Primerica Life Insurance Company primarily sells term life insurance, often through independent representatives who meet with families in their homes. Many policies are straightforward term contracts, but when a claim is denied, the issues are rarely simple.
If your Primerica life insurance claim has been denied or delayed, the outcome will depend on the exact policy language, the application answers, and the evidence relied upon during the claim investigation.
Common Reasons Primerica Denies Life Insurance Claims
Contestability investigations
If the insured died within the first two years of the policy, Primerica may conduct a detailed review of the application. Medical records, prescription history, and physician notes are compared against the answers provided at the time of purchase. The insurer may argue that certain conditions, symptoms, or treatments were not disclosed.
Tobacco use disputes
Primerica policies often classify insureds based on tobacco status. If records suggest past nicotine use that was not disclosed, the company may assert that the policy would have been issued differently.
Policy not in force
Denials sometimes involve missed premiums, expired grace periods, or issues with automatic bank drafts. In some cases, families discover there was confusion over payment methods.
Suicide clause
If death occurs within the suicide exclusion period, Primerica may deny the claim based on that provision, even if the cause of death is disputed.
Beneficiary designation conflicts
Disputes may arise if beneficiary changes were made shortly before death or if there are competing claims among family members.
Application Based Denials
Many Primerica denials center on alleged misrepresentations in the original application.
Key questions include:
Was the application question clear and specific
Did the insured answer truthfully based on the information known at the time
Is the alleged omission actually material under underwriting standards
Does state law require proof of intent to deceive
Not every discrepancy between medical records and an application answer supports rescission.
Agent Completed Applications
Primerica policies are often sold through representatives who assist in completing the application. In some cases, the insured may have answered questions verbally while the agent entered the responses.
If a denial is based on incorrect answers, it may be important to determine:
Who completed the written responses
Whether the insured reviewed the final version
Whether any information was inaccurately recorded
These details can affect whether the insurer can rely on the alleged misstatement.
What to Request After a Primerica Denial
To properly evaluate the denial, request:
The complete claim file
The full policy and all endorsements
The original signed application
Any recorded underwriting calls
The underwriting file and guidelines
Medical and pharmacy records relied upon
Internal claim notes
These materials often clarify whether the denial rests on strong evidence or on debatable interpretations.
Lapse and Payment Issues
If Primerica claims the policy lapsed, examine:
The full premium payment history
Dates of grace period notices
The address where notices were sent
Bank draft confirmations
Any communications regarding reinstatement
Clerical errors or outdated contact information can complicate lapse disputes.
Deadlines to Protect
If the policy is individually owned, state law determines how long a beneficiary has to challenge the denial in court. Ongoing discussions with the insurer do not automatically extend those deadlines.
If the coverage was part of an employer plan, an internal appeal may be required before filing suit, and strict deadlines apply.
When a Primerica Denial Can Be Challenged
Primerica denial letters often cite policy provisions and assert that the contract allows the company to deny benefits. That does not automatically make the decision legally correct.
Successful challenges frequently focus on:
Whether the alleged omission was actually material
Whether the application process was properly handled
Whether policy language is being interpreted too broadly
Whether the insurer followed required notice procedures
Each case depends on its specific facts. A careful review of the policy, application, and claim file is essential before determining the next step.
If your Primerica life insurance claim has been denied, obtaining the complete record and understanding the precise basis for the decision is the first step toward evaluating whether the denial can be overturned.