Life Insurance Lawyer Iowa

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers Iowa: The Lassen Law Firm Life insurance claims in Iowa can be challenging, especially when insurance companies deny benefits or act in bad faith. That’s where The Lassen Law Firm comes in. We proudly serve clients across the Hawkeye State, from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids, Davenport to Sioux City, and everywhere in between, helping individuals and families recover the benefits they’re entitled to.

As experienced life insurance attorneys handling cases nationwide, our results speak volumes—with hundreds of millions in policies recovered. At The Lassen Law Firm, we combine legal expertise with compassionate, results-driven representation to ensure justice for every client. Call now for a free consultation to see if we can help you recover your life insurance benefits. No obligation.

Unlike other firms, The Lassen Law Firm exclusively handles denied life insurance claims. With 24 years of experience in this niche, we are recognized as top experts in the field. Our lawyers have earned prestigious awards, including membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and a 10.0 rating on AVVO. No other firm offers the same level of dedication and expertise in denied life insurance cases.

Iowa denied life insurance claims: answers to common questions

What should I do if my life insurance claim is denied in Iowa?
If your claim was denied, the first step is to contact an Iowa life insurance attorney. Many denials are legally challengeable—especially those based on exclusions, technicalities, or alleged misrepresentations. A lawyer can protect your rights and pursue the benefit you're owed.

What happens if I’ve been named in a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Iowa?
If you're served in an interpleader action, it means the insurance company is unsure who should get the money and is asking the court to decide. You need legal representation immediately to assert your claim and avoid being excluded.

Can a lawyer help me resolve a beneficiary dispute over a life insurance policy in Iowa?
Absolutely. We regularly handle cases involving competing family members, ex-spouses, partners, or forged beneficiary changes. These cases are complex and require strategic legal arguments to prove intent and validity.

Why do insurers deny AD&D life insurance claims in Iowa?
They often claim the death wasn’t accidental or cite an exclusion like alcohol use. However, with the right evidence—such as accident reports or medical records—these denials can often be overturned.

Is a policy lapse a legitimate reason for denial in Iowa?
Only if the insurer followed Iowa’s notice requirements and the policy was truly unpaid when the insured passed. We often find that insurers acted improperly, especially when death occurred shortly after the lapse.

Can misstatements on a life insurance application cause a denial in Iowa?
Yes—but only if the misstatement was material and intentional. Many policies are wrongly voided for innocent errors or unrelated health issues. Our attorneys fight back with evidence of good faith.

Does Iowa law allow insurers to deny claims based on alcohol exclusions?
They can try, but exclusions must be clearly worded and provable. We routinely challenge alcohol-related denials by demonstrating improper application or insufficient causation.

What should I do if my ERISA life insurance claim is denied in Iowa?
Act immediately. ERISA claims have a short appeal window and specific documentation rules. We file strong, timely administrative appeals and pursue litigation if necessary.

Can I appeal a denial based on the contestability period in Iowa?
Yes. Just because the death occurred within two years of the policy's start date doesn’t mean the insurer can deny payment without clear proof of fraud or misrepresentation.

My claim was denied based on Iowa law—can I still fight it?
Many denials based on state law rely on misinterpretation or outdated legal provisions. We evaluate whether the insurer’s reasoning holds up under Iowa case law and challenge it if it doesn’t.

Which life insurance companies deny the most claims in Iowa?
Fidelity & Guarantee Life and American Equity Investment Life, both based in Des Moines, are frequently cited for high denial rates. We regularly handle claims against them and other Iowa-based insurers.

Does Iowa revoke ex-spouse beneficiary designations after divorce?
Yes. Iowa has an automatic revocation statute that removes an ex-spouse as a beneficiary unless the policyholder reaffirmed the designation after divorce. We resolve many of these post-divorce disputes.

Is Iowa a community property state, and does that impact life insurance?
No, Iowa is not a community property state. However, a surviving spouse may still have a claim under certain equitable or contractual principles if the premiums were paid from joint marital funds.

Can a will override the beneficiary listed on a life insurance policy in Iowa?
No. The life insurance policy pays the person named on the policy, regardless of what a will states. However, courts can intervene in situations involving fraud, coercion, or legal incapacity.

What should I do if the insured died while abroad and the insurer is delaying payment?
Insurers often raise red flags over foreign deaths, but that doesn't mean a denial is justified. We assist in gathering documentation and pushing back on improper exclusions.

Can a last-minute beneficiary change be challenged in Iowa?
Yes. If the change was made while the policyholder was incapacitated or under pressure, we can pursue a claim of undue influence or lack of capacity.

What if the insurer is delaying the claim for no clear reason?
Unjustified delays may qualify as bad faith under Iowa law. We hold insurers accountable and seek interest, penalties, or additional damages in qualifying cases.

How do insurers reclassify deaths to avoid paying AD&D benefits in Iowa?
They often claim a death was due to a preexisting condition or illness, not an accident. We work with experts to demonstrate the cause of death meets the policy’s accidental death definition.

Can a policy still be valid if the insurance agent made a mistake?
Yes. If an agent filled out the application incorrectly or failed to explain important questions, the insurer may still be liable. We investigate the circumstances to support your claim.

Can I file a bad faith lawsuit against a life insurer in Iowa?
Yes. If the insurer acted dishonestly, delayed payment without reason, or ignored evidence, Iowa law permits claims for bad faith, which may include punitive damages.

Does a suicide exclusion apply indefinitely in Iowa?
No. Most suicide exclusions only apply within the first two years. If the death occurred outside that window, the insurer must pay unless there are unusual circumstances.

Are employer-provided life insurance policies in Iowa governed by ERISA?
Most are. These policies follow federal rules, which are different from individual policies. We handle both types and understand the nuances of ERISA claims.

Can the insurer deny a claim based on a previously undisclosed health condition?
Not unless they prove the omission was intentional and related to the cause of death. We frequently win cases where insurers overreach in citing minor or unrelated omissions.

What happens if no beneficiary is named on the life insurance policy in Iowa?
The proceeds may be paid to the estate or follow a default distribution under Iowa law. We help families navigate probate and protect their rights.

Can a forged or altered beneficiary designation be challenged in court?
Yes. If there’s evidence of forgery, fraud, or coercion, we can invalidate the designation and help rightful beneficiaries receive the policy funds.

What if the policy was canceled but I never received a notice?
Iowa law requires proper notice before cancellation. If the insurer failed to notify the policyholder, the cancellation may not be valid and the policy could still be enforceable.

Do union or association life insurance policies have different rules in Iowa?
Yes, they may. These plans often have different administrative procedures. We are experienced in resolving union-backed or association-based policy denials.

If I’m one of several beneficiaries, how is the payout divided?
Unless the policy specifies otherwise, benefits are split equally. If a co-beneficiary is disqualified, we assist in ensuring correct redistribution.

Can I file a claim if the insured disappeared and was presumed dead?
Yes, once a court declares the insured legally deceased. We assist in initiating this legal process and filing the resulting claim.

How long do I have to appeal a denied life insurance claim in Iowa?
The time varies depending on whether the policy is governed by ERISA or not. You should speak to a lawyer immediately to avoid missing any deadlines.

Are life insurance proceeds protected from creditors in Iowa?
Generally yes—if the proceeds go to a named beneficiary. If the estate is the recipient, creditors may have a claim. We help protect the beneficiary’s rights.

What if the life insurance policy language is unclear?
Under Iowa law, ambiguous policy terms are interpreted in favor of the insured or beneficiary. We use this rule to fight back against denials based on unclear language.

Can a canceled policy be reinstated due to improper cancellation procedures?
Yes. If the insurer didn’t follow legal requirements when canceling, we may be able to reinstate the policy and recover the benefit.

Can a child be listed as the life insurance beneficiary in Iowa?
Yes, but minors can’t receive funds directly. We help families set up guardianships or trusts to manage the proceeds until the child reaches adulthood.

What happens when multiple people claim the insured promised them the benefit?
Only the written designation controls. However, we can explore equitable remedies if there’s evidence of fraud, undue influence, or improper changes.

Do life insurance policies exclude deaths that occur during illegal activity in Iowa?
Some do, but the exclusion must be specific and proven relevant. We contest denials where the insurer tries to apply broad exclusions unfairly.

Can an old denial be reopened in Iowa?
Yes, especially if new evidence surfaces or the insurer failed to comply with proper denial procedures. We frequently handle reopened cases with success.

2025 Iowa Denied Life Insurance Claims: settlements & verdicts

  • Liberty misrepresentation on the application $308,430.00
  • Prudential AD&D accidental death denial $512,699.00
  • Waterloo no coverage at the time of death $116,000.00
  • Denied SGLI claim beneficiary dispute $404,200.00
  • Mass shooting life insurance denied $387,000.00
  • ERISA life insurance appeal successfully won $132,000.00
  • Denied FEGLI claim resolved by us $405,300.00
  • Nationwide prescription drug exclusion $271,300.00
  • Transamerica autoerotic asphyxiation death $324,420.00
  • Iowa denied life insurance claim $1,300,00.00
  • Family Heritage delay of benefits medical $168,200.00
  • American General ambiguity on application $419,500.00
  • Athene Life misrepresentation health resolved $201,000.00
  • Des Moines mistake on the application $1,090,000.00
  • Denied AD&D claim heart attack won by us $505,800.00
  • Sioux City ambiguous policy language $573,000.00
  • Davenport dangerous activity exclusion $784,000.00
  • Mass Mutual alcohol exclusion resolved $615,30000
  • Chubb Life insurance claim denial won $101,100.00
  • Iowa bad faith life insurance claim case $837,000.00
  • USAA sickness exclusion paid up $303,150.00
  • Iowa City interpleader lawsuit we won $840,000.00
  • Wilton RE life felony exclusion resolved $303,900.00
  • Denied life insurance claim Iowa $920,600.00
  • Unum long delay no reason $525,750.00
  • AIG prescription exclusion $154,000.00
  • Iowa divorce and life insurance case $712,000.00
  • SGLI beneficiary dispute settled $400,000.00

In Iowa, life insurance plays a critical role in ensuring that families are financially protected after the loss of a loved one. Despite its importance, life insurance claims can sometimes be denied, leading to financial difficulties and additional stress during an already challenging time. Insurance companies like Symetra, American National, and Transamerica, among others like MetLife, Reliastar, and Lincoln Financial, are often involved in these disputes. While some reasons for claim denial are common—such as missed premiums or misrepresentation—there are other, less common factors that could result in a claim being denied. Understanding these uncommon denial reasons is essential for Iowa residents to navigate the insurance landscape and ensure they are adequately covered when tragedy strikes.

One less common but significant reason for life insurance claim denial in Iowa is the involvement of the policyholder in a “hazardous occupation” or "high-risk work." Insurance companies like AIG, The Hartford, and Banner often exclude coverage for deaths that occur as a result of certain occupations that are deemed particularly dangerous. For example, if the policyholder worked in high-risk professions such as construction, logging, or mining, and the policyholder dies in an accident while performing their job, the insurer may deny the claim on the grounds that the policyholder's occupation was a material risk not disclosed during the application process. Some policies contain specific clauses that exclude death benefits related to high-risk jobs, so it’s important for Iowa residents to fully understand what their policy covers. For individuals who work in high-risk professions, it is essential to carefully read the terms of the policy to confirm whether their occupation is covered or if they may need to purchase additional coverage.

Another less common denial reason in Iowa involves the impact of living abroad. Life insurance policies from companies such as Liberty Mutual, Reliastar, and Prudential can sometimes include exclusions related to the policyholder living or traveling outside of the country for extended periods. While travel abroad generally isn’t an issue for most policyholders, if the insured person relocates to another country, especially one that’s considered high-risk or unstable, the life insurance company may deny the claim, especially if the policyholder dies due to an illness or accident in that country. This is particularly important for Iowans who may live part-time or permanently abroad. Life insurance providers may also deny claims if they determine that the insured was engaged in activities considered dangerous in certain foreign countries, such as living in areas prone to war or natural disasters. To avoid such situations, policyholders in Iowa should notify their insurer if they plan to live or travel abroad for an extended period, and check for any restrictions related to international residence or travel within the policy’s terms and conditions.

In a less typical situation, some life insurance claims in Iowa may be denied due to the policyholder’s participation in illegal acts or civil disobedience. Life insurance providers such as Aetna, American General, and Mass Mutual often have clauses in their policies that exclude coverage for deaths resulting from illegal activities. This includes deaths that happen during the commission of a crime or even deaths tied to civil disobedience, such as during protests or demonstrations where violence may occur. If the policyholder was involved in illegal activities at the time of their death, the insurer may refuse to pay out the death benefit. Iowa residents should be aware that if their actions put them at risk in illegal circumstances, this could have significant consequences for their life insurance coverage. This is especially important for those who are involved in high-risk political activism or other forms of civil unrest, as certain insurers may refuse claims for these types of fatalities.

In rare cases, a life insurance company might deny a claim due to issues surrounding the insured's lifestyle, particularly if they were engaged in activities deemed “morally hazardous” by the insurer. Insurance companies like MetLife, Lincoln Heritage, and Reliastar may choose to refuse claims in cases where the insured had a lifestyle that they consider to be detrimental to their health, such as engaging in extreme gambling, habitual drug use, or chronic reckless behavior. For instance, if an insured person’s death is caused by a gambling-related incident or a result of risky or criminal actions tied to their lifestyle choices, the insurance company might invoke a clause in the policy that excludes payouts under these circumstances. This is more of a subjective area of underwriting, but insurers generally try to protect themselves from paying out for deaths related to behavior that they view as reckless or harmful. While this is relatively uncommon, Iowa policyholders should be cautious about how their personal lifestyle choices could impact the validity of their coverage, especially if their actions could be interpreted as irresponsible or harmful by the insurance company.

A less frequent but still notable reason for life insurance claim denial in Iowa is linked to the “moral hazard” principle, which is a condition under which an individual’s behaviors are influenced by the knowledge that they are insured. For instance, if a life insurance company such as State Farm, Sagicor, or New York Life believes that the policyholder intentionally put themselves in a situation where harm was more likely to occur in order to benefit from a life insurance payout (for example, committing an act of self-harm or deliberately putting themselves at risk for death), the insurer might cite moral hazard and deny the claim. This is a controversial and rare occurrence, but some insurance companies scrutinize claims when there’s a perceived intentional risk taken by the insured to trigger the policy’s death benefit. It’s a difficult area of life insurance to navigate because of the subjective nature of determining moral hazard, but policyholders in Iowa should be aware that this is a possibility under certain circumstances, especially if there are any suspicions regarding the insured’s intent or actions.

Additionally, some life insurance claims are denied in Iowa due to complications arising from the contestability period, especially in cases where the policyholder has made multiple claims or has had lapses in the policy. Insurers like Transamerica, American National, and Symetra have contestability clauses that allow them to review the circumstances surrounding the insured’s death if it occurs within the first two years of the policy. While most claims are denied during this period for typical reasons such as misrepresentation or non-disclosure, certain more complicated situations can arise, especially if there have been multiple alterations or changes to the policy during its early stages. This could include revising the coverage amounts, changing beneficiaries, or reapplying for the policy after an initial rejection. In these cases, the insurer may invoke the contestability period to investigate the validity of the claim. Iowa residents should be mindful that this clause can result in delays or denials, and it’s crucial to ensure that all paperwork is accurate and consistent when applying for or altering a life insurance policy.

Lastly, the most uncommon reason for denial that some Iowa residents may encounter is related to the policyholder’s personal debts and financial troubles. If an insurer discovers that the insured had significant outstanding debts at the time of death, particularly if those debts involved fraudulent activities or legal violations, the insurance company may choose to deny the claim. This situation is rare, but in some cases, if the policyholder’s financial history or obligations were intentionally hidden or misrepresented during the application process, insurers like AIG, Liberty Mutual, or Foresters may invoke fraud clauses or consider the death to be a result of the insured’s risky financial decisions. To avoid this, it’s important for policyholders to be transparent about their financial situation and ensure that no material facts are left out when they apply for life insurance.

If an Iowa resident experiences a life insurance claim denial, the first step is to thoroughly review the denial letter to understand the specific reason behind the decision. Many life insurance companies, including those like MetLife, Nationwide, and American Income Life, provide detailed explanations of their reasoning in the denial notice. If the reason is unclear or seems unfounded, it’s essential to request further clarification from the insurer. In cases where the denial is due to administrative errors or policy misinterpretations, contacting the company directly may resolve the issue. However, if the denial is based on more complex issues such as exclusion clauses, misrepresentation, or moral hazard, seeking legal advice from an attorney specializing in life insurance disputes can be beneficial. Attorneys experienced in these matters can help beneficiaries navigate the claims process, especially when there are significant complications or concerns about the legitimacy of the denial.

For more information on insurance regulations and consumer protections in Iowa, you can visit the Iowa Insurance Division or explore nationwide insurance resources through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).