Insurance Claims
What is the life insurance contestability period?
Short answer
The first two years after a policy is issued during which the insurer can investigate and deny claims for material misrepresentation on the application (lying about health history, for example). After two years, the policy is generally incontestable except for fraud. If…
What this usually means
The first two years after a policy is issued during which the insurer can investigate and deny claims for material misrepresentation on the application (lying about health history, for example). After two years, the policy is generally incontestable except for fraud. If the death occurred in the first two years, the claim may be delayed while they investigate.
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.