Insurance Claims
The life insurance company denied my claim. What do I do?
Short answer
Ask for the denial in writing with the specific reason. Common reasons: policy lapsed for non-payment, contestability period (death in first two years of policy), cause of death exclusion (suicide, some overdoses), or material misrepresentation on the application. Each reason has options…
What this usually means
Ask for the denial in writing with the specific reason. Common reasons: policy lapsed for non-payment, contestability period (death in first two years of policy), cause of death exclusion (suicide, some overdoses), or material misrepresentation on the application. Each reason has options — a lapsed policy may be reinstated retroactively, a contestability denial can be challenged with documentation. Consult an insurance attorney before accepting a denial.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.