When a loved one passes away, a life insurance payout is often the only financial support keeping a family afloat. That’s why the law requires life insurance companies to process claims promptly and transparently. Unfortunately, some insurers use unnecessary delays as a tactic to frustrate beneficiaries, hoping they’ll walk away or accept less than what they’re owed.
If your life insurance claim is dragging on, it’s important to understand that you have legal rights—and you don’t have to accept the delay. When you need a New Hampshire life insurance denial attorney call us.
Life Insurance Companies Must Act Within Strict Timeframes
Under life insurance law, insurers are required to complete their investigation within 30 days of receiving a valid claim. If they cannot reasonably do so, they must:
Provide written notice explaining exactly why more time is needed
Continue to update the beneficiary every 45 days until a final decision is made
These requirements are not suggestions—they’re legal obligations. The purpose is to prevent grieving families from being financially stranded during an already overwhelming time.
The Insurer Doesn’t Get to Decide What’s “Reasonable”
Insurance companies often act as though they can extend a claim review for as long as they want, citing vague reasons like “further investigation” or “pending documentation.” But the law is clear:
Delays must be justified by legitimate and documented reasons
Repeated generic excuses are not legally acceptable
Beneficiaries have the right to challenge prolonged delays
If an insurer keeps stringing you along without clear updates or legitimate progress, they may be violating state law—and you may be entitled to take legal action.
Example: A widow’s claim was delayed for over 90 days due to “underwriting review.” After we intervened, the insurer processed the claim within a week and paid additional interest for the delay.
Interest May Be Owed for Unreasonable Delays
If an insurer is found to have delayed a claim without good cause, they can be required to pay not just the death benefit—but also interest on the unpaid amount, dating back to when the claim should have been processed. In some states, this interest can be substantial, especially on large policies.
This additional compensation is designed to hold insurers accountable and prevent them from using delay as a profit strategy.
Don’t Let an Insurance Company Stall What You’re Rightfully Owed
Life insurance companies are multi-billion-dollar businesses. They know that most families don’t have the time, knowledge, or emotional energy to challenge a delayed claim. Sadly, some insurers exploit this vulnerability—delaying payouts to see if beneficiaries give up, move on, or settle for less.
But you don’t have to accept this.
When a life insurance company delays payment unreasonably or acts in bad faith, they are violating both the law and the trust your loved one placed in them by paying premiums faithfully for years. You are not just a claimant—you are the intended recipient of a legally enforceable benefit.
How a Life Insurance Delay Attorney Can Help
If you’re stuck in a life insurance delay or facing unexplained excuses from the insurer, it’s time to speak to an attorney who focuses exclusively on denied and delayed claims. Our team:
Investigates the delay and demands documentation
Pressures the insurer to comply with all legal deadlines
Calculates and demands interest if payment was unreasonably withheld
Files lawsuits when necessary to enforce your rights
We’ve helped clients across the country recover delayed benefits—often with interest—by holding insurance companies accountable for stalling tactics and policy violations.
Get the Help You Deserve—Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If your life insurance claim is being delayed without good reason, don’t wait. Every day that passes may cost you interest, time, and emotional peace. Contact our experienced life insurance attorneys today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you fight for the full benefits your loved one intended for you.
You pay nothing unless we recover for you. Let us help you turn a delayed claim into the payout your family needs and deserves.