, or if recent changes were made to the beneficiary designation, Transamerica may delay payment until the matter is resolved. Providing 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 that all paperwork is accurate and fully submitted can help prevent this type of denial and strengthen your appeal if it occurs.

What You Can Do After Receiving a Denial

If Transamerica Life denies your claim, consider taking these steps to 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 for filing an appeal. Understanding Transamerica’s rationale is critical for preparing a strong response.
2. Gather Supporting Documentation:
   Collect all relevant records, including:
   • A complete copy of the policy, including any amendments or riders
   • Proof of premium payments
   • Certified death certificates and medical records, if applicable
   • Correspondence with Transamerica Life Insurance Company
   • Beneficiary designation forms and updates
3. Prepare a Comprehensive Appeal Letter:
   Address the reasons for the denial directly. Provide additional documentation, clarify any errors or omissions, and present a well-organized argument. A strong appeal increases 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 valuable guidance. An experienced attorney can identify procedural errors, gather further evidence, and advocate on your behalf.
5. Consider Filing a Life Insurance Lawsuit:
   If the denial was unjust or Transamerica acted in bad faith, you may have the option to file a lawsuit. Consulting with 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 all else fails, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department may prompt additional scrutiny. Regulatory authorities can examine whether Transamerica followed proper 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 Transamerica later determines that this omission influenced 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 multiple parties claim the same life insurance proceeds or there is confusion over the rightful beneficiary, Transamerica 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 Transamerica Life 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 Transamerica 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 Transamerica 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?
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 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 Transamerica 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 Transamerica 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 or file a lawsuit if necessary. Call us at 800-337-7755 or start a live chat today to learn more.