What should I do if a Life Insurance Company is Stalling
/We often hear from Minnesota life insurance beneficiaries who are frustrated by the pace at which a life insurance company is processing their claim.
Often life insurance companies can be very hard to reach. Whether they ignore letters and email, or stranding callers in a never-ending customer service phone tree, the claims process can be infuriating.
When the beneficiary finally hears back, often the life insurance company only provides a vague excuse as to why the claim was denied.
Fortunately, we have several laws in Minnesota that are designed to protect our residents from the misconduct described above.
For example:
Minnesota Statutes Section 72A.20 Subd. 12(14) authorizes enforcement action for an insurance company "failing to promptly provide a reasonable explanation of the basis in the insurance policy in relation to the facts or applicable law for the denial of a claim...".
Minnesota Statutes Section 72A.201 Subd. 4(11) authorizes enforcement action for an insurance company's failing, “within 60 business days after receipt of a properly executed proof of loss, to advise the insured of the acceptance or denial of the claim by the insurer. No insurer shall deny a claim on the grounds of a specific policy provision, condition, or exclusion unless reference to the provision, condition, or exclusion is included in the denial. The denial must be given to the insured in writing with a copy filed in the claim file;"
Minnesota Statutes Section 72A.201 Subd. 8(1) authorizes enforcement action for an insurance company's "denying a claim or any element of a claim on the grounds of a specific policy provision, condition, or exclusion, without informing the insured of the policy provision, condition, or exclusion on which the denial is based;"
Unfortunately, it often takes and experienced life insurance attorney to persuade the life insurance company to promptly, and properly, articulate the basis for claim denial. Often the basis for denial is insufficient under the terms of the policy, and Minnesota law. In that event, we sue the life insurance company and thoroughly enjoy collecting the sizeable death benefits our clients are entitled to.
If you are struggling with a life insurance company, or fear they may be taking advantage of you, please contact Minnesota life insurance attorney Mark Santi as soon as possible at 612-808-9082, msanti@santicerny.com, or via the below form.
