Insurance policy cancellation: How to cancel an insurance policy during free-look period and get a refund (2024)

Synopsis

Once the policyholder is convinced that the policy terms do not match his or her expectations, they should communicate their intention to cancel the policy in writing.

Insurance policy cancellation: How to cancel an insurance policy during free-look period and get a refund (1)Getty Images

The law allows 15 days as free-look period from the date of receipt of the policy document to the policyholder. The policyholder is allowed to cancel the policy during this period and get a refund

Types of policies

Free-look period is available only for life insurance policies. For health insurance policies, the term should be at least three years.

Cancellation request
Once the policy holder is convinced that the policy terms do not match his or her expections, they should communicate their intention to cancel the policy in writing. Some insurance companies prescribe a standard form for cancellation of policy during the free look period. Policy details, date of receipt of policy document, reason for cancellation and agent details must be mentioned in the application.

The process
On receiving the cancellation request, the insurance company will get in touch with the policyholder to know the reasons for cancellation and try to provide solutions. However, if one still wishes to cancel the policy, the insurance company will have to process the request and issue refund.

What is refunded?

Once the refund application process is completed and approved, the refund premium is calculated after deducting the following:

  • Pro-rated risk premium for the period on cover
  • Medical examination expenses incurred by the insurance company
  • Stamp duty charges

ULIPs refunds
In case of refund of a Ulip policy, since the policy is market-linked, the refund premium will be as per the prevailing NAV of the Ulip applicable on the date of policy cancellation (after deducting the above charges).

Point to note

  • It is the responsibility of the policyholder to prove the date of receipt of policy document.
  • In case of online sale of policy, the free-look period of 15 days is extended to 30 days.

(The content on this page is courtesy Centre for Investment Education and Learning (CIEL). Contributions by Girija Gadre, Arti Bhargava and Labdhi Mehta.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)

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Insurance policy cancellation: How to cancel an insurance policy during free-look period and get a refund (2024)

FAQs

Insurance policy cancellation: How to cancel an insurance policy during free-look period and get a refund? ›

Cancel your policy

Can you cancel a policy within the free look period? ›

The free look period is a period of time, typically 10 to 30 days, in which a new life insurance policy owner can terminate the policy and have their premium refunded. Canceling during the free look period will incur no penalties, such as surrender charges.

Can I cancel my insurance policy and get a refund? ›

Generally, insurers will refund you the money for the unused portion of your policy, assuming you paid in advance. However, depending on your state, and when you cancel, your insurer may charge a cancellation fee.

Can I get my money back if I cancel my policy? ›

Cancel your life insurance or funeral policy and you won't get any money back, including the premiums you paid. This is because insurance policies are risk products, not savings and investments products, and don't have a cash value.

Can I cancel my life insurance policy and get my money back? ›

Yes, you can, although the only way to get back all your premium payments is to do so during the initial “free look” period. However, depending on the policy type and circ*mstances, you may receive some money from surrendering a whole life policy that has accumulated sufficient cash value.

How to return policy in free look period? ›

Steps To Cancel Policy During Free Look Period
  1. Step 1: Send the Requisition to Cancel the Policy. If the policyholder feels that it is not a suitable option for them, they must fill out a cancellation request form. ...
  2. Step 2: Response From the Company for Requisition. ...
  3. Step 3: Refund of Premium.

What is the period of free look cancellation letter? ›

Cancellation of policy

I hereby submit that I am the owner of an insurance policy number…………….. I understand that as per the terms and conditions of the policy contract, I can avail freelook cancellation of within 15 days of the receipt of the policy contract.

Can you get back a Cancelled insurance policy? ›

Some insurance companies will allow you to reinstate your policy if it gets canceled, while others will not. If your existing provider will not reinstate your auto policy, you will have to apply for coverage through another insurer or have your current insurer issue a new policy, if possible.

How much money will I get if I surrender my policy? ›

According to the LIC brochure: Guaranteed Surrender Value = 30% X Total premiums paid. The first-year premiums and all the added premiums or premiums for accident benefits or the term rider are excluded from the same.

Can I cancel my insurance policy without penalty? ›

You won't always get a cancellation refund.

If you've paid more toward the policy than is owing for time on risk, you will receive a cancellation refund for the difference. If you've paid less toward the policy than is owing for time on risk, you will owe the insurance company for the difference.

What is free look period? ›

A free look period is a window in which you can cancel your insurance policy without paying for the surrender charges. Moreover, the insurance company refunds your first premium if you return the policy within the period. The free look cancellation period is usually up to 15 days of policy issuance.

How to get insurance money back? ›

A policyholder can cancel the term plan within the free look time without paying any cancellation charges to the insurance company and get the entire money-back for the premium amount paid.

How to terminate an insurance policy? ›

How to cancel
  1. Step 1: Contact your insurer by phone, email, online chat, or by visiting an agent's office.
  2. Step 2: Submit a written notice if your insurance company requires it. ...
  3. Step 3: Follow the specific instructions from your insurance provider.

Can I cancel my insurance policy for free? ›

Just tell your insurance provider that you want to cancel and they'll arrange it for you. You'll probably have to pay a fee, which may be described as an administration, arrangement, processing or cancellation fee by your insurance provider. This fee can vary among providers and depending on when you cancel the policy.

Can you cancel a policy within 14 days? ›

You may want to cancel an insurance policy if you have just bought it and have changed your mind. By law, you have a minimum 14-day cooling-off period during which you can cancel the policy for any reason.

How do I cancel my max life policy on free look period? ›

In case you still wish to cancel your insurance policy within free-look period, you are advised to visit a nearest Max Life Insurance branch and submit your request. Click here and click on the 'Locate a branch office' tab to locate your nearest Max Life Insurance Branch.

What type of policy allows the insurance company to cancel a policy? ›

Cancelable insurance is a type of policy that either the insurance company or the insured party may terminate during the coverage term. Usually, the insured can terminate a cancelable policy at any time, but If the insurer cancels the policy, they must give advanced notice and also refund any prepaid premium.

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