Prudential will do anything possible to avoid paying on a death benefit claim. On Feb. 26th, I contacted Prudential by phone about a life insurance claim. The representative asked many questions and told me that my money would be deposited in my bank account within 10 - 15 business days. No need to file paperwork or provide a death certificate. (I did questioned that.) Too good to be true! Indeed it was... The following week I received the paperwork, filled out the forms, provided documents, and sent it certified mail. It was received on March 21st. Today, I made call #4 to check on the status of this claim (50 mins 31 secs). The following is a synopsis of all calls and includes excuses/reasons for non payment:
- "We are waiting for the funeral bill/agreement" (I included it with the original paperwork because it was specifically requested. Why do you need this? I paid the funeral expenses.)
- "We are waiting for the funeral bill." (Why? I already told you, I paid it!)
- "We can't do the bank transfer because you have a joint bank account, and you are the sole beneficiary." (Odd. My joint account accepts other checks that are payable only to me. Just deposit it. My bank will accept it.)
- "We have to call the funeral home to verify that they were paid because they sent us a bill." (NO, THEY did not send you a bill. I DID! Your form requested funeral agreements/bills. You must know that it came out of the same "certified mail" envelope.)
- "We are waiting for confirmation that the funeral bill was paid." (I'll wait. Call them now.)
- "We're waiting for documentation that the funeral bill was paid." (What documentation? I provided the documents. Why are you so concerned about the funeral home? You have no obligation to them. Your contract was with the decedent, and I, as beneficiary, should be your first priority.)
Today is the last time I will contact Prudential. I informed the representative that I will be checking my bank records for a deposit in four days, and finding none will contact my attorney to act on my behalf. So glad that I do not have any policies with Prudential.
