What should you do if your life insurance claim has been denied?
The attorneys at Life Insurance Law work to recover full compensation for life insurance beneficiaries in Virginia. If you need to dispute a denied life insurance claim, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
You can expect the following from your Virginia life insurance lawyer:
- A free case evaluation where we go over the facts of your claim in detail.
- Explanation of all legal terms and documents.
- An attorney who will contact your provider to get a delayed claim paid fast.
- Full disclosure on court costs and attorney fees _before you agree to retain counsel.
Many claims will be denied by providers based on material misrepresentation. This means that the policyholder provided false information, such as age or health history, that makes the policy invalid. In these cases, a Virginia life insurance lawyer can help you appeal the decision and may still be able to recover the full amount of your claim.
How am I protected by state insurance laws in Virginia?
The U.S. Constitution gives the federal government the power to regulate interstate commerce. In the case of life insurance policies, the federal government has largely allowed the states to take the duties of regulating the insurance industries and of providing consumer protection.
The state of Virginia has life insurance laws to help protect consumers. Here is a summary of some of these Virginia life insurance laws. Of course, you should definitely contact us to discuss your case specifically and see how state laws impact your particular situation.
Title 38.2 of the Virginia Code is the primary regulating force behind the insurance industry within the commonwealth of Virginia, but other legal provisions have also been adopted as consumer protection laws. The Virginia Bureau of Insurance — part of the State Corporation Commission — provides oversight for the insurance business in the commonwealth.
The most important rules that may apply in your case are:
- The “free look” period. Any Virginia resident buying a life insurance policy has 10 days to back out of coverage and receive a full refund of any premiums he has paid.
- Protection of personal information. State laws require that insurance companies safeguard your personal information and protect your privacy. Except in very limited circumstance, your insurer cannot release your private information without your consent. Each company is responsible for implementing its own system of privacy protection, so you should check with your insurer or the terms of your policy for specifics.
- Timely payment on claims. When a life insurance claim is filed, a Virginia insurance provider is required to pay the amount to the beneficiary promptly. Failing to settle claims in a prompt, fair, and equitable manner can result in interest penalties being added to the final total. State law does not give a specific time limit for the settlement process, so you should read your life insurance policy closely to see how your insurer honors this requirement. Payments are typically made within a month after the provider receives proof of death.
- Your benefits are guaranteed even if the insurer goes out of business. Life insurance policies that are current are backed by the Life, Accident, and Sickness Insurance Guaranty Association. Your premium payments must be up-to-date, and the insurer must be properly licensed to operate in the commonwealth of Virginia. In the event that your life insurance company becomes insolvent, we can work with the Guaranty Association to compensate your policy. This guarantee is limited to $300,000 maximum for lost death benefits and $100,000 maximum for lost cash surrender or withdrawal.
Why you should work with us
The attorneys at Life Insurance Law work with clients across the country to recover denied and delayed life insurance claims. Whether we agree on a settlement or take your case to court, our attorneys will fight for your best interests every step of the way.
If your insurance claim has been denied or delayed, call our offices today to get advice from a Virginia life insurance attorney.