Which of the following is NOT a valid reason for an adjuster to deny a claim?

A conflict of interest is indeed not a valid reason for denying a claim. It refers to a situation where an adjuster's objectivity may be compromised due to personal interests or relationships. The role of an adjuster is to assess claims fairly and impartially based on the merits of the case and the terms of the insurance policy. If an adjuster identifies a conflict of interest, they should typically disclose it and recuse themselves from handling that particular claim.

In contrast, the other options represent legitimate circumstances that can lead to a claim denial. For example, if a loss occurs outside of the policy period, the insurer is not liable for events that happened before or after the coverage was effective. Additionally, if a claimant is unable to provide sufficient evidence to support their claim, it may lead to a denial because the insurance company relies on proof of damages for valid claims. Lastly, a fraudulent claim can be denied outright because it involves deception or falsehood that undermines the integrity of the insurance process. Thus, a conflict of interest does not constitute a reason to deny a claim, but rather highlights the need for ethical handling of claims.