How Long Can a Life Insurance Company Delay Payment?

A life insurance company cannot delay payment indefinitely. Once a claim is submitted with all required documentation, insurers are expected to either pay the claim or provide a clear explanation for any continued investigation. In most cases, valid life insurance claims are paid within 30 to 60 days after the insurer receives a complete claim file.

When payment extends beyond that timeframe without meaningful progress, the delay may become unreasonable.

What Is Considered a Normal Timeframe

Most life insurance claims follow a basic sequence:

• Claim submitted with death certificate and required forms
• Initial review by the insurer
• Payment issued once review is complete

For straightforward claims, this process is usually completed within one to two months. Short delays early in the process are common and do not automatically indicate a problem.

What Delays Beyond 30 Days May Indicate

When a claim passes the 30 day mark, insurers often cite ongoing review or outstanding documentation. At this stage, beneficiaries should expect regular communication and a clear explanation of what remains under review.

A lack of updates or vague responses can signal that the claim is no longer progressing normally.

When a Delay Becomes Concerning After 60 Days

Delays that exceed 60 days after all documents have been submitted are more difficult for insurers to justify. At this point, beneficiaries should take the delay seriously, especially if:

• The insurer cannot explain what is still being investigated
• Requests for documents are repetitive
• Communication becomes infrequent or stops altogether

Extended delays at this stage often indicate internal stalling or preparation for a denial.

Delays That Extend Beyond 90 Days

When a life insurance claim remains unpaid for several months without resolution, the delay itself may become evidence of improper conduct. Courts and regulators generally expect insurers to move claims forward with diligence, not leave them in limbo.

Long periods of inactivity after a complete submission raise questions about whether the insurer is acting in good faith.

Why Payment Sometimes Extends Beyond Normal Time Limits

Insurers commonly point to the following reasons when payment stretches beyond expected timeframes:

• Contestability period review
• Requests for medical or employment records
• Questions about the cause or manner of death
• Conflicting beneficiary claims
• Administrative errors in employer sponsored policies
• Deaths occurring outside the United States

Some investigation may be appropriate early on. Delays become problematic when these reasons are used repeatedly without progress or explanation.

Does a Long Delay Mean the Claim Will Be Denied?

Not necessarily. Many delayed life insurance claims are ultimately paid, particularly after beneficiaries push for answers or involve legal counsel. In some cases, delay is used as a pressure tactic rather than a reflection of the claim’s validity.

At the same time, prolonged delay can be a warning sign that the insurer is positioning the claim for denial, which makes early action important.

When Delay May Cross Into Bad Faith

A life insurance company may be acting improperly if it:

• Delays payment without a legitimate reason
• Stops responding to reasonable inquiries
• Misrepresents the status of its investigation
• Uses delay to discourage beneficiaries from pursuing payment

When delay is unreasonable, it may violate state insurance laws or federal rules that apply to certain policies.

What Beneficiaries Should Do When Payment Is Taking Too Long

If your life insurance claim has been pending longer than expected:

• Request a written explanation for the delay
• Confirm all required documents have been received
• Keep records of all communications
• Avoid submitting unnecessary materials without clarity
• Consider legal guidance once delays exceed 30 to 60 days

Prompt action often shortens delays and prevents improper denials.

Related Guidance

For a broader overview of why life insurance claims are delayed and what beneficiaries can do, see our Delayed Life Insurance Claim page and the Delayed Life Insurance Claim Fact Sheet.

If a life insurance company has delayed paying benefits without a clear reason, legal help can make a difference.