Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company issues life insurance policies throughout the United States, with many of its products focused on final expense coverage and simplified issue life insurance. These policies are often marketed to older consumers who want smaller policies designed to help cover funeral costs, burial expenses, or other end of life financial obligations.
When a policyholder dies, beneficiaries must submit a claim to receive the policy proceeds. Although many claims are paid routinely, some Sentinel Security Life claims are delayed or denied after the insurer reviews the policy and the circumstances surrounding the death.
Attorney Christian Lassen represents beneficiaries nationwide in disputes involving denied and delayed life insurance claims.
Sentinel Security Life Insurance Policies
Sentinel Security Life policies are commonly sold through insurance agents who specialize in final expense and senior focused life insurance products. The application process for these policies may involve simplified underwriting, meaning fewer medical questions and no medical exam.
These policies may include:
Final expense life insurance
Simplified issue whole life insurance
Guaranteed issue life insurance
Policies with graded death benefit provisions
Because underwriting may be limited during the application process, insurers sometimes conduct more extensive reviews after a claim is submitted.
Graded Benefit and Waiting Period Issues
Many final expense policies contain graded death benefit provisions during the early years of coverage. During this period, the policy may not pay the full death benefit depending on the cause of death.
Example:
If the insured dies during the early policy years, the insurer may claim that the policy only provides a return of premiums or a limited benefit rather than the full death benefit.
Understanding how the graded period works can be important when evaluating a claim denial.
Common Reasons Sentinel Security Life Claims Are Denied
Life insurance claims involving Sentinel Security Life policies may be denied for several reasons depending on the policy terms and the insurer’s claim investigation.
Health question disputes
Even simplified issue policies usually include a small number of health related questions. If the insurer later believes those answers were inaccurate, it may attempt to deny the claim.
Example:
The insured answered no to a question about recent medical treatment, but the insurer later finds medical records indicating treatment before the policy was issued.
Waiting period limitations
Some policies contain waiting periods that affect the amount of the benefit payable during the early years of the policy.
Example:
The insured dies during the waiting period and the insurer claims the policy provides only a reduced benefit.
Policy lapse allegations
A claim may also be denied if the insurer asserts that the policy was no longer active due to unpaid premiums.
Example:
The insurer claims the policy lapsed because a premium payment was missed prior to the insured’s death.
Beneficiary identification issues
Occasionally, the insurer may delay payment while confirming the identity of the beneficiary or requesting additional documentation.
Example:
The insurer asks the beneficiary to provide identification or additional paperwork before releasing the benefit.
Claim Review Process
When a claim is filed, the insurer may review several types of records before making a decision.
These materials may include:
The life insurance policy and coverage certificate
The original application submitted by the insured
Medical records obtained during the investigation
Premium payment and billing records
Death certificates and related documentation
The insurer uses these documents to determine whether the claim meets the policy requirements.
Final Expense Policies and Post Claim Investigations
Final expense policies are often issued quickly with limited underwriting. Because of this, insurers sometimes conduct post claim investigations after the insured dies, reviewing medical records to confirm the answers given on the application.
If the insurer believes the application contained inaccurate information, it may attempt to deny the claim based on misrepresentation.
Legal Help With Sentinel Security Life Insurance Claim Denials
Life insurance disputes involving Sentinel Security Life policies often involve questions about graded benefits, health disclosures, and policy status. Beneficiaries who receive a denial may have options to challenge the insurer’s decision depending on the policy language and the evidence involved.
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 a Sentinel Security Life insurance claim has been denied or delayed, legal review can help determine whether the insurer’s decision can be challenged.