Has your life situation changed since you originally purchased your life insurance policy? It’s common for policyholders to find that they no longer need or want their life insurance as their life circumstances evolve — and that’s perfectly normal. Perhaps the reasons for acquiring the policy are no longer relevant. Maybe your children are now financially independent, or the spouse who relied on your income has passed away. Or perhaps you’re facing financial challenges that make premium payments difficult. Regardless of the reasons, there are options available to discontinue your policy while still benefiting from the investment you’ve made over the years. Often, this involves surrendering the policy.

Surrendering a life insurance policy means terminating it in exchange for a cash payout. When you surrender your policy to the insurer, you receive the cash surrender value. This amount is what has accumulated in the policy, minus any fees, outstanding loans, or interest due.

Let’s discover why people choose to surrender their policies, what the surrender process entails, and potential alternatives that could be more financially advantageous.

Common Reasons for Policy Surrender

Life’s unpredictability often leads people to reevaluate their permanent life insurance plans, such as whole or universal life policies. While the initial intent might be to maintain the policy until death so beneficiaries can collect a death benefit, various situations may necessitate a change in plans. Common reasons include:

1. Financial Independence of Children: Initially, policies may be purchased to support young children financially after the policyholder’s death. Decades later, these children might no longer need such support.
2. Death of a Spouse: Often, a policy is bought to secure the financial future of a spouse. If the spouse dies first, the policyholder might find the policy unnecessary.
3. Financial Hardship: Economic difficulties might compel a policyholder to surrender their policy to relieve the burden of premium payments and access accumulated funds.
4. Better Investment Opportunities: Some may find that the returns on the cash value of their policy are less attractive compared to other investments.
5. Immediate Cash Needs: Unexpected expenses such as medical bills or long-term care costs might prompt a policyholder to access funds through policy surrender instead of waiting for the death benefit.

Process of Surrendering a Life Insurance Policy

Surrendering your policy involves a few straightforward steps:

1. Contact Your Insurer: Initiate the process via phone; an agent will guide you through necessary steps and documentation.
2. Submit Documentation: Typically, this includes a surrender request form.
3. Receive Funds: After processing, the insurer will issue the cash surrender value via check or electronic transfer.
4. Confirm Policy Termination: You should receive a confirmation from your insurer. If not, request it.

Understanding Cash Surrender Value

The cash surrender value is the amount available to you when you surrender a life insurance policy. It is calculated as the built-up cash value minus any applicable fees, loans, or unpaid premiums.

Consequences of Surrendering a Policy

Surrendering your life insurance ends your coverage and may result in financial loss if the surrender value is less than the total premiums paid. Additionally, surrender fees and potential tax implications on any gains over your tax basis could affect your finances. It’s wise to consult a financial advisor before making such decisions.

Alternatives to Surrender: Life Settlements

If you’re looking for a more lucrative option, consider a life settlement, which can offer significantly more than the cash surrender value. In a life settlement, you sell your policy to a third party, who then assumes the premium payments and eventually collects the death benefit. This option is particularly valuable for those with policies worth $100,000 or more, and it allows for flexibility, such as retaining some coverage without future premium obligations.

To explore these options, contact Canadian life settlements to assess your policy’s value and discuss potential opportunities.

Are you considering a life settlement for your life insurance policy? Wondering if you’re eligible to sell your life insurance policy? Learn more about selling your policy and find out if you qualify for a life settlement by contacting the experts at Canadian Life Settlements today.