Life Insurance Lawyer Arizona

Denied Life Insurance Claim in Arizona? You’re Not Alone.


Families in Arizona often find themselves unprepared when a life insurance company refuses to pay a valid claim. If your life insurance claim was denied in Arizona, The Lassen Law Firm can step in to challenge the insurer’s decision and fight for the benefits you’re rightfully owed.

In Arizona, life insurance beneficiary disputes often arise when policy changes are contested or multiple individuals claim entitlement to the same benefit. If you're involved in a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Arizona, The Lassen Law Firm can guide you through the legal process and protect your interests.

When there’s a dispute over who should receive life insurance proceeds in Arizona, the insurer may file an interpleader action in Arizona and deposit the funds with the court until the matter is resolved.

Experienced Life Insurance Lawyers Arizona: The Lassen Law Firm.

Navigating life insurance claims can feel like an uphill battle, especially when faced with denied or delayed payouts. At The Lassen Law Firm, we’re here to simplify the process for individuals and families in Arizona. Serving clients across the state, from Phoenix to Tucson, Scottsdale to Flagstaff and Mesa, we are committed to securing the benefits you are owed.

As life insurance attorneys handling cases nationwide, our track record speaks volumes—with hundreds of millions in policies recovered for our clients. Whether it’s dealing with bad faith insurance practices or denied claims, our firm brings a wealth of experience and tenacity to every case. At The Lassen Law Firm, we stand by you every step of the way, ensuring justice is on your side. Call now for a free consultation to see if we can help you recover your life insurance benefits. No obligation.

Unlike other firms, The Lassen Law Firm exclusively handles denied life insurance claims. With 24 years of experience in this niche, we are recognized as top experts in the field. Our lawyers have earned prestigious awards, including membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and a 10.0 rating on AVVO. No other firm offers the same level of dedication and expertise in denied life insurance cases.

Struggling With a Denied Life Insurance Claim in Arizona? We’re Here to Help

When you purchase life insurance, it’s meant to provide financial security for your loved ones after your passing. Unfortunately, insurance companies in Arizona sometimes deny legitimate claims, leaving families in emotional and financial distress. If your life insurance claim has been denied or delayed, you have legal options. Our Arizona life insurance attorneys help beneficiaries fight back against wrongful denials and recover the benefits they were promised.

Life insurance companies are businesses focused on their bottom line. They sometimes look for technicalities or minor discrepancies to avoid paying claims. If you believe your claim was unfairly denied, you should not face the insurance company alone. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your rights.

Top Reasons Life Insurance Claims Are Denied in Arizona

Life insurance claim denials can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes of denied life insurance claims in Arizona include:

  • Misstatements During the Application Process: Insurers may accuse the insured of providing inaccurate or incomplete information regarding medical history, smoking habits, or financial matters.

  • Nonpayment or Policy Lapse: A missed payment could result in a lapse in coverage, but insurers sometimes wrongfully claim lapses when proper notice was not given.

  • Death Occurred During Contestability Period: If death happens within two years of policy issuance, insurers closely review the original application for any grounds to rescind coverage.

  • Policy Exclusions: Some deaths, such as those resulting from suicide or dangerous hobbies like scuba diving, might be excluded depending on the policy terms.

  • Disputes Among Beneficiaries: Competing claims between family members, ex-spouses, or others can cause significant delays or denials.

  • Employer-Provided Group Life Insurance Errors: Mistakes during the enrollment process or miscommunication regarding eligibility often cause denials of group life insurance claims.

  • Suspicions About the Cause of Death: When a death appears suspicious, insurers may delay payment while awaiting the outcome of criminal investigations.

No matter the stated reason for denial, it’s important to have an attorney carefully review your case. Many insurance company excuses can be challenged successfully with experienced legal help.

Understanding Arizona’s Life Insurance Contestability Rules

Arizona law generally provides for a two-year contestability period following the issuance of a life insurance policy. During this period, an insurer can deny a claim if it discovers a significant misrepresentation in the insured’s application. However, once two years have passed, the insurer is limited in its ability to deny coverage.

Even during the contestability window, not every misstatement is enough to void a policy. The error must be material — meaning it would have influenced the insurer’s decision to issue the policy or set the premiums. Innocent mistakes or minor inaccuracies usually are not grounds for rescission.

If your loved one passed away during the contestability period and the insurance company is trying to rescind the policy, it’s critical to have an Arizona life insurance attorney review your options as soon as possible.

Steps to Take After a Life Insurance Claim Denial in Arizona

Receiving a denial letter can be discouraging, but it is not the end of the road. If your life insurance claim is denied, you should:

  • Request a detailed explanation for the denial.

  • Obtain a full copy of the insurance policy and any attached applications or amendments.

  • Collect all communication you have had with the insurance company.

  • Refrain from providing additional information or statements without legal advice.

  • Consult with an experienced Arizona life insurance lawyer as soon as possible.

Prompt action can significantly improve your chances of reversing a wrongful denial or securing a fair settlement.

How an Experienced Arizona Life Insurance Attorney Can Help

Insurance companies have vast resources and legal teams working to protect their interests. You deserve a strong advocate who understands how to level the playing field. Our Arizona life insurance attorneys can assist you by:

  • Analyzing your denial letter and policy for weaknesses in the insurer’s argument.

  • Building a strong appeal by gathering necessary documents and evidence.

  • Handling communications and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf.

  • Filing a lawsuit if necessary to enforce your rights under Arizona law or federal ERISA statutes.

  • Pursuing claims for bad faith insurance practices when insurers act dishonestly or unreasonably.

We are dedicated to helping families across Arizona secure the benefits they need after a loss. With our firm, you only pay if we recover for you.

Arizona Denied Life Insurance Claims: Answers to Common Questions

What should I do if my life insurance claim in Arizona was denied?

If your life insurance claim was denied in Arizona, you should immediately speak with an experienced attorney. For example, if your claim was denied based on alleged misrepresentation, a lawyer can help prove the error was minor or unrelated to the cause of death.

What should I do if I was served with a life insurance interpleader lawsuit in Arizona?

If you were served with an interpleader lawsuit in Arizona, you must respond with a legal defense or risk forfeiting the benefit. For instance, we frequently defend clients when multiple family members claim the same payout.

What should I do if I’m involved in a life insurance beneficiary dispute in Arizona?

Beneficiary disputes in Arizona often arise after divorces, second marriages, or last-minute policy changes. For example, if an ex-spouse claims benefits after divorce, we can challenge their entitlement under Arizona law.

Why would an accidental death and dismemberment claim be denied in Arizona?

AD&D claims are often denied by insurers claiming the death was due to medical conditions or alcohol use. For instance, a fall resulting in death might be blamed on a stroke rather than recognized as an accident, which we challenge.

Can a policy lapse be used to deny a life insurance claim in Arizona?

Yes, but lapses are often improperly applied. For example, if an insurer failed to send a required late-payment notice, we can argue that the policy remained active at the time of death.

Is misrepresentation on a life insurance application a valid reason for denial in Arizona?

Misrepresentation can void a policy only if it was material and intentional. For instance, misstating height or weight likely won’t justify denial if death was unrelated to those factors.

Can an alcohol exclusion be used to deny a life insurance claim in Arizona?

Yes, but alcohol exclusions must be clearly written and fairly applied. For example, if alcohol was detected but unrelated to the cause of death, we fight to have the claim honored.

What should I do about a denied ERISA life insurance claim in Arizona?

You must act quickly if your ERISA claim was denied because you only get one appeal. For instance, missing evidence during this appeal could permanently destroy your case, so we prepare every argument meticulously.

What happens if a life insurance claim is denied during the contestability period in Arizona?

If your claim was denied during the contestability period, the insurer must prove a material misstatement. For example, a minor error about smoking history unrelated to death can be challenged successfully.

What should I do if I receive a denial letter referencing Arizona law?

Receiving a denial letter referencing Arizona law does not guarantee the denial is valid. For instance, insurers sometimes misapply community property laws, and we fight these technical mistakes.

What life insurance companies in Arizona deny the most claims?

Oxford Life and Sagicor Life are often cited for frequent denials. For example, we have handled cases where Oxford Life denied claims over trivial technicalities that we successfully overturned.

Does Arizona law revoke an ex-spouse’s beneficiary rights after divorce?

Yes, Arizona law revokes ex-spouse beneficiary designations unless reaffirmed post-divorce. For instance, if the insured did not re-sign the beneficiary form after divorce, the ex-spouse may lose the right to benefits.

Is Arizona a community property state, and can a spouse claim life insurance benefits?

Yes, Arizona is a community property state. For example, if marital funds paid for the policy, a surviving spouse may claim part of the benefit even if not listed as the primary beneficiary.

Can a will override a named beneficiary on a life insurance policy in Arizona?

No, a will cannot override a named beneficiary. For instance, even if the will states a child should inherit everything, the life insurance must go to the person listed on the policy.

Can a life insurance claim be denied if the death occurred outside the U.S.?

It depends on the policy language. For example, if the policy does not explicitly exclude foreign deaths, we fight insurer denials based solely on the location of death.

Can I challenge a last-minute beneficiary change made shortly before death?

Yes, last-minute beneficiary changes can be contested. For instance, if an elderly insured changed beneficiaries under questionable circumstances, we can file to have the change invalidated.

What if the insurer is delaying my claim for months in Arizona?

Unreasonable delay without justification may be considered bad faith. For example, if the insurer keeps requesting duplicate documents for months, we can sue to recover additional damages.

Can an insurer deny an AD&D claim by reclassifying an accidental death as natural causes?

Yes, but we frequently challenge these tactics. For instance, if an insurer claims a fall was due to a heart attack, we use medical evidence to prove the fall itself caused the death.

What if the insurance agent filled out part of the application incorrectly?

If the agent made mistakes, the insurer may still be liable. For example, if an agent omitted known medical history, we argue that the insured acted in good faith and the policy remains valid.

Can I sue for bad faith denial of a life insurance claim in Arizona?

Yes, Arizona law allows you to sue for bad faith. For instance, if the insurer denies your claim without proper investigation, we can seek punitive damages in addition to the policy benefit.

Can a suicide exclusion be challenged in Arizona?

Yes, suicide exclusions can be challenged, especially if applied after the exclusion period. For example, if the policy was active for more than two years, the suicide clause may no longer apply.

Are employer-based life insurance policies in Arizona governed by ERISA?

Most employer-based policies fall under ERISA. For instance, ERISA limits your remedies and timelines, making it critical to file a strong and timely appeal.

What if the insured failed to disclose a health issue on the application?

If the omission was unintentional or unrelated to the cause of death, the insurer must still pay. For example, failure to disclose mild asthma shouldn’t affect a claim for accidental death.

What happens if the life insurance policy has no named beneficiary?

If no beneficiary is named, the proceeds usually go to the estate. For example, we assist families with Arizona probate court proceedings to recover the benefit.

Can a suspicious or forged beneficiary form be disputed in Arizona?

Yes, forged or suspicious changes can be challenged. For instance, if signatures don’t match or a change was made under suspicious circumstances, we pursue legal action.

What kind of notice must insurers give before canceling a policy in Arizona?

Insurers must send timely and proper notice before canceling for non-payment. For example, if no final warning was sent, the policy may still be valid and enforceable.

What if the policy came through a union or professional group in Arizona?

Group life policies often have special rules. For instance, union-sponsored policies may have grievance procedures you must follow first, and we help navigate those steps.

Can I still recover benefits if I’m one of several named beneficiaries?

Yes, you can recover your proportional share. For example, if two beneficiaries were listed, each typically receives 50% unless the policy specifies otherwise.

What if the insured disappeared and was declared legally dead?

You can pursue the claim once the court declares the insured legally dead. For instance, after a five-year disappearance, Arizona courts can issue a legal death certificate allowing claims to proceed.

Can I appeal a denied claim after several months have passed?

Yes, many denied claims can still be appealed if time limits haven't expired. For instance, ERISA claims must be appealed within 180 days, so it’s critical to act quickly.

Are life insurance proceeds protected from creditors in Arizona?

Generally yes, life insurance proceeds paid to a beneficiary are protected from creditors. For example, only if the payout goes to the estate could creditors make claims against it.

What if the policy language is unclear or contradictory?

Ambiguous language is interpreted in favor of the insured or beneficiary. For instance, if an exclusion is poorly worded, we argue it should not bar recovery.

Can a life insurance policy be reinstated after an improper lapse?

Yes, improper lapses can often be reversed. For example, if the insurer didn’t provide required grace period notices, we can demand reinstatement and full payment.

Can a child be named as a beneficiary in Arizona?

Yes, but minors cannot directly receive funds. For instance, courts may require that proceeds be placed in a guardianship account until the child reaches adulthood.

What if someone else claims the insured promised them the benefit?

Verbal promises generally don’t override policy documents. However, if fraud or undue influence is proven, for example, courts may impose a constructive trust in favor of the rightful beneficiary.

Can an insurer deny a claim based on illegal activity by the deceased?

Yes, but exclusions must be clear and proven. For instance, if the insured was involved in a minor infraction rather than a felony, we argue the exclusion doesn’t apply.

How long do I have to contest a life insurance denial in Arizona?

Timelines depend on the policy and applicable law. For example, ERISA appeals usually must be filed within 180 days, while private policies may allow different periods, so quick action is essential.

2025 Arizona Denied Life Insurance Claims: Settlements & verdicts

Below are examples of Arizona life insurance claims successfully resolved.

  • Farmers Life Exclusion for coronavirus $15,000.00
  • Genworth Life dispute beneficiaries $70,000.00
  • American Family sickness exclusion $89,000.00
  • Transamerica Life self-inflicted injury $501,300.00
  • Guarantee Security COVID-19 denied $125,000.00
  • Lincoln Financial interpleader $105,500.00
  • Denied SGLI due to beneficiary change $404700.00
  • General American autoerotic asphyxiation $103,000.00
  • Sec Mutual Life felony exclusion $305,000.00
  • Guardian Life alcohol denial $90,000.00
  • Universe Life fentanyl death we won $11,000.00
  • Effortless suicide exclusion $45,000.00
  • USAA delay of life benefits resolved$112,000.00
  • Bankers Life issue of health history $33,000.00
  • Denied FEGLI heart attack issue $139,000.00
  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment $600,000.00
  • Gerber fall death and heart attack $109,000.00
  • Christian Fidelity sickness exclusion $105,200.00
  • Stonebridge Life COVID exclusion denial $277,000.00
  • Western United long delay of benefits $33,000.00
  • Arizona Life felony exclusion gun crime $492,000.00
  • Fidelity Life dispute between beneficiaries $302,500.00
  • Tempe dangerous activity denial benefits $548,000.00
  • Bankers Life material misrepresentation $209,300.00
  • Denied FEGLI claim won in a couple weeks $250,000.00
  • New York Life alcohol exclusion won $120,000.00
  • Mesa misrepresentation as to age mistake $735,000.00
  • Glendale sickness exclusion cancer found $815,000.00
  • Denied life insurance claim Arizona $500,000.00
  • Arizona ERISA life insurance claim $248,000.00
  • Denied SGLI claim dispute resolved $402,100.00
  • Peoria court orders divorce settlement $951,000.00
  • Bad faith denial of life benefits AZ $684,000.00
  • FEGLI denied life insurance claim $106,900.00
  • Jackson National Life interpleader lawsuit $108,200.00
  • Denied AD&D claim from heart attack $553,000.00
  • Minnesota Life delay of life benefits $104,100.00
  • Phoenix lawyer for life insurance claim $472,000.00
  • Northwestern Mutual Life accidental death $311,000.00
  • ERISA denied life insurance claim appeal $128,000.00
  • Genworth Life last minute beneficiary change $250,000.00
  • Scottsdale insufficient documents to support $390.000.00
  • Globe nonpayment of premiums resolved $106,200.00
  • AIG accidental death & dismemberment $414,000.00
  • Tucson no coverage at the time of death $379,000.00
  • Gilbert had a foreign death claim we won $1,000,000.00
  • CMFG misrepresentation alleged on application $102,700.00
  • Arizona denied life insurance claim $600,000.00
  • Progressive Life prescription drug denial $315,000.00
  • TSGLI appeal successfully resolved quickly
  • Chandler attorney for insurance denials $729,000.00
  • Arizona ERISA life insurance claim $285,100.00
  • SGLI we resolved beneficiary issue $400,000.00
  • Globe Life suicide exclusion $106,300.00
  • Arizona divorce and life insurance $742,000.00
  • Hartford Life felony exclusion $250,000.00
  • Transamerica Premier Life alcohol exclusion $418,000.00
  • Arizona denial of life insurance benefits $831,000
  • Lincoln Life autoerotic asphyxiation death $308,350.00
  • VGLI claim wife and girlfriend dispute $400,00.00
  • Nationwide Life spouse and ex-spouse dispute $253,400.00

Every denied claim is unique. In Arizona, we know how to maximize your chance of recovering the full life insurance payout.

Legal References – Arizona

  • Arizona Contestability Clause Law: Under A.R.S. § 20-1204, life insurance policies in Arizona become incontestable after two years from the date of issue, except for nonpayment of premiums. During the contestability period, insurers may challenge claims based on material misstatements in the application.

  • Automatic Revocation of Ex-Spouse Beneficiaries: Pursuant to A.R.S. § 14-2804, Arizona law automatically revokes a former spouse as a life insurance beneficiary upon divorce, annulment, or legal separation, unless the policy owner reaffirmed the designation after the divorce.

  • Community Property Laws: Arizona is a community property state, meaning spouses may have a community interest in life insurance policies acquired during the marriage. A surviving spouse may be entitled to a portion of the death benefit depending on when and how the policy was funded.

  • ERISA & Group Policies: Life insurance provided through an employer and governed by ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) may override Arizona community property or revocation laws, particularly when disputes arise over the named beneficiary.

For more information on insurance regulations and consumer protections in Arizona, you can visit the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions or explore nationwide insurance standards through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

The Lassen Law Firm is a national practice focused exclusively on life insurance litigation. Founded by Christian Lassen, Esq., the firm has recovered hundreds of millions for clients in all 50 states. All website content is written or reviewed by Mr. Lassen personally to ensure accuracy and authority.