Suicide Clause Fact Sheet

Christian Lassen, Esq. | Quoted in The Wall Street Journal | 25 Years Experience Helping beneficiaries nationwide challenge life insurance claims denied under suicide exclusions.

What Is a Suicide Clause?

Most life insurance policies contain a suicide clause that excludes coverage if the insured dies by suicide within the first one to two years of the policy. After this period, the exclusion typically no longer applies, and benefits must be paid.

Insurers often rely on suicide clauses to deny claims, even when the cause of death is disputed or unclear.

Why Claims Get Denied Under Suicide Clauses

Common scenarios include:

• Death occurs within the first 1–2 years of coverage
• Insurer alleges suicide despite unclear or disputed circumstances
• Conflicts between medical examiner reports and insurer conclusions
• Beneficiaries contest whether death was accidental or intentional
• Insurers misapply the clause to deny claims beyond the exclusion period
• Disputes involving mental health history or alleged intent

What To Do If Your Claim Was Denied

1. Request the denial letter and claims file from the insurer.
2. Obtain medical examiner reports, police records, and witness statements.
3. Review the policy language to confirm the length of the suicide exclusion period.
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 was suicide and occurred within the exclusion period.
• Beneficiaries can challenge denials based on conflicting evidence or misapplied exclusions.
• Courts often overturn denials when insurers misuse suicide clauses to avoid payment.

Case Example

We helped a family recover $250,000 after the insurer denied benefits under a suicide clause. By proving the death was accidental and occurred outside the exclusion period, we secured full payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does the suicide clause apply? 

A: Typically 1–2 years, depending on the policy.

Q: What if the cause of death is unclear? 

A: Insurers must prove suicide. Beneficiaries can challenge unsupported conclusions.

Q: Can insurers deny claims after the exclusion period? 

A: No once the period expires, suicide exclusions no longer apply.

Q: Do I need an attorney? 

A: Yes suicide clause disputes are complex and often involve litigation.

How We Help

• Review policy language and exclusion periods.
• Challenge wrongful denials based on disputed cause of death.
• 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 under a suicide clause, don’t wait. Insurers count on families giving up. Call 800‑330‑2274 for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.

Key Takeaways

• Suicide clauses exclude coverage for 1–2 years after policy issuance.
• Insurers must prove death was suicide and within the exclusion period.
• Beneficiaries can challenge denials based on conflicting evidence.
• 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