Insuring for life's risks is important. That's why we buy insurance for health, homes, cars, and other things. Insurance policies are a type of contract. In exchange for a premium the insurance company promises to pay for losses or other events covered by the policy.

When you have a claim, don't automatically accept yes for an answer.

Sometimes insurance companies take a narrow view and think a claim isn't covered. Sometimes they won't pay a claim because they know it will be expensive to fight them. Many insurance companies have been punished in court for refusing in bad faith, to pay valid claims. If you think you have a valid claim under your insurance policy and the insurance company refuses to pay, discuss the claim with your lawyer.

Your lawyer may be able to show your insurer why your claim really is covered and can pursue further steps if the insurance company stubbornly says NO to a claim you believe is covered.