Misstatement of Age

Misstatement of age occurs when the age of the insured person is recorded incorrectly on an insurance application or policy. Because age is a key factor in determining eligibility, premiums, and benefit amounts, any error - whether accidental or intentional - can affect the terms of coverage. The misstatement may be discovered during underwriting, at the time of a claim, or during a policy review.

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When a misstatement of age is identified, the insurer does not typically void the policy but instead adjusts the premiums or benefits to reflect the correct age. If the insured was younger than stated, the insurer may refund excess premiums. If the insured was older, the insurer may reduce the death benefit or claim payment to match what the correct premium would have purchased at the true age. This adjustment ensures fairness and maintains the integrity of the policy.

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Example:

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If you applied for life insurance and stated that you were 40 when you were actually 43, the insurer would adjust the benefit or premium once the error is discovered. If you die, your beneficiaries would receive the amount of coverage that the paid premiums would have purchased for a 43-year-old.

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What to Watch For:

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Always double-check your date of birth on the insurance application and policy documents. Even a small error can affect claim amounts. Misstatement of age is usually not treated as fraud unless it was deliberate, but insurers are obligated to correct the policy according to the accurate age.