Life Insurance Resource Center

If you are a beneficiary or believe you are entitled to life insurance benefits, you need to submit a death certificate and life insurance claim form to your loved ones life insurance company. If you do not receive a check for the policy benefits within 30 days, you need to contact an attorney immediately. Other than a death certificate and life insurance claim form, do not submit any other documentation to a life insurance company without first speaking with a lawyer. Sometimes, life insurance companies will request documents and medical records to which they are not entitled. The only reason for doing so is because your life insurance company is looking for a way to deny your life insurance claim. Never deposit a check for reimbursed premiums without first consulting a lawyer. Brochu Law will review your claim, policy, death certificate, questionnaire, and medical records to determine the best strategy moving forward.

Submit Your Life Insurance Claim Information

Overview

Life insurance policies are intended to provide financial security to family members after the passing of a loved one. Unfortunately, life insurance companies are more concerned with making money than the well-being of their policyholders or beneficiaries. Having your life insurance claim delayed or denied can cause additional stress both mentally and financially during this already difficult time.

When a claim is delayed or denied, the beneficiary will be faced with the challenge of appealing the claim. Life insurance claim delays, denials, and interpleader lawsuits are often complex legal issues that result in litigation. Always consult with an attorney that handles life insurance cases.

Recognizing a Delayed Claim

The primary tactic that insurance companies use to avoid paying out on a claim is by delaying payment. If an insurance company had a basis to deny the claim, they generally would do so in writing within 30 days. Typically, life insurance companies will pay proceeds upon receiving documentation (death certificate, coroner report, etc.). As a result, if you submit documentation and the insurance company does not pay, the insurance company may be trying to delay your claim.

Reasons for Delayed/Denied Life Insurance Claims

1. The death occurred within the policy’s contestability period

Contestability is the insurance company’s means to investigate the deceased insured’s medical records and background information. If death occurs within two years from the effective date of the policy, the insurance has the right to contest the policy.

When contesting a policy, insurance companies are often looking for any false or misleading information that can be considered material misrepresentation. When completing the life insurance application, the insured is required to provide information such as age, weight, income, health, and criminal history. While contesting the policy, if any of the provided information that affects risk is false or misleading, the insurance company may use this as an opportunity to cancel the policy and deny the claim. Insurance companies will also try to use the contestability period to deny a valid claim, even if misrepresentation or non-disclosure on the application is not material.

2. Unpaid policy premiums resulting in a lapse in payment

A life insurance policy is only valid for as long as premiums are paid. If no premium payment is made when due, a policy may lapse or be terminated completely. Insurance companies will often use nonpayment of a premium as a reason to deny a claim. However, as a policyholder or beneficiary, you are entitled to question whether the insurance company sent the premium due notice to the correct address and if a warning of potential policy lapse was provided.

3. No beneficiary designation on file

If the insured fails to name a beneficiary, the insurance company may try to use this as a reason to deny the life insurance claim. All policies contain specific language on who should receive the policy proceeds in the event that no beneficiary is named. If no beneficiary is named and the policy does not define how proceeds should be paid out, they should be paid in accordance with the law of the state where the policy was taken out.

4. Beneficiary on the policy is a minor

If a minor is listed as a beneficiary on a policy, a life insurance claim may be delayed because the minor has not reached the age to receive the proceeds without a guardian. If listing a minor as a beneficiary, ensuring that proper guardianship documents are filed will help speed up the process of payment on a claim.

5. Beneficiary was changed after a divorce

If you have gone through a divorce, it is important to ensure your beneficiary is updated. Most states will revoke a former spouse as a beneficiary automatically in accordance with state and federal laws. However, due to the complexity of these laws, insurance companies will often use this as a reason to deny your claim.

6. Employer failed to submit a waiver of premium

If an employee elects to participate in a company-provided life insurance program, they will likely enroll in a group life insurance plan. Most life insurance denials are caused by the employer not submitting a waiver of premium, which protects an employee’s life insurance policy from lapsing during illness, serious injury, or total disability. If the employer fails to submit the necessary documentation to the insurance company, it can leave a lapse in coverage and a denied life insurance claim.

Life Insurance Laws by State

Below is a short list of basic life insurance laws by state that may affect your life insurance policy. If you have questions about your specific policy coverages, your life insurance agent should be able to provide more specific information regarding your plan.

Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be followed as legal advice. Life insurance laws are complex, and your own life insurance policy may be subject to additional laws beyond the ones mentioned here.

Alabama

Alabama’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 27 of the Code of Alabama
10-day free look period (AL Admin Code 482-1-131-.03)
30-day grace period (AL 27-15-3)
For claims not paid within 30 days, insurers must pay interest starting from receipt of proof of death (AL 27-15-13)
Alabama Life & Disability Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 in death benefit payments and $100,000 in cash value per individual if your insurer goes out of business

Alaska

Alaska’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 21 of the Alaska Statutes
10-day free look period (AK Stat 21.45.020)
30-day grace period (AS 21.45.030)
Incontestable after two years of holding the policy (AS 21.45.040)
Requires timely payment of claims within two months (AS 21.45.130)
The Alaska Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 in death benefit payments and $100,000 in policy cash value

Arizona

Arizona’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 20 of the Arizona Revised Statutes
10-day free look period (AZ Admin Code R20-6-209)
30-day grace period (AZ 20-1203)
Claims must be paid within two months (AZ 20-1215)
For claims not paid within 30 days, insurers must pay interest starting from receipt of proof of death (A 20-462)
The Arizona Life and Disability Insurance Guaranty Fund guarantees up to $300,000 in death benefit payments and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Arkansas

Arkansas’ life insurance laws are governed by Title 23 of the Arkansas Code (Chapter 81)
Minimum 10-day free look period (AR Code Ann. 23-79-112)
30-day grace period (AR 23-81-104)
Insurers must pay claims within two months, and claims not paid within 30 days are subject to interest starting from the date of death (AR 23-81-113)
Arkansas Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association guratees up to $300,000 in death benefit payments and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

California

California’s life insurance laws are governed by the California Insurance Code
10-day free look period (CA Ins. Code 10127.9)
60-day grace period (CA 10113.71)
Companies are required to pay accrued interest starting from the date of death if payment takes longer than 30 days (CA 10172.5)
California Life & Health Insurance Guarantee Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefit payments and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Colorado

Colorado’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 10 of the Colorado Revised Statutes
15-day free look period (CO Rev. Stat Ann. 10-7-302)
31-day grace period (CO Rev. Stat Ann. 10-7-302)
Companies must pay interest on claims starting from the date of death (CO Rev. Stat Ann. 10-7-112)
Colorado Life & Health Insurance Protection Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Connecticut

Connecticut’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 38 of the General Statutes of Connecticut
10-day free look period (CT Gen. Stat Ann. 38a-436)
Insurers must pay interest on death benefits beginning 10 days after the insured’s death (CT Gen. Stat Ann. 38a-452)
Connecticut Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $500,000 for lost death benefits and $500,000 for lost cash surrender value

Delaware

Delaware’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 18 of the Delaware Code
10-day free look period (18 DE ADC 1203)
30-day grace period (18 DE ADC 2906)
Insurance companies must pay out death benefits within 30 days and add interest starting from the time the claim is filed (18 DE ADC 2914)
Delaware Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

District of Columbia (Washington D.C.)

Washington, D.C.’s, life insurance laws are governed by Title 31 of the District of Columbia
10-day free look period (DC 26-A 2712)
30-day grace period (DC 31-4703)
District of Columbia Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 per person in benefits, including cash surrender value

Florida

Florida’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 37 of the Florida Statutes (Chapters 624 to 651)
14-day free look period (FL Stat Ann. 626.99)
30-day grace period (FL 627.453)
Companies are required to add interest payments to the total benefit, beginning from the day when the company receives written proof of death (FL 627.4615)
Florida Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost policy benefits

Georgia

Georgia’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 33 of the Georgia Code
10-day free look period (GA Code Ann. 33-25-8)
30-day grace period (GA 33-25-3)
If a claim is not settled within 30 days, the death benefit begins to accrue interest from the date of death (GA 33-25-10)
Georgia Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits per individual

Hawaii

Hawaii’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 24 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes
10-day free look period (HI Rev. Stat Ann. 431:10-214)
30-day grace period (HI 431:10D-102)
Insurers must pay interest on claims not paid within 30 days, with interest accruing from the date of death (HI Rev. Stat Ann. 431:10-243)
Hawaii Life & Disability Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Idaho

Idaho’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 41 of Idaho Statutes
20-day free look period (ID Code 41-1935)
30-day grace period (ID 41-1904)
Timely payment of claims is required within two months of the receipt of proof of death (ID 41-1913)
Insurers must pay interest on claims not paid within 30 days (ID Code 41-1337)
Idaho Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Illinois

Illinois’ life insurance laws are governed by Chapter 215 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes
10-day free look period (215 ILCS 5/224)
30-day grace period (215 ILCS 5/224)
Insurance companies must pay claims within two months of proof of the insured’s death (215 ILCS 5/224)
Claims not paid within 31 days may accrue interest (215 ILCS 5/224)
Illinois Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Indiana

Indiana’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 27 of the Indiana Code
10-day free look period (IN Code Ann. 27-1-12-43)
30-day grace period (IN 27-1-12-5)
Insurers must pay interest on claims that aren’t paid within 30 days (IN 27-1-12-35)
Indiana Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Iowa

Iowa’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 13 of the Iowa Code (Chapters 505 to 523)
10-day free look period (IA Admin Code 191-15.9)
The insurance company is required to pay accrued interest on the proceeds if the claim takes longer than 30 days to settle (IA 511.38)
Iowa Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash value

Kansas

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Kentucky

Louisiana

Louisiana’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 37 of the Louisiana Administrative Code
10-day free look period (LA Rev Stat. Ann. 22:931)
31-day grace period (LA 37:8305)
The insurance company must pay claims within 30 days of receipt of proof of death (LA 22:1892)
Interest accrues on claims that take more than 20 days to settle (LA 22:908)
Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $500,000 per occurrence

Maine

Maine’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 24 of the Maine Revised Statutes
10-day free look period (ME Rev. Stat Ann. Tit. 24-A 2515-A)
30-day grace period (ME Title 24:2505)
Any claims not paid within 30 days are subject to interest (ME Title 24:2436)
Maine Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association gurantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Maryland

Maryland’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 31 of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR)
10-day free look period (MD Code Ann. Insurance 16-101)
30-day grace period (MD 16-202)
If the claim is not settled within 30 days after all documents have been submitted, it begins to accrue interest (MD 16-109)
Maryland Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Corporation guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Massachusetts

Massachusetts’ life insurance laws are governed by Title 22 of the Laws of Massachusetts (Chapter 175)
10-day free look period (MA Gen Laws Ann. ch. 175 §187H)
30-day grace period on all payments made after the first year (MA ch. 175 §132)
If the claim is not settled within 30 days, it begins to accrue interest (MA ch. 175 §119C)
Massachusetts Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Michigan

Michigan’s life insurance laws are governed by Act 218 of the Michigan Insurance Code
10-day free look period (MI Comp. Laws Ann. 500.4000)
One-month grace period on all payments made after the first year (MI 500.4012)
Interest accrues beginning 60 days after proof of death (MI 500.2006)
Michigan Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Minnesota

Minnesota’s life insurance laws are governed by Chapters 59A to 79A of the Minnesota Statutes
10-day free look period (MN Stat. Ann. 60A.06)
One-month grace period for every payment after the first one (MN 61A.03)
Insurers must pay claims within two months of proof of death (MN 61A.03)
Claims accrue interest beginning from the date of death (MN 61A.011)
Minnesota Life & Health Insurance Guarantee Association guarantees up to $500,000 for lost death benefits and $130,000 for lost cash surrender value

Mississippi

Mississippi’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 83 of the Mississippi Code
10-day free look period (MS 83-7-51)
31-day grace period for all payments after the first one (MS 83-9-5)
Death benefits start to accrue interest from the time of the insured’s death (MS 83-7-6)
Mississippi Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Missouri

Missouri’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 20 of the Missouri Code of State Regulations and Chapter 376 of the Missouri Revised Statutes
Insurers must provide a 10-day free look period or provide a buyer’s guide and policy summary before the insured makes the first premium payment (MO Ann. Stat. 376.706)
31-day grace period (MO 376.726)
Interest begins to accrue on claims that take more than 30 days to settle (MO 374.191)
Missouri Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Montana

Montana’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 33 of the Montana Code
10-day free look period (MT Code Ann. 33-15-415)
30-day grace period (MT 33-20-104)
Insurers must pay claims within 30 days, which can be extended to 60 days if the insurance company makes a reasonable request for more time to review (MT 33-18-232)
Claims that take longer than 30 days to settle are subject to interest (MT 33-20-114)
Montana Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,00 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Nebraska

Nebraska’s life insurance laws are governed by Chapter 44 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes
10-day free look period (NE Rev. St. 44-502.05)
One-month grace period for all payments after the first one (NE 44-502)
Claims that take longer than 30 days to settle are subject to interest (NE 344-3-143)
Nebraska Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Nevada

Nevada’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 57 of the Nevada Revised Statutes
10-day free look period (NV ST 688A.010)
30-day grace period (NV 688A.060)
Insurers must pay claims within two months after receiving proof of death (NV 688A.140)
Claims that take longer than 30 days to settle are subject to interest (NV 688A.410)
Nevada Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 37 of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes
10-day free look period (NH Code Admin. R. Ins 401.05)
31-day grace period for all payments following the first one (NH 415:18)
Your insurance company is required to pay the amount to the beneficiary within 30 days after the provider receives proof of death, and they must pay accrued interest on the proceeds for any late settlements (NH 408:10-a)
New Hampshire Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender

New Jersey

New Jersey’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 17 of the New Jersey Statutes
10-day free look period (NJ Stat. Ann. 17B:25-2.1)
30-day grace period (NJ 17B:25-3)
Your insurance company is required to pay out the death benefit within 60 days, after which it accrues interest (NJ 17B:25-11)
New Jersey Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association will compensate you for up to $500,000 in lost death benefits and up to $100,000 in lost cash surrender value

New Mexico

New Mexico’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 13 of the New Mexico Administrative Code and Chapter 59A of the New Mexico Statutes
10-day free look period (NM Admin. Code 13.9.5)
30-day grace period (NM 59A-20-4)
Your insurance company must pay death benefit claims within two months (NM 59A-20-14)
Claims that take longer than 45 days to settle are subject to interest (NM 59A-16-21)
New Mexico Life Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

New York

New York’s life insurance laws are governed by Article 32 of New York Consolidated Law
10-day free look period (NY Ins. 3203)
61-day grace period after the first payment (NY 3203)
The insurance company is required to pay accrued interest on the death benefit beginning from the date of the insured’s death (NY 3214)
Life Insurance Company Guaranty Corporation of New York guarantees up to $500,000 in lost benefits per person

North Carolina

North Carolina’s life insurance laws are governed by Chapter 58 of the North Carolina General Statutes
10-day free look period (NC Gen. Stat. 58-60-15)
31-day grace period on all payments but the first one (NC 58-58-22)
If the claim is not settled within 30 days after all documents have been submitted, the account begins to accrue interest (NC 58-58-110)
North Carolina Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for all benefits per insured individual

North Dakota

North Dakota’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 26.1 of the North Dakota Century Code
20-day free look period (ND Cent. Code 26.1-33-02.1)
31-day grace period (ND 26.1-33-05)
Insurers must pay claims within two months, and death benefits accrue interest beginning from the date of death (ND 26.1-33-05)
North Dakota Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Ohio

Ohio’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 39 of the Ohio Revised Code
10-day free look period (OH Rev. Code Ann. 3901-6-03)
One-month grace period for every payment after the first (OH 3915.05)
Claims accrue interest beginning from the date of death (OH 3915.052)
Ohio Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 compensation for cash surrender value

Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 36 of the Oklahoma Statutes
10-day free look period (36 OK Stat. Ann. 4003.1)
30-day grace period (36 OK 4003)
Claims that take longer than 30 days to settle are subject to interest (36 OK 4030.1)
Oklahoma Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Oregon

Oregon’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 56 of the Oregon Revised Statutes (Chapters 731 to 752)
10-day free look period (OR Admin R. 836-051-0005)
30-day grace period (OR 743.165)
If the claim takes longer than 30 days to settle, the insurance company is required to pay accrued interest on the proceeds, dating back to the death of the insured person (OR 743.165)
Oregon Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 31 of the Pennsylvania Code
10-day free look period (40 PA ST 510c)
31-day grace period (31 PA 82.24)
If the claim takes longer than 30 days to settle, the insurance company is required to pay accrued interest on the proceeds, dating back to the death of the insured person (40 PA ST 511b)
Pennsylvania Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender

Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s life insurance laws are governed by Chapter 27 of the Rhode Island Code
20-day free look period (RI Gen. Laws 27-4-6.1)
31-day grace period (RI 27-4-6.2)
Interest starts accruing on death benefit payments upon the death of the insured person (RI 27-4-26)
Rhode Island Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

South Carolina

South Carolina’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 38 of the South Carolina Code of Laws
10-day free look period (SC Code Ann. 38-63-220)
31-day grace period (SC 38-63-220)
Interest starts building if the account is not settled within 30 days of the death of insured person (SC 38-63-80)
South Carolina Life and Accident and Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits per insured individual

South Dakota

South Dakota’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 58 of the South Dakota Codified Laws
10-day free look period (SD Codified Laws 58-15-8.1)
30-day grace period (SD 58-15-13)
Insurers must pay interest on all death benefit claims not paid within 60 days of death or receipt of the claim, whichever is later (SD 58-15-26.1)
South Dakota Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 per individual

Tennessee

Tennessee’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 56 of the Tennessee Code
10-day free look period (TN Admin Code 0780-01-40-.02)
31-day grace period for all payments except the first one (TN 56-7-2305)
Insurers are required to pay interest on death benefits beginning 15 days after the insured’s death (TN 56-7-315)
Tennessee Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Texas

Texas’ life insurance laws are governed by Title 28 of the Texas Administrative Codeand the 2005 Texas Insurance Code
10-day free look period (28 TX Admin Code 3.804)
31-day grace period for all payments after the first (28 TX 3.5106)
Insurers must pay claims within two months after receiving proof of death (28 TX 3.5106)
Claims are subject to interest from the date proof of loss is received (TX 542.058)
Texas Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Utah

Utah’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 31A of the Utah Code
10-day free look period (UT Code Ann. 31A-22-423)
31-day grace period (UT 31A-22-402)
Claims not paid within 15 days of the life insurance company completing its investigation are subject to interest (UT 31A-26-301)
Utah Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $500,000 for lost death benefits and $200,000 for lost cash surrender value

Vermont

Vermont’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 8 of the Vermont Statutes
10-day free look period (VT Admin Code 4-3-4:3)
30-day grace period (8 VT 3731)
The insurance provider is required to pay the death benefit to the beneficiary within 30 days of receiving proof of death (8 VT 3731)
Claims accrue interest beginning from the date of death (8 VT 3665b)
Vermont Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Virginia

Virginia’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 38.2 of the Virginia Code
10-day free look period (VA Code Ann. 38.2-3300)
31-day grace period (VA 38.2-3303)
Interest accrues on claims beginning from the date of death (VA 38.2-3315)
Virginia Life, Accident, & Sickness Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value or withdrawal

Washington

The State of Washington’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 48 of the Revised Code of Washington
10-day free look period (WA ST 48.23.380)
30-day grace period (WA 48.23.030)
The company is required to add interest payments to the total benefit, beginning from the day of death (WA 48.23.300)
Washington Life & Disability Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $500,000 per person for lost death benefits and $500,000 for lost cash surrender value

West Virginia

West Virginia’s life insurance laws are governed by Chapter 33 of the West Virginia Code
10-day free look period (WV 33-6-11b)
31-day grace period (WV 33-13-3)
Insurers must pay claims within two months (WV 33-13-3)
Interest accrues on the payment beginning from the date of death (WV 33-13-14a)
West Virginia Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender value

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s life insurance laws are governed by the Wisconsin Statutes and Annotations, Titles 600 through 655
30-day free look period (WI ADC Ins. 2.14)
31-day grace period (WI 632.44)
If the claim takes longer than 30 days to settle, the insurance company is required to pay accrued interest on the proceeds (WI 628.46)
Wisconsin Insurance Security Fund guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $300,000 for lost cash surrender value

Wyoming

Wyoming’s life insurance laws are governed by Title 26 of the Wyoming Statutes
30-day free look period (WY Admin Code Ins Gen Ch 12 §4)
31-day grace period (WY 26-17-111)
If the claim takes longer than 45 days to settle, the insurer must pay interest beginning from the date of death (WY 26-16-112)
Wyoming Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association guarantees up to $300,000 for lost death benefits and $100,000 for lost cash surrender

F.A.Q.s

General

How much does a life insurance attorney cost?

We represent our life insurance claim clients on a contingency fee basis. There is no fee unless you win. We advance all costs on behalf of our clients.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes! Each life insurance claim case is unique in its own ways. We would love to speak with you and provide the best strategy for your situation.

What life insurance companies have your clients made claims against?

Metlife
Prudential
Transamerica
AIG
Pruco
Minnesota Life
Allstate
Globe
Independent Order of Foresters
Primerica
CMFG

Do I have to live in Florida for Brochu Law to take my case?

No. Brochu Law takes cases in all 50 states regardless of life insurance company or location of beneficiary. No matter where you live in the United States, Brochu Law can represent you. Christopher J. Brochu is licensed in the state of Florida. Brochu Law uses local counsel outside of Florida in accordance with state and federal law.

Life Insurance

What questions should I ask when hiring a life insurance attorney?

Questions to ask before hiring a life insurance attorney:

- - Have you ever litigated a life insurance case before?
  - Have you ever sued a life insurance company before?
  - Have you ever argued and been paid in full for a life insurance policy?
  - Have you ever taken a life insurance case to trial?
  - Have you ever won a life insurance case at trial?
  - How many six-figure plus life insurance cases hae you settled or won?
  - Have you ever contested a life insurance policy before?
  - Have you ever represented a beneficiary in a life insurance case before?
  - Have you ever represented a minor in a life insurance case before?
  - Have you ever represented a minor in a life insurance case before?
  - Have you ever represented a ex-spouse in a life insurance case before?
  - Have you ever represented a mentally incapacitated adult in a life insurance case before?
  - Have you ever litigated a Federal Employees Group Life Insurance policy?
  - Have you ever litigated a Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance policy?
  - Have you ever litigated a Veterants Group Life Insurance policy?
  - Have you ever litigated an interpleader lawsuit?

Why was my AD&D claim denied?

AD&D policies are often denied because AD&D policies have large payouts, with nominal premiums. Life insurance companies make money by denying claims. The less an insurance company pays, the more money they make. Life insurance companies delay and deny claims all the time hoping that you will not hire an attorney to fight their decision. The insurance company wants to tire you out and wants you to go away. Typically, AD&D policies carry the most amount of exclusions of any life insurance.

What types of exclusions life insurance companies look for?

- Felonies
- Self-inflicted injury
- Sickness
- Suicide
- Mental and physical infirmity
- Material Misrepresentation
- Illegal Drugs
- Prescription drug misuse
- Alcohol

*** Just because a life insurance company has denied your claim due to an exclusion, it may be improper. Always consult an attorney before cashing a check for life insurance premiums.

What excuses do life insurance companies use to create an investigation?

- Beneficiary designation problem
- Third Party Claim
- Contested Claim
- Divorce
- Beneficiary is a minor
- Community property involved
- Checking for a trust
- Beneficiary dispute
- Ex-spouse
- Slayer
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Criminal Act
- Misrepresentation
- Undue Delay
- Repeated request for documents
- Cannot locate a beneficiary
- Disclaimer

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