We recently secured a $1.1 million life insurance payout for a client after MetLife denied the claim and delayed payment for nearly nine months. The insurer cited a material misrepresentation on the application as the reason for denial. Our client came to us frustrated and concerned about losing the benefits they were depending on. Once our life insurance attorneys got involved, MetLife reversed the denial and paid the full policy amount—within just four days.
If your MetLife life insurance claim is being delayed or has been denied outright, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and anxious about what to do next. These delays can be financially devastating, especially if you’re counting on the payout to support your family after the loss of a loved one. But the good news is that help is available—and legal intervention can change everything.
Our life insurance attorneys each have a minimum of 20 years of experience, and we have successfully resolved 100% of the MetLife claims we’ve handled.
Why MetLife Denies Life Insurance Claims
MetLife, like many large insurers, has a checklist of common reasons it may use to deny claims—even when those claims are legitimate. Here are a few of the most frequent tactics:
Claiming there was a material misrepresentation on the life insurance application
Using a misdemeanor or felony exclusion when the deceased was involved in a car accident
Alleging drug or alcohol use at the time of death, including prescription drugs
Citing sickness exclusions in accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) claims
Stating they haven’t received all necessary medical records or paperwork—even if they already have them
It’s not uncommon for beneficiaries to be asked repeatedly to submit the same documents, creating unnecessary delays. The truth is, MetLife typically has signed authorization to obtain the medical records on their own—they don’t need you to track them down. This tactic is often used to frustrate and discourage policyholders from pursuing their claim further.
Understanding the Two-Year Contestability Period
Most life insurance policies include a contestability period—typically two years from the date the policy was issued. If the insured passes away within that two-year window, MetLife has the right to review the original application and investigate for possible misrepresentations. However, even in these cases, they are required to prove that any alleged misrepresentation was material to the policy being issued in the first place.
Many policies also contain language clarifying that statements made in the application are representations, not warranties. This legal distinction is important. It means that even an honest mistake or misunderstanding on the application can be used by the insurer to try and void the policy. But that doesn’t mean they’ll succeed—especially if you have experienced legal representation on your side.
Beneficiary Disputes with MetLife
Another common roadblock in MetLife life insurance claims is a dispute over the designated beneficiary. These disputes can arise for several reasons:
Divorce or conflicting divorce decrees
Recently updated beneficiary forms
Competing claims from family members
Errors or inconsistencies in MetLife’s beneficiary records
Our legal team is well-versed in investigating and resolving these disputes. We know what to look for, whether it’s a form issue, court order, or improper change in designation.
Why You Need a Life Insurance Attorney for MetLife Claims
MetLife is a massive corporation with a dedicated legal team whose job is to protect the company’s bottom line. That means you need someone in your corner who knows how to fight back.
Our firm has resolved thousands of MetLife life insurance claims—often securing full payouts after clients were initially denied or delayed. We understand the tactics insurers use, and we know how to challenge them quickly and effectively. Whether you’re facing a denied claim, repeated delays, or a dispute over who the rightful beneficiary is, we can help.
The sooner we get involved, the faster we can get results. Don’t let MetLife keep playing games with your family’s financial future. Let us take the pressure off your shoulders and fight for the benefits your loved one intended you to have.
Contact our team today for a free consultation and let us help you recover the money you are owed.
The NAIC confirms that life insurance companies must provide clear written reasons for any denial. The Insurance Information Institute notes that the contestability period and alleged misrepresentations are among the most frequent reasons for denied claims. If you're dealing with a group life insurance policy, ERISA protections may apply, and the U.S. Department of Labor outlines your right to appeal under federal law.