Alcohol Exclusion Fact Sheet

Christian Lassen, Esq. | Quoted in The Wall Street Journal | 25 Years Experience Helping beneficiaries nationwide challenge life insurance claims denied due to alcohol‑related exclusions.

What Is the Alcohol Exclusion?

Many life insurance policies contain an exclusion that denies coverage if the insured’s death is linked to alcohol use or intoxication. Insurers argue that deaths caused or contributed to by alcohol fall outside the scope of coverage.

This exclusion is often broadly applied, leading to disputes when the role of alcohol is unclear or when insurers misclassify the cause of death.

Why Claims Get Denied

Insurers frequently deny claims under alcohol exclusions for reasons such as:

• Death in a car accident where the insured was allegedly intoxicated
• Death from alcohol poisoning or related medical complications
• Insurer alleging alcohol contributed to accidental falls, drownings, or injuries
• Disputes over blood alcohol content (BAC) levels and toxicology reports
• Beneficiaries unaware of exclusions buried in policy fine print
• Insurers misapplying exclusions to deaths only loosely connected to alcohol use

What To Do If Your Claim Was Denied

1. Request the denial letter and claims file from the insurer.
2. Obtain toxicology reports, medical examiner records, and accident reports.
3. Review the policy language carefully to confirm how alcohol exclusions are defined.
4. Consult an experienced life insurance attorney many alcohol‑related denials can be challenged.
5. Act quickly appeals and lawsuits have strict deadlines.

Your Legal Rights

• Insurers must prove alcohol directly caused or contributed to the death.
• Beneficiaries can challenge denials based on insufficient evidence or ambiguous policy language.
• Courts often side with beneficiaries when insurers misuse alcohol exclusions to avoid payment.

Case Example

We helped a family recover $300,000 after the insurer denied benefits, claiming alcohol contributed to a fatal accident. By proving the accident was caused by another driver and alcohol was not a material factor, we secured full payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does every death involving alcohol void coverage? 

A: No insurers must prove alcohol directly caused or contributed to the death.

Q: What if toxicology reports are inconclusive? 

A: Insurers cannot deny claims without clear evidence. Beneficiaries can challenge unsupported conclusions.

Q: Can insurers deny claims for medical conditions linked to alcohol? 

A: They may try, but exclusions must be clearly stated and applied correctly.

Q: Do I need an attorney? 

A: Yes alcohol exclusion disputes are complex and often involve litigation.

How We Help

• Review toxicology reports, medical records, and insurer claims files.
• Challenge wrongful denials based on alcohol exclusions.
• File lawsuits for breach of contract and bad faith when necessary.
• Secure rightful payouts for families nationwide.

If your life insurance claim was denied due to alcohol use or intoxication, don’t wait. Insurers count on families giving up. Call 800‑330‑2274 for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol exclusions deny coverage for deaths linked to intoxication.
• Insurers must prove alcohol directly caused or contributed to the death.
• Beneficiaries can challenge denials based on insufficient evidence or ambiguous policy language.
• Prompt legal action increases the chance of success.

Written & Reviewed by Christian Lassen, Esq., Nationally recognized life insurance lawyer: 25 years experience, hundreds of millions recovered.  Quoted in The Wall Street Journal ( May 17, 2025).

Last reviewed: Dec 7, 2025 | Contact 800-330-2274