Corebridge Financial, previously known as AIG Life and Retirement, administers millions of life insurance and accidental death policies across the country. Despite its size and resources, many families experience unexpected delays or denials when filing a claim. These denials often rely on technical interpretations of policy language, administrative issues, or incomplete investigations. The good news is that many Corebridge denials can be challenged and overturned with the right strategy.
This page explains why Corebridge denies claims, how these denials can be reversed, and what steps beneficiaries should take immediately.
Understanding Corebridge’s Claims Process
Corebridge manages a wide range of products, including term life, universal life, whole life, group life, and AD&D coverage. Because the company transitioned from AIG to Corebridge, many policies still reference AIG forms, AIG underwriting, or AIG administrative systems. This transition has created confusion in some claims, especially when older records or employer provided documents are involved.
Common Reasons Corebridge Denies Life Insurance Claims
Questions About the Original Application
Corebridge frequently reviews the insured’s application when a claim is filed, especially during the contestability period. The company may allege that the insured failed to disclose a medical condition, medication, or lifestyle factor. Beneficiaries should not assume these findings are accurate. Corebridge must prove that the alleged misstatement was material and that the policy would not have been issued as written.
Premium Payment and Lapse Disputes
Corebridge may deny a claim by stating that the policy lapsed before the insured passed away. These denials often involve automatic bank withdrawals, billing changes, or confusion during job changes or medical leave. Many families discover that the insured attempted to pay or that Corebridge misapplied payments. A detailed review of payment records can reveal that coverage should have remained active.
Problems With Policy Conversions or Replacements
Because AIG rebranded to Corebridge, some denials involve confusion about conversions, replacements, or policy updates. If the insured attempted to convert a group policy to an individual policy or switch from term to permanent coverage, administrative errors may have occurred. These denials can often be challenged by examining correspondence, conversion forms, and premium records.
AD&D Denials Based on Cause of Death
Accidental death claims are denied at a high rate. Corebridge may argue that the death was caused by illness rather than an accident or that an exclusion applies. These cases require a careful review of medical records, accident reports, and the exact policy wording. Many AD&D denials rely on assumptions rather than evidence.
Employer and HR Errors in Group Plans
For employer sponsored plans, Corebridge may deny claims due to enrollment problems, missing evidence of insurability, or eligibility issues. These denials often stem from mistakes made by HR departments, not the insured. Payroll deductions, enrollment confirmations, and internal emails can be critical in proving that the employee believed they had coverage.
Beneficiary Form Issues and Disputes
Corebridge may delay or deny payment if the beneficiary designation is unclear, outdated, or contested. These issues often arise after divorces, handwritten changes, or missing forms. When multiple people claim the benefit, the insurer may delay payment or file an interpleader lawsuit. Beneficiaries should act quickly to secure their rights.
What Beneficiaries Should Do After a Corebridge Denial
A denial letter is not the end of the process. Beneficiaries have strong legal rights, and many denials can be reversed with a strategic approach.
Request the Complete Claim File
Corebridge must provide all documents, internal notes, medical reviews, and communications related to the denial. This file often reveals inconsistencies or missing information.
Review the Policy and All Correspondence
Beneficiaries should examine the full policy, including riders, amendments, annual statements, and conversion documents. Many denials rely on selective interpretations of policy language.
Investigate Administrative or Transition Errors
Because of the AIG to Corebridge transition, administrative mistakes are more common than many families realize. Identifying these issues can be the key to overturning the denial.
Challenge Unsupported Findings
If Corebridge relied on incomplete medical records, incorrect assumptions, or flawed calculations, these findings can be challenged with evidence and expert review.
Prepare a Strong Appeal
A well prepared appeal can reverse a denial and secure full payment. For ERISA governed plans, the appeal is especially important because it becomes the entire record for any future lawsuit.
Why Corebridge Denials Are Often Reversible
Many Corebridge denials are based on administrative errors, incomplete investigations, or misinterpretations of policy language. When beneficiaries challenge these decisions with a structured, evidence based approach, they often succeed. Corebridge must follow strict legal standards, and when they fail to meet those standards, beneficiaries can recover the full benefit.
Get Help With a Corebridge Life Insurance Denial
If Corebridge Financial has denied or delayed your life insurance claim, you do not have to face the process alone. A strategic review of the denial can uncover the path to recovery and protect your rights.