Life Insurance Claim Delayed for Months? This May Be Bad Faith
If a life insurance company has delayed paying a claim for months with no clear explanation, this may be more than routine processing — it may be bad faith.
Families are often told to “be patient,” while insurers quietly extend investigations, request repetitive documents, or simply stop responding. These delays are not always legal — and in many cases, they violate state insurance laws or federal ERISA rules.
If your life insurance claim has been delayed 60, 90, or even 180+ days, it’s time to take the delay seriously.
Call 1-888-510-2212 to speak with an experienced life insurance attorney today
Delay Is One of the Most Common (and Abusive) Insurer Tactics
Insurance companies know that grieving families:
Are overwhelmed
Don’t know the rules
Fear “doing something wrong”
Assume delays are normal
In reality, many extended delays are intentional pressure tactics designed to:
Wear beneficiaries down
Encourage acceptance of reduced payouts
Avoid paying interest or penalties
Force families to give up
How Long Is Too Long for a Life Insurance Claim?
While insurers are allowed reasonable time to investigate, the law does not permit open-ended delays.
Red flags include:
No decision after 60–90 days
Repeated requests for documents already provided
“Ongoing investigation” with no timeline
Silence or nonresponsive adjusters
Requests unrelated to the cause of death
At a certain point, delay itself becomes evidence.
When a Delay May Cross Into Bad Faith
A delayed life insurance claim may constitute bad faith when the insurer:
Fails to complete a timely investigation
Continues investigating without justification
Requests unnecessary or repetitive records
Ignores medical evidence
Delays payment after approving coverage
Uses delay to pressure beneficiaries
Bad faith claims can expose insurers to:
Interest on unpaid benefits
Statutory penalties
Attorneys’ fees
Additional damages
Common “Excuses” Insurers Use to Delay Claims
“The Claim Is Under Investigation”
Investigations must be reasonable and time-limited. Endless investigations are not permitted simply because the insurer wants more time.
“We’re Waiting on Medical Records”
Medical records are often delayed because:
The insurer didn’t request them timely
The insurer requested unnecessary records
Records are unrelated to the cause of death
These delays are often preventable — and challengeable.
“We’re Reviewing the Claim”
Claim reviews do not justify months of delay unless there is a clear, material issue.
“There’s a Beneficiary Issue”
If beneficiaries are known and uncontested, delay may be improper. If there is a dispute, insurers often file an interpleader rather than delay indefinitely.
Group Life Insurance Delays (ERISA Cases)
Delays are especially common in employer-provided group life insurance cases.
Common ERISA delay tactics include:
Shifting responsibility between employer and insurer
Claiming missing enrollment forms
Blaming payroll or HR errors
Prolonged “administrative review”
ERISA cases are deadline-driven. Delay without action can permanently harm your rights.
Real-World Outcomes: Delays Often End With Payment
Extended delays frequently end only after:
Legal demand letters
Formal appeals
Regulatory pressure
Litigation threats
In many cases, insurers pay shortly after being required to justify the delay.
What You Should Do If Your Claim Is Delayed
Step 1: Stop Assuming the Delay Is Normal
Months-long delays deserve scrutiny.
Step 2: Preserve All Communications
Save:
Emails
Letters
Voicemails
Claim status updates
Step 3: Get Legal Review Before Deadlines Pass
Delay often runs out the clock on:
Appeals
Evidence gathering
Legal leverage
Early strategy changes outcomes.
Speak With an Experienced Life Insurance Attorney
If your life insurance claim has been delayed for months, you may have significant legal leverage — but timing matters.
Call 1-888-510-2212 to speak with an experienced life insurance attorney today
Or request a free claim review to understand your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delayed Life Insurance Claims
How long can a life insurance company legally delay payment?
Insurers are allowed reasonable time to investigate, but months-long unexplained delays may violate the law. Once necessary information is available, continued delay can constitute bad faith.
Is delay the same as denial?
No — but delay can be just as damaging. In many cases, insurers delay instead of denying to avoid triggering appeals or legal action.
What is bad faith in a life insurance claim?
Bad faith occurs when an insurer unreasonably delays, denies, or underpays a valid claim. Delay without justification is a common form of bad faith.
Can I sue a life insurance company for delay?
In many cases, yes. Improper delay can expose insurers to penalties, interest, and attorneys’ fees, depending on the policy and governing law.
Does ERISA change delay rules?
Yes. ERISA imposes strict procedures and deadlines. Delays that interfere with appeal rights or administrative review can be legally actionable.
What if the insurer keeps asking for more documents?
Repeated or unnecessary document requests are a common delay tactic. Insurers must show that requests are relevant and reasonable.
Should I keep calling the insurance company?
Frequent calls rarely speed things up and may create recorded statements used against you. Strategic written communication is usually safer.
Can a delayed claim still be paid in full?
Yes. Many delayed claims are ultimately paid once insurers are forced to justify the delay or respond to legal pressure.
Is a free claim review really free?
Yes. A free claim review evaluates:
Whether the delay is improper
What deadlines apply
What leverage exists
The best next step
