Whether or not an insurer is entitled to rescind coverage and deny benefits if you have made a material misrepresentation on your original insurance application is a matter of state law.

Generally, whether a misrepresentation is “material” depends on the total circumstances surrounding such misrepresentation. If the misrepresentation would have reasonably caused the insurer to alter or refuse coverage, then it will likely be considered “material.”

For example, mistaken administrative information (i.e., use of an older address, or incorrect spellings of names or conditions) are unlikely to be considered material, while the failure to disclose serious medical history concerns is likely to be considered material.