Criminal Activity Fact Sheet

Christian Lassen, Esq. | Quoted in The Wall Street Journal | 25 Years Experience Helping beneficiaries nationwide challenge life insurance claims denied due to deaths during illegal acts.

What Is the Criminal Activity Exclusion?

Most life insurance policies contain an exclusion that denies coverage if the insured dies while committing or attempting to commit a crime. Insurers argue that deaths tied to illegal activity fall outside the scope of coverage.

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

Why Claims Get Denied

Common scenarios include:

• Death during commission of a felony or violent crime
• Death while fleeing law enforcement or resisting arrest
• Accidental death linked to illegal drug possession or distribution
• Death during burglary, robbery, or theft attempts
• Insurers alleging criminal activity without sufficient evidence
• Disputes over whether the act was truly “criminal” under state law

What To Do If Your Claim Was Denied

1. Request the denial letter and claims file from the insurer.
2. Obtain police reports, medical examiner records, and witness statements.
3. Review the policy language to confirm how “criminal activity” is defined.
4. Consult an experienced life insurance attorney many denials can be challenged.
5. Act quickly appeals and lawsuits have strict deadlines.

Your Legal Rights

• Insurers must prove the death occurred during criminal activity.
• Beneficiaries can challenge denials based on insufficient evidence or misapplied exclusions.
• Courts often overturn denials when insurers misuse criminal activity clauses to avoid payment.

Case Example

We helped a family recover $200,000 after the insurer denied benefits, claiming the insured’s death was linked to “criminal activity.” By proving the act was not criminal under state law and the insurer lacked evidence, we secured full payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does every illegal act void coverage? 

A: No insurers must prove the act was criminal and directly caused the death.

Q: What if the insured was accused but not convicted? 

A: Allegations alone are not enough. Insurers must provide evidence.

Q: Can accidental deaths be denied under this exclusion? 

A: Insurers may try, but beneficiaries can challenge misapplied exclusions.

Q: Do I need an attorney? 

A: Yes criminal activity exclusions are complex and often involve litigation.

How We Help

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

Contact Us

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

Key Takeaways

• Criminal activity exclusions deny coverage for deaths during illegal acts.
• Insurers must prove the death was directly tied to criminal activity.
• Beneficiaries can challenge denials based on insufficient evidence or misapplied exclusions.
• 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