Florida Life Insurance Claims: 5 Mistakes to Avoid
Filing a life insurance claim in Florida can be a critical step to ensuring financial security after the loss of a loved one. But even with the best intentions, simple errors can delay or deny your claim. At such a stressful time, avoiding these mistakes is essential for a smoother claims process and timely payouts.
In this guide, we will outline the 5 common mistakes to avoid and why consulting a Florida life insurance attorney like Danahy & Dunnavant, P.A., may help to protect your rights as a beneficiary.
Misrepresentation on the Policy Application
One of Florida's most frequent causes of life insurance claims denial is misrepresentation on the original application. This includes:
Hiding pre-existing health conditions
Inaccurate personal information
False statements about lifestyle ( e.g., smoking, risky Occupations )
Under Florida law, if the insured dies within the first two years of the policy ( the contestability period ), insurers have the right to investigate for misrepresentation. If found, they may legally deny the claim.
Tip: Review the policy for accuracy and transparency. If you’re unsure, speak with a trusted law firm like Danahy & Dunnavant P.A. to assess the risk of contestability. We offer free consultations to support you through this process.
Allowing the Policy to Lapse
A Policy Lapse occurs when the premium isn’t paid on time, causing the policy to expire. This can happen due to:
Missed payments
Failure to set up automatic billing
Lack of policy reviews
While some insurers offer a grace period, once that ends, the policy is no longer in force, and any claims will be denied.
Tip: Keep a calendar reminder for due dates and ensure the policy is in good standing at all times.
Outdated or Incorrect Beneficiary Information
Many people forget to update their beneficiary designations, especially after major events such as divorce, remarriage, or the birth of a child. This can lead to:
Disputes among family members
Court battles over policy proceeds
Payment to unintended recipients
Tips: Regularly review and update beneficiary details and make sure changes are documented and acknowledged by the insurers.
Delaying the Life Insurance Claim
In Florida, while there’s no hard statute of limitations on claims, insurers can question why a claim was delayed, especially if it’s more than a year after the death. Delays may cause:
Additional documentation requests
Suspicion of Insurance Fraud
Denials based on policy terms
Tips: File the claim as soon as possible after obtaining the death certificate to avoid complications.
Incomplete or Claim Documentation Errors
Submitting a claim with missing or inaccurate paperwork can lead to immediate rejection or prolonged processing. Essential documents include:
Official death certificate requirements
Completed claim forms
Original life insurance policy ( or policy number )
Bonus Tip: Watch for Bad Faith Insurance Practices
Sometimes, life insurance claims are denied or delayed, not due to mistakes by the beneficiary, but because the insurance company is acting in bad faith. This includes:
Unreasonably delaying payment
Denying a valid claim without a proper investigation
Failing to communicate clearly or request needed documentation
If you suspect your insurer isn’t handling your claim fairly, Florida law protects you. At Danahy & Dunnavant P.A., we fight insurance companies that act in bad faith and work to hold them accountable. Call us for free consultations to support you through this process.
Ready to Get Help?
Struggling with a life insurance claim in Florida? If your claim was denied or you don’t know what to do next, we can help. The team at Danahy & Dunnavant knows how to handle tough claims and get families the money they deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your case and your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why was my life insurance claim denied?
Claims may be denied due to policy lapses, alleged misrepresentations, or disputes over the cause of death. An attorney can help challenge unfair denials.
2. How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
Florida law requires beneficiaries to collect life insurance benefits within five years of the insured’s death.
3. What are the main types of life insurance?
Term life insurance – Pays a set amount upon death. Cash value life insurance – Accumulates interest, increasing the payout.
4. What if my claim is delayed?
Request a written explanation, gather documents, and consult an attorney if delays persist. Insurers may stall to reduce payouts.
5. How can Danahy & Dunnavant, P.A. help?
We fight wrongful denials and underpayments. No fees unless we win. Call (813) 906-1841 for a free consultation.
