$109,000 Assurity Life Insurance Claim Denial Successfully Resolved
We are proud to announce the successful resolution of a $109,000 denied life insurance claim involving Assurity Life. When a loved one passes away, life insurance is supposed to provide financial relief to their beneficiaries. But when claims are denied, families are left in emotional turmoil and financial uncertainty. Our experienced life insurance lawyers fight back—and we win. We handle claims against Assurity, Sammons Life, Jackson National Life, Pru Life, and many others, ensuring beneficiaries receive the benefits they are rightfully owed.
Why Life Insurance Claims Get Denied
Life insurance companies rely on a strict set of underwriting rules and policy terms to evaluate claims. A claim denial doesn’t always stem from fraud or illegitimacy—many are based on technicalities, misinterpretations, or incomplete documentation. Here are the most common reasons insurers like Assurity deny claims:
1. Misrepresentation or Non-Disclosure
During the application process, policyholders are required to disclose all relevant personal, medical, and lifestyle information. If the insured fails to mention a pre-existing health condition, smoking history, past surgeries, or dangerous hobbies, the insurer may classify the omission as material misrepresentation. This can void the policy entirely, especially if death occurs within the two-year contestability period. However, not all omissions are fraudulent, and our attorneys frequently prove that alleged misrepresentations were either immaterial or not directly related to the cause of death.
2. Excluded Causes of Death
Many life insurance policies contain exclusion clauses for deaths related to suicide within the first two policy years, illegal activity, intoxication, or high-risk occupations and hobbies. Insurers often point to these clauses to deny valid claims, but exclusions are sometimes applied too broadly or unfairly. Our legal team analyzes policy language and applies relevant case law to push back.
3. Lapsed Policies Due to Non-Payment
If premiums are missed and the grace period expires, insurers may argue the policy lapsed before the policyholder’s death. This is one of the most common—and contested—reasons for denial. We’ve overturned denials by proving improper notice, mailing errors, auto-pay failures, or that the policy was reinstated before death.
4. Disputes Over the Circumstances of Death
Life insurance companies may question whether the death fits the terms of the policy. For instance, if the insured died while engaging in a risky activity—such as skydiving or rock climbing—the insurer may cite an exclusion. In cases involving overseas deaths, suicides, or missing persons, insurers often delay or deny claims until they receive extensive verification. We help families gather proper documentation and respond to bad-faith denial tactics.
5. Inadequate Documentation or Procedural Issues
Even something as minor as a missing death certificate, incomplete claim form, or mismatched name on official records can stall or derail a claim. In these cases, insurers may argue the claim is “pending review,” then delay until the contestability period has passed or beneficiaries give up. Our attorneys intervene quickly to enforce timelines and gather the right proof to move claims forward.
Examples of Recent Resolved Denied Claims
Our firm has resolved life insurance disputes not just with Assurity, but also with Brighthouse Financial, Aegon, Global Atlantic, Western & Southern, and more. In many of these cases, insurers claimed misrepresentation, policy lapse, or exclusion clauses—but we successfully demonstrated compliance with policy terms and forced payout through appeals and litigation. These victories are not isolated—they are the result of strategic legal action and meticulous attention to detail.
The Life Insurance Appeals Process: What You Can Do
If you’ve received a denial letter, don’t assume it’s final. Most policies include an appeal process that allows the beneficiary to contest the decision. The appeal must usually be filed in writing, with supporting documentation such as:
Updated or missing medical records
Autopsy reports or death certificates
Financial records or premium payment history
Sworn statements from physicians or witnesses
Legal briefs outlining the insurer’s bad-faith actions
Our legal team handles every part of the appeal, from document collection to direct negotiations with the insurer. If the appeal is denied, we’re prepared to take the case to court. Our litigation strategies are backed by a record of successful outcomes, even against the biggest names in the life insurance industry.
Preventing a Denied Claim: What Policyholders Should Know
While not all denials can be avoided, there are steps policyholders can take to reduce the risk:
Disclose all known medical conditions and treatments at the time of application, no matter how minor they may seem.
Avoid vague or incomplete answers on application forms—ask for clarification if needed.
Pay premiums on time, and ensure automatic payments are correctly set up and monitored.
Update your policy regularly after major life events, such as divorce, remarriage, or a move abroad.
Keep a copy of your policy and any correspondence with the insurance company in a safe place your beneficiaries can access.
For beneficiaries, the key to success after a denial is fast action. Time is often limited for appeals or legal action. If you’re facing a denied claim from Assurity or any other insurer, our lawyers can step in immediately.
FAQ About Denied Life Insurance Claims
Why do life insurance companies deny valid claims?
Common reasons include misrepresentation, policy lapse, missing documents, or exclusions for certain types of death. But many denials are issued unfairly—and can be appealed.
What is the contestability period?
This is typically the first two years after a policy is issued. During this time, the insurer can investigate and deny claims based on misstatements in the application.
Can a policy be reinstated after lapse?
Yes, under certain conditions. If the insurer failed to notify the policyholder of lapse properly, or if payment was made before death, we may argue the policy was active.
What types of deaths are usually excluded?
Suicide within the first two years, deaths due to illegal activities, extreme sports, or certain foreign travel destinations are often excluded—but not always clearly or legally enforceably.
How long does it take to appeal a denial?
Appeals typically take 30 to 90 days, depending on the complexity of the case and how quickly documentation is gathered. Our firm pushes for the fastest possible resolution.
Do you handle small and large claims?
Yes. We handle denied claims ranging from $10,000 to over $1 million. Every case matters because every family deserves the benefit their loved one intended for them.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal a denied claim?
You are not required to have one, but insurers often take claims more seriously when legal counsel is involved. We know how to respond to denial tactics and win.
What if the policy was issued many years ago?
If the contestability period has passed, it is harder for the insurer to deny the claim unless outright fraud is alleged. We fight back against post-contestability denials all the time.
What if the death occurred overseas?
Foreign death claims can trigger added scrutiny, but we handle these cases regularly and know how to provide the necessary documentation.
Can insurers deny claims for minor errors on the application?
They try to. We frequently challenge denials based on technicalities or immaterial misstatements and have a strong track record of reversing those decisions.