Can a Life Insurance Company Deny a Claim by Calling It Suicide?
Unfortunately, yes—and it happens more often than you might think. Life insurance companies frequently use the suicide exclusion in policies to deny payouts, even when the death was clearly accidental. In many cases, grieving beneficiaries are shocked to learn that the insurer has labeled a loved one’s death as intentional, with no solid proof.
This blog explores the heartbreaking story of Tony, an expert hiker whose tragic death became the center of a wrongful life insurance claim denial—until legal action changed everything.
The Business of Denials: Why Life Insurers Misuse Exclusions
Life insurance companies are some of the most profitable corporations in the country. That’s not because they pay out every claim. It’s because they often don’t—especially when there’s an opportunity to invoke a policy exclusion.
The suicide clause is a common tool used to deny claims. Many policies contain language stating that if the insured dies by suicide within the first two years of the policy, the insurer is not obligated to pay. But in some cases, insurers stretch the definition of suicide beyond reason, hoping the beneficiary won’t have the resources or knowledge to fight back.
And that’s why attorneys like us do what we do. We challenge these tactics—and we win.
Tony: A Seasoned Desert Hiker Who Knew the Risks
Tony was no amateur when it came to hiking. In fact, he had made a career out of it. A lifelong outdoorsman from the desert Southwest, Tony had authored three well-regarded books on hiking safety in arid climates. He was known throughout the hiking community as someone who emphasized hydration, preparation, and trail safety in every public talk and publication.
Despite his deep experience, Tony made a tragic decision one May morning. After weeks on a grueling book tour, he decided to take a solo hike on Lemon Pass, one of his favorite desert trails. Pressed for time and eager to reconnect with nature, he set off early, texted his girlfriend that his phone battery was dying, and left his water bottles in his truck—likely intending to do a quick loop and return in time for dinner.
He never came back.
A Shocking Discovery—and a Devastating Denial
Tony’s girlfriend, Tammy, became worried when he didn’t arrive at their dinner reservation. She alerted the authorities, and the next day another hiker found Tony's body just off the main trail.
The autopsy revealed death by severe dehydration. Police found his backpack with snacks and a sweatshirt, but no water. Curiously, two full liter-sized bottles remained in his truck. Investigators concluded that Tony may have misjudged how much time he had or how hot the trail would be that day. He’d wandered off-trail, perhaps disoriented or lost, and succumbed to the heat.
Tammy filed a claim on Tony’s life insurance policy, expecting that the tragic but clearly accidental death would be covered. What she received instead was a cold denial letter, stating that the insurer was invoking the suicide clause in the policy.
The Insurer’s Flimsy Justification: “He Meant to Die”
The insurance company cited several factors:
Tony’s choice to hike alone in dangerous heat
His decision to leave behind water
Recent mountain lion sightings near the trail
His dying phone battery
They concluded that only someone intending to take their own life would make such risky decisions, and that the circumstances aligned with “self-harm.”
This argument ignored everything else: Tony’s lifelong passion for hiking, his routine safety, his published emphasis on hydration, and his optimistic outlook on life. It was a textbook example of a profit-motivated denial.
Legal Action Turns the Tide
Tammy refused to accept the decision. She contacted a life insurance attorney who specialized in fighting wrongful denials, especially those based on unjustified claims of suicide.
The attorney immediately began gathering:
Testimonies from friends and colleagues who attested to Tony’s upbeat demeanor and future plans
Evidence of travel Tony had booked just weeks before his death, showing he was planning ahead
Expert input on how seasoned hikers sometimes miscalculate risks, especially under time pressure
Faced with this mounting evidence, the insurer reversed its decision and paid out the claim in full. Tammy received the financial security Tony had intended for her all along.
Why Suicide Exclusions Are So Often Misused
Insurers know that the word "suicide" carries emotional weight. It’s deeply personal, hard to contest, and often goes unchallenged. They exploit this by using thin circumstantial evidence to deny claims—especially when a death occurs within the policy’s contestability period.
However, intent matters. To legally invoke the suicide exclusion, the insurer must demonstrate that the insured intended to end their life. Without clear evidence—such as a note, mental health history, or prior attempts—insurers are treading on shaky ground.
That’s why legal intervention is so crucial.
What To Do If a Life Insurance Claim Is Denied Based on Suicide
If you've received a denial letter citing the suicide clause, don’t assume the insurer is right. Many valid claims are wrongfully denied this way.
Here’s what to do:
Don’t respond emotionally—preserve the letter and related documents.
Request the full claim file from the insurer, including internal notes and reports.
Gather any evidence that shows your loved one’s state of mind and future plans.
Contact a life insurance lawyer who has experience fighting suicide-based denials.
Your loved one’s legacy shouldn’t be erased by a heartless corporate decision.
We Hold Insurers Accountable
Our firm exists to fight these exact battles. Life insurance companies shouldn’t get to rewrite a person’s story in order to protect their bottom line. We know their tactics, and we know how to win.
If your claim has been denied—whether due to suicide allegations, policy exclusions, or misrepresentation accusations—we’re here to help. We handle cases in all 50 states and offer free consultations.
Call us today. Let us help you get the benefits your loved one intended for you.