life insurance

Life Insurance Changes: What To Do If You Miss a Premium or Need Policy Adjustments

May 25, 2024

Life insurance offers more than just financial security; it provides peace of mind and support for your loved ones during challenging times. Ensuring you're up-to-date with your policy's terms and conditions can make all the difference. However, life throws a curveball sometimes, and you might miss a premium payment or need to adjust your coverage.

We have prepared this guide to help you handle these changes with confidence and ease. You'll discover how to manage missed payments and make necessary policy adjustments, ensuring your financial security remains unshaken.

Understanding Policy Adjustments

Life changes frequently, and so might your life insurance needs. As you navigate events like marriage, the birth of a child, or purchasing a home, adjusting your policy ensures it matches your current circumstances.

Fortunately, your policy is designed with flexibility in mind. You can increase your coverage, add beneficiaries, or even adjust your premium payments, which are determined based on various factors like your lifestyle. These options ensure your life insurance continues to provide optimal support and security for you and your loved ones, tailored to your current life situation.

Handling Missed Premiums

Missing a premium payment for your life insurance can have serious consequences, including policy lapse and loss of coverage. If you miss a payment, promptly contact your insurance company to discuss your options. Many insurers, like 1891 Financial Life, offer a 30-day grace period to make the payment without penalty, ensuring your coverage remains intact.

If the grace period has passed and your policy lapses, ask about reinstatement options to restore your coverage. Keep in mind, however, that reinstatement sometimes involves a medical exam and requires you pay the premium you missed to bring your policy current.. Act quickly to explore all available options.

Requesting Policy Changes

Requesting changes to your life insurance policy, such as adjusting coverage amounts or updating beneficiaries, is straightforward. Start by contacting your insurance agent or customer service representative. Clearly explain the changes you need, and ask about any required forms or documentation.

Be prepared to provide personal details for verification. Keep records of your requests, and follow up to confirm that the insurer has made the changes. Effective communication and prompt action ensure your policy remains aligned with your current needs.

Exploring Additional Policy Options

Exploring additional features like riders or conversion options can enhance your life insurance coverage. Riders can provide extra benefits, such as accidental death benefits, critical illness, or disability coverage. Conversion options allow you to switch from term to permanent insurance regardless of your current health

At 1891 Financial Life, you must select your riders when purchasing your policy, as we cannot add them later. To make the decision, evaluate your current and future needs, consult your insurance agent, and review your policy details to ensure the best fit for your circumstances.

Planning for Future Adjustments

Regularly reviewing your life insurance policy is crucial to ensure it reflects your changing circumstances. Schedule periodic reviews, and consider adjustments as your life evolves.

Utilize resources like digital organizers, online portals, and customer support to stay organized and informed about updates. Keeping detailed records and setting reminders for review dates can help you stay proactive in managing your coverage.

Monitoring Life Insurance Adjustments

Proactively managing your life insurance allows your coverage to adapt alongside your life's changes, maintaining essential protection for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or need to discuss potential adjustments, don't hesitate to contact your insurance provider. They will help you understand how to effectively navigate these changes for more peace of mind.

At 1891 Financial Life, we are committed to providing you with the guidance and support necessary to manage your life insurance. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you adapt your policy to your evolving needs.

About 1891 Financial Life

Our culture is about looking out — for you, for others, for family, for the community. That is how we go “Beyond Life Insurance.”

At 1891 Financial Life, we don’t just sell policies, we offer possibilities. We pride ourselves on giving back to the communities that we serve by providing quality and comprehensive insurance solutions. We are a not-for-profit life insurance Society, which means the sales from these financial service products help fund member benefits along with social, educational, and volunteer programs designed to respond to community needs. In 2023, 1891 Financial Life was listed by Forbes as one of "The World's Best Life Insurance Companies."

Our portfolio is extensive, ranging from various life insurance policies to our annuities to support your financial needs no matter what stage of life you’re in.