Do you get money back when you cancel a whole life insurance policy?

Asked by: Oceane Satterfield  |  Last update: July 31, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (44 votes)

If you decide to cancel whole life insurance or another permanent life product, you could receive a payout based on the cash surrender value.

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

Unless you cancel your life insurance policy during a free-look period, you won't be able to get all your money back. However, you can cash out on a permanent life insurance policy, receiving your cash value minus any surrender fees.

Can you pull money out of a whole life insurance policy?

Cashing out a whole or universal life insurance policy reduces the death benefit payable to your beneficiaries. If it's a withdrawal, the full amount is subtracted from the death benefit. If it's a loan, any amount you don't pay back is subtracted from the death benefit.

Do I get anything back if I cancel my life insurance?

It's usually possible to cancel a life insurance policy, 30 days from taking out cover, and to receive a refund for any premiums you have paid so far. This is called the 'cooling off period' Outside of this window, you are still able to cancel the policy, but you will not receive a refund for your payments so far.

Do you get your money back after cancelling a life insurance policy?

Do you get your money back if you cancel your life insurance? The answer to this is usually no. Protection insurance is a simple product that protects you financially against death and illness while you pay premiums. If you don't pay your insurance premiums, you aren't protected.

Do I get money back if I cancel my term life insurance?

21 related questions found

Do you lose money if you cancel life insurance policy?

In most cases, canceling a life insurance policy won't cost any money. If anything, by spending less on premiums you will be gaining money—money you can use for any number of other things.

How do I cancel my life insurance and get a refund?

The insured has to contact the life insurance provider and convey their wish to cancel the policy. No refunds will be made if the policy is cancelled outside of the cooling off period.

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

Receiving an insurance refund will largely depend on why you're canceling the policy and how much of the premium you paid in advance. If you pay your full premium upfront, then you'll typically get a refund when you cancel your policy.

How do I cancel my clientele policy and get money back?

You have a 31-day cooling off period to cancel the policy. This means, from the time we send your policy documents, as long as there has been no claim or you have not received any benefit under the policy, if the policy is cancelled within these 31 days, we will refund the premiums you have paid.

How much does it cost to cancel life insurance?

Life insurance policies typically have surrender charges for the first 10 to 15 years of the policy. They usually start at 100% in the first year, then decline. It can take 10 to 20 years before the cash value equals the sum of premiums paid.

How long does it take for whole life insurance to build cash value?

A whole life insurance policy will begin building cash value as soon as you pay your first premium, and it will continue building throughout the life of the policy as long as there are funds in the account.

Does cashing out a whole life policy count as income?

Any amount you receive over the policy's basis, or the amount you paid in premiums, can be taxed as income.

When should you surrender a whole life policy?

For example, you should only consider cashing out, i.e. surrendering, a whole life insurance policy after you have held it long enough to minimize the surrender fees. In the first few years of holding a whole life policy, you may not be able to cash it out at all.

Can I cash out my whole life insurance policy?

There is no penalty for cashing out whole life insurance because these policies are designed to offer the opportunity to build wealth. However, surrendering the policy may result in surrender charges if done before a specified date.

What life insurance gives you money back?

An insurance policy generally isn't something you can return for your money back. But there's one exception: return-of-premium life insurance. Also known as ROP life insurance, this type of coverage reimburses you for the money you paid in premiums if you don't die during the term.

What happens if I stop paying my whole life insurance premium?

If you stop making premium payments you can receive the cash value or use that cash value to provide a paid up insurance benefit. The company must provide either extended term insurance coverage or reduced paid paid-up coverage.

Can I get money if I cancel my life insurance?

No cash value: Term life insurance does not accumulate any cash value over time. Canceling your policy means you won't receive a payout. Partial refund: However, if you cancel in the middle of your payment cycle, you might get a small refund for any unused portion of your premium.

How much cash back can you get from clientele?

For every 60 premiums paid, you will receive the equivalent of the first 6 months' premiums back – in cash, to use as you wish.

Do you get your money back after Cancelling insurance?

If you want to cancel your policy after the cooling-off period you should check your insurance policy. Most insurers will give you a refund if you have not made any claims during the policy year but you will usually have to pay administration fees.

How do I get my money back from clientele?

Clientèle has made it simple for you to claim by giving you the option to choose the method you are most comfortable with:
  1. Contact our Call Centre on 011 320 3000;
  2. E-mail claims@clientele.co.za;
  3. SMS the policy number to 43973 (Standard rates apply);

What happens if you outlive your whole life insurance policy?

Most whole life policies endow at age 100. When a policyholder outlives the policy, the insurance company may pay the full cash value to the policyholder (which in this case equals the coverage amount) and close the policy. Others grant an extension to the policyholder who continues paying premiums until they pass.

Can you get a refund for unused insurance?

You have 21 days from when your policy begins or is renewed to change your mind. If you cancel within this period and haven't made a claim, you can get a full refund.

How much do you get back if you cancel whole life insurance?

Surrender the policy

If you do this, your life insurance coverage will end. You'll generally receive most or all of the cash value that has accumulated in your life insurance policy, but it may be subject to surrender fees and federal income taxes. Any unpaid premiums will also be collected.

Can I cancel my insurance 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.

Is it a good idea to cancel life insurance?

You shouldn't hesitate to cancel a life insurance policy — or allow it to expire — if you've determined that you no longer need it. Could my family lose the house or car? Do I have any present or future financial obligations? Will my family be able to keep up with daily expenses without me?