What to Do If United Fidelity Life Insurance Company Denied Your Life Insurance Claim

A life insurance claim denial from United Fidelity Life Insurance Company can be disheartening, especially when you’re counting on those benefits to provide financial security for your family. It’s important to know that many claims can be appealed and that a denial isn’t necessarily the end of the process. If your life insurance claim was denied, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755 or chat with us live. We can help explain the reasons for the denial and guide you through the steps to contest it.

Common Reasons United Fidelity May Deny Claims

United Fidelity Life Insurance Company may deny claims for several reasons. Understanding the cause of the denial can help you determine your next steps. Common reasons include:

• Policy Lapse Due to Missed Premiums:
  If premium payments weren’t made on time, the policy might have lapsed. Insurers are typically required to send proper lapse notices before canceling a policy. If United Fidelity didn’t issue these notices, the policy might still be considered active, giving you grounds to appeal.
• Errors or Omissions in the Application:
  Sometimes, claims are denied due to discrepancies or omissions in the original application. For example, failing to disclose a pre-existing condition can lead to a denial. Providing additional documents and clarifications may help resolve these issues and support your appeal.
• Policy Exclusions or Limitations:
  Life insurance policies often have exclusions that prevent payouts under certain circumstances. If United Fidelity applied an exclusion, it’s important to review the policy terms carefully. If the exclusion was not applied properly, you may have grounds to dispute the denial.
• Conflicts Over Beneficiary Designations:
  Disputes over who should receive the life insurance proceeds can lead to delays or denials. If multiple parties claim the benefits or if recent changes to the beneficiary designation were made, United Fidelity might deny the claim until the matter is resolved. Clear documentation of the insured’s intent can help settle these disputes.
• Incomplete or Missing Documentation:
  A claim may also be denied if required documents—such as a certified death certificate or a completed claim form—are missing or incomplete. Ensuring all necessary paperwork is accurate and fully submitted can prevent this type of denial and help strengthen your appeal if it occurs.

What You Can Do After Receiving a Denial

If your claim was denied, consider these steps which could 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 appealing. Understanding United Fidelity’s rationale is critical for crafting 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 United Fidelity Life Insurance Company
   • Beneficiary designation forms and any recent updates
3. Prepare a Comprehensive Appeal Letter:
   Address the reasons for the denial directly. Provide additional documentation, clarify any errors, 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 an experienced life insurance attorney can be invaluable. An attorney can identify procedural errors, gather further evidence, and advocate on your behalf.
5. Consider Filing a Life Insurance Lawsuit:
   If the denial appears unjust or if United Fidelity acted in bad faith, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. An attorney can help determine if legal action is appropriate and guide you through the litigation process if necessary.
6. Contact State Insurance Regulators:
   If other efforts fail, filing a complaint with your state’s insurance department may prompt additional scrutiny. Regulatory authorities can examine whether United Fidelity followed proper procedures.

Example of a Claim That Could Be Denied

A claim might be denied if the insured failed to disclose a prior medical condition on the application. If United Fidelity later determines that the omission was material to their underwriting decision, they may reject the claim. However, if the condition was unrelated to the cause of death or the application question was confusing, providing medical records and a clear explanation may demonstrate that the omission wasn’t material. This additional information could help support a successful appeal.

Interpleader Lawsuits and Beneficiary Disputes

If multiple parties claim the same life insurance proceeds or there is confusion over the rightful beneficiary, United Fidelity may file an interpleader lawsuit. In such a case, the insurer deposits the funds with a court, leaving the court to decide who should receive them. Gathering updated beneficiary documents, correspondence, and other evidence can help clarify the insured’s intentions. Working with an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and could increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Florida Claims Against United Fidelity Life Insurance Company

For Florida residents, state-specific insurance regulations may apply. These regulations often require insurers to follow certain procedures before denying a claim. If United Fidelity failed to comply with these rules, it could strengthen your appeal. Consulting a Florida-based attorney with experience in life insurance disputes can help identify potential violations and bolster your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if my claim was denied due to a lapse in premium payments?
If United Fidelity didn’t provide proper lapse notices or failed to follow state notification rules, you may still have grounds to appeal.

Can I appeal a denial caused by errors in the application?
Yes. Providing additional documentation and clarifications can demonstrate that the error was not material to the claim, potentially reversing the denial.

What happens if there’s a dispute over the rightful beneficiary?
Gather evidence of the insured’s intentions, including original beneficiary designations and updates. An attorney can help present this information and protect your rights.

What if United Fidelity applied an exclusion incorrectly?
Review the policy’s exclusions carefully. If you believe the exclusion doesn’t apply, provide evidence to support your position and strengthen your appeal.

How the Law Offices of Jason Turchin May Help

If United Fidelity 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 assist you in taking legal action if necessary. Call us at 800-337-7755 or start a live chat today to learn more.