The Claim That Didn't Pay Out, Because of One Missed Answer

I’ve seen all kinds of life insurance claims: heartbreaking, complicated, and everything in between.

But the ones that frustrate me the most? The ones that should have been approved… but weren’t.

One in particular was a woman called to file a claim after losing her husband. She was grieving, overwhelmed, and hoping at least one thing would be simple—the life insurance.

He had told her, “You’ll be okay. I’ve got you covered.”

But when I reviewed the file, my heart sank.

The claim was denied.

Not because he stopped paying premiums. Not because of fraud. Not because of anything wild or extreme.

The policy was denied because of a missed answer on the application.

A simple health question that was answered incorrectly.

Whether it was intentional or an honest mistake, the result was the same: the insurance company flagged it, pulled his medical records, and denied the claim.

Just like that, everything she thought was in place… fell apart.

What Most People Don’t Realize

When you apply for life insurance, you're entering into a legal contract.

The answers you give—especially to medical questions—carry weight. And during the first two years of most policies (known as the contestability period), the insurance company has the right to double-check everything if a claim is filed.

If something doesn’t match up, they can (and do) deny claims.

That’s what happened here. And the family was left with absolutely nothing.

Don’t Let This Be Your Story

This type of mistake is so common—and so preventable. Here’s how to protect your family from going through the same thing:

🖊️ 1. Double-Check Everything

When applying, don’t guess, rush, or assume. Take your time, review each question carefully, and if you're unsure about something—ask. It’s better to be overly cautious than to leave your family vulnerable.

📄 2. Keep a Copy of the Application

Once you’re approved, save a copy of the exact application you submitted. Most people forget what they wrote. Having it on hand could help resolve any issues in the future.

🧾 3. Educate Your Beneficiaries

They need to know where the policy is, what the terms are, and what to expect if they ever have to file a claim. Don’t let them be blindsided during a time of grief.

⏳ 4. Understand the Contestability Period

During the first two years of a policy, claims can be contested and denied if anything on the application is found to be inaccurate. After that, policies are generally more secure—but only if the info was honest from the start.

Final Word: Love Deserves Clarity

Having life insurance isn’t enough.Paying your premium on time isn’t enough. You need to make sure the foundation of the policy—the application—is solid.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the paperwork.

It’s about the people.

The ones who will be left trying to pick up the pieces while hoping what you put in place actually protects them.

Let’s make sure your love doesn't get lost in translation.

🔍 Need help reviewing your policy or want peace of mind that it’s truly solid?Book a one-on-one strategy session with me. Let’s walk through it—line by line—and get you the clarity your family deserves.

Turning uncertainty into clarity—one step at a time. ✨🔑