What Happens If I Stop Paying My Whole Life Insurance?

If you have a whole life insurance policy, you may be wondering what happens if you stop paying your premiums. Your policy may not automatically lapse, but the consequences of missed payments depend on the type of policy and the terms set forth by the insurer.

What are the Premium Payment Options?

You can pay premiums monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, depending on your agreement with your insurer. Monthly or quarterly payments are easier to budget for, but some companies charge additional fees to process frequent payments. Paying premiums on a semi-annual or annual basis can help you avoid these additional costs, but it means making a large and infrequent lump-sum payment.

What Happens if You Miss a Payment?

If you have a term life insurance policy, expect coverage to lapse if you miss a payment. If you have permanent life insurance, your policy may not automatically lapse, but you have several options. You can cash out the policy, agree to a reduced death benefit that no longer accumulates cash value, or convert to term coverage if you stop paying premiums. You should consult with your insurance provider to explore your options.

How to Stay on Top of Premium Payments

You can enroll in autopay through your insurance provider or use your financial institution’s bill payment service to stay on top of premium payments. If you prefer to make manual payments, schedule your premium payments at the beginning of the month several days before the due date to ensure timely processing. You can also set up an automatic transfer to another savings account to prepare for large annual or semi-annual payments.

What to Do If You’re Behind on Payments

If you’re behind on payments, reach out to your provider and ask about payment options that can help you get back on track. They may offer to modify the due date or break up the past-due premium payments into smaller chunks until you bring the account current without canceling your policy.

What to Do If Your Policy Lapses

If your policy lapses, reach out to the insurance provider promptly and ask what you can do to have it reinstated. Even if you’ve missed several payments, your term or permanent life insurance policy may be eligible for reinstatement. Some insurance providers give you up to five years to get current on your premium payments plus any applicable interest, but a medical examination may be required before your policy can become active again.

Missing a life insurance premium payment is not the end of the world, but it’s important to work with your provider to create a plan to get current. And if your policy lapses, start taking the necessary steps to get your coverage reinstated right away.