A material misrepresentation in life insurance is a false statement or omitted fact made during the application process that the insurer believes would have changed its underwriting decision. If the company discovers such a misrepresentation—particularly during the contestability period, which is typically the first two years after the policy is issued—it can deny the claim, even if the misrepresented detail had nothing to do with the cause of death.
Importantly, the misstatement doesn’t need to be intentional. Innocent omissions can still result in denied claims if the insurer asserts the missing information was relevant to the risk assessment. Common examples include undisclosed medical conditions, a history of substance use, or past felony convictions. If you have Maine life insurance claim issues call us.
Real-Life Example: Denial Over an Old Felony Conviction
Nick was a respected 43-year-old architect in his community, with no recent legal trouble and a spotless reputation. When his employer offered a group life insurance policy, he filled out the brief application. But one question gave him pause: “Have you ever been convicted of a felony?”
At 18, Nick had been wrongly swept into a robbery case and convicted as an accessory. He served two weeks in jail and had no legal issues since. Believing the event was too remote to matter—and fearing it might cost him the policy—Nick chose not to disclose it.
Six months later, Nick died in a hunting accident. His wife, Linda, filed a life insurance claim. Because the death occurred within the contestability period, the insurer reviewed the application and discovered the felony conviction. The result: claim denied due to material misrepresentation.
How Legal Help Turned the Case Around
Devastated and facing financial uncertainty, Linda contacted a life insurance attorney. Although the denial was legally valid under the policy terms, the attorney believed the insurer could be persuaded to reconsider. He collected testimony from dozens of people who had known Nick for years—church members, colleagues, friends—describing his character and clean lifestyle.
The evidence was presented during an internal review. The argument: while technically a misrepresentation, Nick’s omission did not reflect any current risk. It had no bearing on the cause of death. Eventually, the insurer agreed to pay 50% of the policy benefit in exchange for a release from further legal action.
Why Life Insurance Companies Deny Claims for Criminal Records
Insurers often ask about criminal history because they believe felony convictions correlate with increased mortality risk. Crimes involving violence, addiction, or prison time are seen as red flags. Even non-violent or decades-old offenses can lead to automatic denials if not disclosed.
But this system can be overly rigid. People change. A conviction at 18 may have little to do with someone’s lifestyle at 43. Still, life insurers may void the policy on principle if the question wasn’t answered truthfully—regardless of context.
What To Do If a Life Insurance Claim Was Denied Over a Felony
If your loved one’s life insurance claim was denied because of a failure to disclose a criminal record, you still have legal options:
Request the complete policy, application, and denial letter
Document the full circumstances of the conviction
Show evidence of rehabilitation and community standing
Contact a life insurance attorney to negotiate or challenge the decision
Some insurers will agree to partial settlements when faced with compelling facts and legal pressure. Others may only budge if taken to court.
Our firm represents beneficiaries across the U.S. who were denied life insurance benefits due to past felony convictions, omitted medical conditions, or misunderstood questions. Whether the misrepresentation was intentional or not, we know how to push back against insurers and fight for the payout your loved one meant for you to receive.
If your claim was denied due to a criminal record or other alleged misrepresentation, call us today for a free case evaluation. You don’t pay unless we win.