American General policies are commonly sold through financial advisors, insurance brokers, and independent agents. Some policies are purchased as individual coverage while others may be issued through workplace benefit programs.
Because the company issues a large volume of policies across many distribution channels, claim reviews sometimes involve multiple types of records including underwriting files, agent documentation, and policy administration records.
Certain policies may also contain riders such as accelerated death benefits or accidental death coverage that can affect how the claim is evaluated.
Common Reasons American General Life Insurance Claims Are Denied
Life insurance claims involving American General policies may be denied for a variety of reasons depending on the policy language and the insurer’s investigation.
Post claim underwriting reviews
After a death occurs, the insurer may conduct a detailed review of the application and medical history provided when the policy was issued.
Example:
The insurer reviews medical records and believes a condition existed before the policy was issued that was not disclosed in the application.
Contestability period investigations
Most life insurance policies contain a two year period during which the insurer may investigate the accuracy of the application.
Example:
The insured dies within the first two years of the policy, leading the insurer to obtain medical records and pharmacy data to review the application answers.
Flexible premium policy funding disputes
Some American General policies allow flexible premium payments and rely on accumulated policy value to maintain coverage. If the policy value becomes insufficient, the insurer may claim the policy terminated before the insured’s death.
Example:
The insurer states that policy charges exceeded the policy value and the policy lapsed prior to the death.
Beneficiary documentation issues
In some cases the insurer delays payment while verifying the identity or eligibility of the beneficiary.
Example:
The insurer requests additional documentation to confirm the beneficiary’s identity or authority to receive the benefit.
Claim Investigation Process
When a claim is filed, American General may review several types of documents before making a final determination.
These records may include:
The original life insurance application
Underwriting records created when the policy was issued
Medical records from physicians and hospitals
Prescription history reports from pharmacy databases
Policy billing and payment history
Death certificates and related investigation reports
The insurer uses these materials to evaluate whether the claim satisfies the policy terms.
Policies Sold Through Financial Advisors
Many American General policies are sold through financial planning professionals who help clients structure long term insurance and retirement strategies. Because these policies may involve financial planning decisions made years earlier, claim investigations sometimes review the underwriting and financial information originally submitted with the application.
In some cases, the insurer may also review communications created during the policy sale.
Legal Help With American General Life Insurance Claim Denials
Life insurance disputes involving American General policies can involve complex questions about underwriting records, policy funding structures, and claim investigations. Beneficiaries who receive a denial may have options to challenge the insurer’s decision depending on the facts surrounding the claim.
The Lassen Law Firm focuses exclusively on life insurance disputes nationwide. Attorney Christian Lassen has more than 25 years of experience representing beneficiaries in denied, delayed, and contested life insurance claims.
If an American General life insurance claim has been denied or delayed, legal review can help determine whether the insurer’s decision can be challenged.