bitflipper
Now the insurance company - USAA - tells me they can't change the name on my homeowner's policy until it renews in March 2017, even after I've taken my wife's name off the deed. Consequently, this and any future claim cannot be settled until next year because they can't make any payouts.
 

 
Do you have one of those "fixing corporate wrongs" segments in a local newscast?  We have local reporters that would pick up a story like this and fight for the little guy (on camera).  A widower whose insurance submission is being refused due to a paperwork oversight like this would be right up their alley, especially when it's obvious that you've been paying for this service that they're now refusing to provide.

I am reluctant to play the victim - at least, not yet - because apparently lt was my duty to change the name on my home's deed when my wife died. Or something.
 
Yeah, I know. Who's thinking about stuff like that after a death in the family? I was more concerned with what I was going to do with my life, how to console my family, how to pay her medical bills, how to keep my sanity and not fall into a spiral of depression. Not "oh, I'd better get down to the courthouse".
 
And when she was diagnosed with cancer, my first thought was not that I need to draw up and notarize a Power of Attorney. It wasn't my second, third or fourth thought, either. If I thought about legal issues at all, it was to assume that I didn't need any special authority to manage her/our affairs.
 
There were no issues with changing names on bank accounts. Only on junk mail and spam lists, which apparently are forever. I can count on them to remind me of my loss every stinkin' day. Heck, I'm still getting solicitations to save the whales addressed to my dad, who died in 2002.
 
On a positive note, I had bacon for breakfast yesterday, cooked for me by my grandson. I haven't had bacon in years.

You're not "playing the victim."  You'd be standing up for your rights - all you're asking for is the service you've been paying for.  It's not like you stopped paying them...
I understand your not wanting to look like a whiner, but this is what they count on.

I wish I could be of help Dave. I do think a good lawyer might be a good move for you if you know of one. 
 
 

I wish I could be of help Dave. I do think a good lawyer might be a good move for you if you know of one. 
 
 

bitflipper
Yeah, I know. Who's thinking about stuff like that after a death in the family? I was more concerned with what I was going to do with my life, how to console my family, how to pay her medical bills, how to keep my sanity and not fall into a spiral of depression. Not "oh, I'd better get down to the courthouse".
 
And when she was diagnosed with cancer, my first thought was not that I need to draw up and notarize a Power of Attorney. It wasn't my second, third or fourth thought, either. If I thought about legal issues at all, it was to assume that I didn't need any special authority to manage her/our affairs.

If ever there was a good advertisement for getting "your affairs in order" prior to a demise, this is as good as any.  Doing that is not any fun - even thinking about it is not any fun.  But trust me, you will sleep better if you take the trouble.  And it turns out that it isn't all that much trouble - especially if you have younger family member(s) competent and trustworthy enough to be named as your executor (not having any kids, this was a challenge for me).
 
One's spouse has to cooperate.  Mine dragged her feet for almost ten years before willing to invest a little effort into getting an estate plan put together.  It took the unexpected death of my younger brother (heart attack at about age 64) to make her wake up to the fact that having a solid estate plan is a good thing.
 
I got a full trust package (I own one property, my home) for under 700 bucks.  If you don't need a trust, then just a will, medical directives and power of attorney designations can be had for considerably less money.  I know it's hella more fun to feed your GAS, but ...

Good point David. I'm working on a "black box" right now. Just like the airlines, mine is bright orange and contains my will, P.O.A., life insurance etc. I've told my family that if I go down, just get the black box and all the important stuff will be there for them.
 
It's tough to face these things but time gives a pass to no one.

Forget the news. Call the insurance regulator/ombudsman... or whatever it's called. Insurance companies are regulated so they don't TOTALLY rip everyone off. This sounds like the type of thing that should be reported.
 
Just a whiff of the watchdogs coming around might change their tune.
 
Your taxes pay for these types of consumer protections.
 
PS: I keep checking this thread for the happy ending. I am disapoint. Shake 'er up bit.

But a news story would definitely be a good shaming for the buggers. Cops sound like they could use a good shaming too.
 
The thieves? Dragged over carpet tacks and dipped in Lemon Pledge.
 
Stealing a man's tools is the lowest of the low.

There is a lot fishy with the insurance company trying to pull that crap.  As someone said, they expect you to pay 9 months for no coverage. I would almost bet when you cancel this policy to get one in your name they will say this was a prior claim and wont pay it. I hope that is not the case. I guess I'm just thinking like a sleazy insurance company...
 
You're in WA state right bit? Have you tried the insurance board? It may not be quick process but something they may want look into.
 
https://www.insurance.wa.gov/complaints-and-fraud/file-a-complaint/