Our attorneys work to recover full compensation for life insurance beneficiaries in Ohio, even after your life insurance claim has been denied.
If your life insurance claim has been denied or delayed, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
You can expect the following from your Ohio 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 life insurance 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 Ohio 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 Ohio?
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 Ohio has life insurance laws to help protect consumers. Here is a summary of some of these Ohio 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 39 of the Ohio Revised Code is the primary regulating force behind the insurance industry within the state of Ohio, but other legal provisions have also been adopted as consumer protection laws. The Ohio Department of Insurance provides oversight for the insurance business in the state.
The most important rules that may apply in your case are:
- No legally mandated “free look” period. Most Ohio insurance companies will give customers a reasonable period — anywhere from seven to 30 days — to change their minds after obtaining life insurance. Check with your insurance provider or examine your policy for the option your insurer offers. If you cancel within this “free look” period, you are entitled to receive a full refund of any premiums you have paid. It’s important to remember that, even though insurance companies are not required by state law to offer this option, those companies which do offer a trial period must apply it fairly and consistently to all similar customers.
- Timely payment on claims. When a life insurance claim is filed, an Ohio 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 serious penalties against the insurer. Payments are typically made within a month after the provider receives proof of death. If the claim is not settled within two months after all documents have been submitted, the account begins to accrue interest.
- Weak protection of personal information. State laws grant insurance companies full control of all the information they obtain about policyholders. They can release that information as they choose to other financial service agencies, including banks, employers, and other insurers. You cannot block their use of your information, and you cannot require your insurance company to tell you what information they may be sharing.
- Your benefits are guaranteed even if the insurer goes out of business. Life insurance policies that are current are backed by the Ohio Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association. Your policy premiums must be up-to-date, and the insurer must be properly licensed to operate in Ohio. 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 a maximum of $300,000 for lost death benefits and a maximum $100,000 compensation for cash surrender.
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 Ohio life insurance attorney.