What to Do If Unum Life Insurance Company of America Denied Your Life Insurance Claim

When Unum Life Insurance Company of America denies your life insurance claim, it can leave you feeling lost and unsure of what to do next. A denied claim can create financial challenges during an already difficult time, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. Many denied claims can be successfully appealed or resolved. If your life insurance 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 your options.

Common Reasons Unum May Deny Claims

Unum Life Insurance Company of America may deny claims for a variety of reasons. Understanding these reasons can help you determine your best course of action. Common causes of denial include:

• Policy Lapse Due to Missed Premiums:
  If premium payments are not made on time, the policy may lapse, leading to a denial. Insurers are usually required to send proper lapse notices before canceling coverage. If Unum failed to issue these notices, the policy might still be considered active, providing grounds to appeal.
• Errors or Omissions in the Application:
  Claims can be denied if there are discrepancies or omissions in the original policy application. For example, failing to disclose a medical condition could result in rejection. Providing additional documentation and clarifications may help address these issues and strengthen your appeal.
• Policy Exclusions or Limitations:
  Many life insurance policies include exclusions for certain causes of death or activities. Reviewing the policy’s terms carefully can help determine whether Unum applied an exclusion correctly. If it was misapplied, you may have a valid reason to challenge the denial.
• Beneficiary Disputes:
  If there’s confusion over who the rightful beneficiary is, Unum may deny or delay payment until the issue is resolved. This can happen if multiple parties claim the proceeds or if recent changes to the beneficiary designation are contested. Clear documentation of the insured’s intent can help clarify the dispute.
• Incomplete or Missing Documentation:
  A claim may also be denied if the necessary paperwork—such as a certified death certificate or completed claim forms—is incomplete or missing. Ensuring that all required documents are accurate and fully submitted can help prevent this type of denial and support a strong appeal if one occurs.

What You Can Do After Receiving a Denial

If Unum Life Insurance Company denies your claim, consider 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 Unum’s reasoning is crucial 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
   • Correspondence with Unum Life Insurance Company of America
   • Beneficiary designation forms and any recent updates
3. Prepare a Comprehensive Appeal Letter:
   Address the reasons for the denial directly. Provide additional documents, clarify any errors, and present a well-organized argument. A thorough 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, a life insurance attorney can provide valuable guidance. An experienced attorney can identify procedural mistakes, gather further evidence, and advocate on your behalf.
5. Consider Filing a Life Insurance Lawsuit:
   If the denial was unjust or if Unum acted in bad faith, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. An attorney can help determine whether 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 investigate whether Unum 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 did not disclose a prior medical condition on their application. If Unum 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, providing medical records and a clear explanation may demonstrate that the omission was not 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 if there is confusion over the rightful beneficiary, Unum may file an interpleader lawsuit. In this case, the insurer deposits the policy proceeds with a court and asks 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. An experienced attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and that your case is presented effectively.

Florida Claims Against Unum Life Insurance Company of America

For Florida residents, state-specific protections and regulations may apply. Florida’s insurance laws often require insurers to follow strict procedures before denying a claim. If Unum 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 regulatory violations and bolster your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if my claim was denied due to a lapse in premium payments?
Check whether Unum 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 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 intent, including original beneficiary designations and any updates. An attorney can help clarify your position and protect your rights.

What if Unum applied an exclusion incorrectly?
Review the policy’s exclusions carefully. If you believe the exclusion doesn’t apply, submitting evidence that demonstrates this can help strengthen your appeal.

How the Law Offices of Jason Turchin May Help

If Unum Life Insurance Company of America denied your life insurance claim, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin may be able to help. With extensive experience in 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.