How Long Should a Life Insurance Claim Take? What to Do If It’s Delayed or Denied
Losing a loved one is hard enough without having to chase down a life insurance payout. But for many beneficiaries, that’s exactly what happens. When someone you care about passes away—whether a spouse, parent, or business partner—you may be counting on the life insurance benefit to cover funeral costs, debts, or other financial obligations left behind. So when that payout doesn’t come quickly, it can add serious stress to an already overwhelming time.
In many cases, life insurance companies process valid claims promptly. But if more than 60 days pass and your paperwork is complete and the death was straightforward, it’s worth asking why. Delays without justification may be a red flag—and if the insurer is dragging its feet, legal action may be necessary to move things forward.
This guide explains typical timelines for life insurance payouts, common causes of delays or denials, and what you can do to protect your rights as a beneficiary.
How Long Does a Life Insurance Claim Usually Take?
In general, most life insurance claims are paid within 30 to 60 days of the claim being filed. For large insurance companies with streamlined processes, some payouts are even made within two weeks. However, several factors can influence the timeline, including:
The specific state laws governing insurance payments
Whether all required documentation has been submitted
The cause of death and whether it falls within a contestability period
The workload and staffing levels of the insurance company’s claims department
Each state sets its own standards for how quickly life insurance claims must be processed. Some states mandate that claims be settled “promptly,” while others give insurers up to 30 days after receiving all necessary documentation. But even where the rules are clear, enforcement is another matter.
What Documentation Do You Need to File a Life Insurance Claim?
To get the process started, you’ll typically need to submit the following:
A certified death certificate of the insured (order multiple copies if there are several policies)
A completed claim form provided by the insurer
Proof of your identity as the named beneficiary
A copy of the life insurance policy, if available
Failure to include even one of these can delay the process significantly. Always double-check that every document is complete and legible before submitting.
Common Reasons for Life Insurance Claim Delays
Even when everything appears to be in order, claims can still be delayed. Here are the most common reasons why:
Missing or incomplete documentation
One of the leading causes of delay is a lack of required documents. Insurance companies cannot process a claim without a death certificate and other required forms. If any portion of the claim form is incomplete, the insurer may pause the process until it's corrected.Claim made during the contestability period
If the insured passed away within the first two years of the policy being issued, the claim may trigger a more intensive review. During this contestability period, insurers can investigate for any alleged misstatements or omissions on the application. While this process is meant to prevent fraud, insurers sometimes use it as an excuse to delay payment based on minor errors like a misspelled name or incorrect date of birth.Cause of death raises red flags
If the cause of death involves suicide, overdose, homicide, or unusual circumstances, the insurance company may delay the payout while it investigates further. This could involve requesting police reports, medical records, autopsy results, or additional documentation.Claim backlog or administrative issues
Even the largest insurance companies occasionally deal with internal backlogs. Whether due to staffing shortages, seasonal claim surges, or policy reviews, these logistical issues can slow down processing times—though they shouldn't justify unreasonable delays.
Can a Life Insurance Claim Be Denied?
Unfortunately, yes. A denied claim means the insurer has concluded that it has no obligation to pay the death benefit. Common reasons include:
Lapsed policy due to unpaid premiums
Material misrepresentation on the original application (e.g., failing to disclose a medical condition or tobacco use)
Policy exclusions, such as suicide (especially within two years), death during a felony, or death from high-risk activities
Disputed beneficiary designations
If your claim has been denied, you should receive a detailed written explanation. From there, you may be able to file an internal appeal. If the appeal is unsuccessful, a life insurance attorney can step in to evaluate the case, negotiate with the insurer, or pursue litigation if necessary.
What Beneficiaries Can Do to Speed Up the Process
While some delays are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to keep things on track:
Stay in regular contact with the claims department. If you receive a request for additional information, respond as quickly as possible.
Confirm that all required documents have been submitted, including the death certificate and proof of your identity.
Follow up in writing. Document every phone call or email and keep copies of everything you send to the insurer.
Seek legal counsel early if the claim is stalled or denied without clear justification.
Why Legal Help Matters
Insurance companies are legally obligated to process valid claims within a reasonable timeframe—but that doesn’t mean they always do. When you're met with silence, vague updates, or bad-faith delays, it's time to bring in experienced legal representation. Our attorneys know how to pressure insurers into honoring their obligations and have helped many clients recover payouts that were wrongfully delayed or denied.
If you’re experiencing excessive delays or suspect your claim is being mishandled, don’t wait. Every day matters when financial stability is on the line.
Conclusion: You Don’t Have to Wait Forever
Life insurance is supposed to offer peace of mind, not add more uncertainty to a difficult time. While most claims are processed smoothly, others can get lost in red tape or face unjustified scrutiny. Whether you're still waiting after months of delay or you've been flat-out denied, our attorneys can help.
Contact our office for a free consultation. We’ll fight for the payout your loved one intended for you to receive.