Based on complaint volumes, regulatory actions, and litigation records, these 70 insurers consistently rank among the hardest to collect benefits from. Common denial triggers include material misrepresentation, policy lapses, narrow contestability clauses, strict exclusions, beneficiary disputes, and administrative delays. If your claim is denied, follow the seven-step action plan below to fight back.
Key Takeaways
• Top offenders often leverage technical policy provisions to deny or delay payouts.
• Most claims should be paid within 30–60 days; anything beyond may violate state regulations.
• A clear, documented appeal and early legal counsel dramatically increase reversal rates.
• Common denial reasons span misrepresentation, lapsed premiums, contestability, exclusions, and interpleader actions.
Top 10 Worst Offenders
Unum
Globe Life
MetLife
Colonial Penn
Bankers Life
Allianz
TIAA
Protective Life
Cincinnati Life
AIG
Full List of 70 Worst Companies
Unum, Globe Life, MetLife, Colonial Penn, Bankers Life, Allianz, TIAA, Protective Life, Cincinnati Life, AIG, Stonebridge Life, Geico, Liberty Mutual, Lincoln National, Ethos, True Blue, Choice Mutual, American Fidelity, SBLI, Primerica, Ohio National, Brighthouse Financial, North American, Lincoln Financial, Prudential, American Income Life, Midland National, The Hartford, Zander, Farmers, Northwestern Mutual, Gerber Life, New York Life, Freedom Life, Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, True Stage, Simplified Life, Nationwide, Guardian, Assurity, Illinois Mutual, American United, State Farm, Foresters Financial, Haven Life, Fidelity Life, AAA Life, Voya Financial, Lincoln Heritage, Navy Mutual, AXA, Global Atlantic, Amica, Securian Financial, American General, Principal Financial, Liberty National, American Family, John Hancock, Americo, Pacific Life, Genworth, Bestow, United Home, Ameriprise, Progressive, MassMutual, AARP, Vantis
What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied or Delayed
Obtain the written denial letter and exact policy clauses cited.
Gather all records: death certificate, medical files, premium receipts, application copies, underwriting correspondence.
Challenge materiality with expert opinions showing any alleged misstatement didn’t cause the death.
File an internal appeal within 60 days, directly addressing each denial point.
File a complaint with your state insurance regulator to prompt a market-conduct review.
Demand written status letters after 60 days of silence its absence strengthens a bad-faith claim.
Retain specialized counsel early to leverage NAIC rules and bad-faith exposure, often securing payment without litigation.
How a Life-Insurance Attorney Can Help
An attorney will scrutinize policy language, investigate the insurer’s rationale, prepare a targeted appeal, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, file suit. Legal representation often prompts carriers to reverse denials and pay benefits without protracted litigation. We handle cases nationwide and a life insurance lawyer in NJ is here for you
FAQ
How many claims should be paid within 30–60 days?
Most states require payment within 30–60 days of a complete claim submission; delays beyond may trigger penalties.
Can I challenge a lapse-based denial?
Yes errors in grace-period notices or payment-processing glitches can be grounds for reinstatement or bad-faith actions.
What is a contestability period?
A two-year window after policy inception (or coverage increase) during which insurers can investigate and potentially deny claims for misrepresentation.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal a denial?
Not mandatory, but legal representation significantly improves reversal rates, uncovers regulatory violations, and expedites payment.