When a Claim Is Denied for Failure to Cooperate
Policies do require you to cooperate with an investigation. The clause exists so insurers can investigate properly — not so a claim can be defeated by making cooperation impossible.
What cooperation ordinarily means
Providing requested documents, submitting a proof of loss, allowing inspection, and where the policy requires it, sitting for an examination under oath. These are real obligations and ignoring them creates genuine risk.
Where it turns into pressure
Repeated demands for material already supplied, requests of extraordinary breadth, shifting requirements, and examinations that range far beyond the claim are recognized as unreasonable claims handling rather than legitimate investigation.
The examination under oath
This is a formal, recorded proceeding, not a phone call, and answers are given under oath. Where a policy requires one it should generally be attended — but preparing for it, and having representation, is the normal course rather than an escalation.
Respond in writing, always
If a request is unreasonable or already satisfied, say so in writing and explain why, rather than not responding. A documented record of engagement is very different from a record of silence, and silence is what supports this denial.
What you can do about it depends on your state
This describes the denial itself, which works much the same everywhere. Whether you can sue under a statute, what you can recover, and how long you have differ sharply — choose the state where your policy was issued.
Common questions
Do I have to sit for an examination under oath?
If the policy requires one, generally yes — but get advice first. It is a formal proceeding under oath, and preparing for it is normal rather than adversarial.
They keep asking for documents I already sent.
Send them again with a written note recording that it is a repeat request and when the material was first provided. That pattern is itself relevant.
Is this what happened to you?
A free, confidential review can tell you whether the denial holds up — no cost, no obligation.
Other reasons claims get denied
General information, not legal advice. Insurance law differs by state and every policy is different.