Debbie Bolton: When rejecting claims is the right thing to do

'A small number of people lie on their insurance applications'

clock • 3 min read

AIG Life's head of underwriting & claims strategy explores honest disclosure, underwriting responsibility and doing the right thing for customers

The life insurance industry knows it is important to share statistics about the number of claims it pays. We do it every year in a bid to reverse negative public perceptions and increase trust. Thankfully, it is not often that we have to turn down claims. The impact when we do can be devastating. There are a small number of claims that we cannot pay though and it is absolutely right that we do not pay them.  The sad fact is a small number of people lie on their insurance applications. Disclosure If I were being really harsh, I would call it fraud though people prefer to see it a...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Underwriting

The case for post-issue sampling

The case for post-issue sampling

“Nothing to fear, everything to gain”

Duncan Mitchell
clock 20 October 2026 • 6 min read
Royal London aiming to reduce GP report delays

Royal London aiming to reduce GP report delays

Partnership with iGPR

Cameron Roberts
clock 05 October 2026 • 1 min read
Zurich personal protection and IP added to UnderwriteMe platform

Zurich personal protection and IP added to UnderwriteMe platform

Eighth insurer to offer ‘Buy Now’ option

Cameron Roberts
clock 28 August 2026 • 1 min read