From the Examiner's Desk

Every claim tells a story. Not all of them are simple. We've spoken to dozens of claims examiners, each dealing with more complex claims than most of us can imagine. This forum is a place to discuss the real-world complexity claims professionals navigate every day and crazy things only claims examiners encounter every day.

What Counts as an Accident?

A policyholder is stung by a bee, goes into anaphylactic shock, and passes away. The beneficiary files an accidental death claims, but the death certificate lists "natural causes."

When Compassion Meets Due Diligence

In the aftermath of 9/1, a husband reports his wife died during a job interview at the World Trade Center. He can't provide the company name, position, or time. Something feels off.

It Was An Accident... Until It Wasn't

A married couple who were long-time gun club embers had a dangerous habit: discharging firerms in each other's direction during arguments, intentionally missing. Until one day, they didn't.

When Trust Is Betrayed

A small life carrier investigating irregularities tied to a funeral home partner uncovered deeply disturbing criminal activity: families who believed they received their loved ones' ashes had not.

When Wishes Aren't Shared

An insured named a cryogenic preservation company as the beneficiary of his life insurance policy. His family was unaware. Upon his death, the surprise devastated them.

Beneficiary Designations

A man passed away, leaving his life insurance benefits to "his wife." The claims examiner noticed something unusual: the beneficiary's name didn't align with public marriage records.

The Slayer's Rule

A grandson killed his gradparents, who had life insurance policies. The question: can someone inherit from the person they killed?

When Fraud Hides in Plain Sight

An agricultural business insured several "key employees" under key person life policies. Multiple insured indvidiuals assed away and claims were paid, until divorce proceedings exposed systemic fraud.

When Proof Isn't Proof

A life insurance claim is filed for a death overseas. The documentation appears complete: an official death certificate, funeral photos, even video footage Until you look closer...

From the Examiner's Desk

Have a Crazy Claim Story to Share?

From the Front Lines of Claims