Policy and benefit
Establish the insured person, insured event, and benefit due from the policy documents.
Life insurance claim
Berlin and across Germany
Life Insurance Claim Denied in Germany – Lawyer
Death benefits, beneficiaries, and health disclosures
When a German life insurer refuses a death benefit, the family faces a legal dispute at an already difficult time. The insured event, beneficiary designation, and every objection to the policy must be clarified.
A sound assessment of the death-benefit claim focuses on these questions:
- ›Determine the policy, endorsements, and amount of the death benefit
- ›Establish the beneficiary and any later changes or revocations
- ›Place health questions, the insured's knowledge, and medical records on a reliable timeline
- ›Review rescission, avoidance, exclusions, and the insurer's declaration deadlines
- ›Complete the evidence required for payment and pursue the beneficiary's claim
You receive clear guidance on beneficiary status, the validity of the insurer's objections, and the next steps toward payment.
Examine the insurer's declaration: An allegation of incomplete health information is not enough. The actual questions, known facts, fault, causation, and deadlines all matter.
Full service in English language
What a denied life-insurance claim requires
Beneficiary
Assess the designation, later changes, and any competing beneficiary claims.
Health disclosures
Compare the application questions and medical history with the insurer's specific allegation.
Enforce payment
Complete missing evidence and challenge unsupported rescission or avoidance.
Beneficiary status and policy validity are separate issues
A claim may fail because the wrong person asserts it or because the insurer attacks the policy retrospectively. Each issue requires its own facts and evidence.
Document the beneficiary
The original policy, declarations to the insurer, and later changes show who is entitled to payment.
Read each health question literally
The issue is not every diagnosis, but which material facts had to be disclosed within the period actually asked about.
Check the legal consequence
Rescission, termination, policy adjustment, and avoidance have different conditions and effects on the death benefit.
Frequently asked questions: Life insurance claim
Who can claim a German life-insurance benefit?
Generally, the validly designated beneficiary. If no effective beneficiary exists, the claim may form part of the estate.
Can the insurer refuse payment because of a pre-existing condition?
Not merely because the condition existed. What the application actually asked, how it was answered, and which remedy the insurer declared in time are central.
What happens in the event of suicide?
German law and the policy contain special rules. Timing, policy duration, and the circumstances must be considered.
Which documents are needed?
The policy, endorsements, claim form, death certificate, beneficiary records, insurer correspondence, and relevant application and medical documents are usually important.
Mandant
3 months ago
Mr. Lerch provided me with highly professional, calm, and dedicated support throughout my legal proceedings. I particularly appreciated his honest assessment of my case and the clear communication he maintained throughout the entire process. Thanks to his strategy and preparation, we achieved a significantly better outcome than originally anticipated in the penalty order. I felt well-advised and taken seriously at all times. I can therefore wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Lerch and thank him again for his support. B. Paal
Mandant
5 months ago
Complete satisfaction! I needed an expert opinion for the recognition of professional experience towards my studies and received very professional support and advice from Mr. Lerch throughout the entire process. The fact that the application for recognition was accepted was simply the icing on the cake!
Mandant
5 months ago
Thank you so much for your prompt assistance in my rather complex case. I can highly recommend you – reliable, friendly, and straightforward!
How your insurance dispute is handled
Step 1
Send the claim and decision
You describe what happened and provide the policy, terms, and the insurer's decision.
Step 2
Assess cover and evidence
The policy, objections, deadlines, and evidence are assessed together.
Step 3
Receive clear guidance
You receive clear guidance on the claim, the risks, and commercially sensible options.
Step 4
Pursue the claim
We agree on negotiations and, where needed, proceedings before the German courts.
About Dr. Lerch
Dr Philipp Lerch represents beneficiaries and policyholders in denied German life-insurance claims. The work combines policy analysis, medical and chronological evidence, and a clear payment strategy.
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