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

Asked by: Armand Jacobs  |  Last update: July 15, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (31 votes)

Yes, you can, although the only way to get a full refund is to do so during the initial “free look” period. After the free look period, if canceling a permanent life insurance policy during the first 10 years or so of owning it, you may be charged a surrender fee plus any unpaid loan balance and interest accumulation.

Can I get my money back if I cancel my life insurance?

If you cancel or outlive your term life insurance policy, you don't get money back. However, if you have a "return of premium" rider and you outlive the policy, premiums will be refunded. If you have a convertible term life policy, you can sell it instead of canceling it.

Do you get refunded after canceling an insurance policy?

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 online?

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.

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

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Is there a penalty for canceling life insurance?

Yes, you can, although the only way to get a full refund is to do so during the initial “free look” period. After the free look period, if canceling a permanent life insurance policy during the first 10 years or so of owning it, you may be charged a surrender fee plus any unpaid loan balance and interest accumulation.

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

If surrendered in the second year, 30% of the total premiums paid will be returned. If surrendered in the third year, 35% of the total premiums paid will be given. If surrendered anytime from the fourth to the seventh year, 50% of the total premiums paid will be returned.

What is the money you get if you cancel a life insurance policy called?

The cash surrender value is the amount of money that a life insurance company pays out to a policyholder if they decide to cancel the plan.

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.

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

If you cancel your funeral policy after the 30-day cooling-off period, you will not get anything back as funeral insurance policies do not acquire any surrender or paid-up value.

Can I cancel my policy and get a refund?

You can cancel a health insurance policy by informing your insurer. However, the percentage of refund you will receive will depend on which time in the policy cycle you initiated the cancellation. Also, a refund is usually applicable only if you have not raised any claims during the policy term.

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.

When should I cancel my life insurance?

At What Age Is Life Insurance No Longer Needed? Life insurance is no longer needed for many people once they reach their 60s or 70s. At this point they have retired, their kids have grown up, and they've paid off their mortgage and other debts.

How do I get money out of my life insurance policy?

First, you can take out a loan against your policy (repaying it is optional). Loans are generally provided at lower interest rates than a bank loan, do not require credit checks, and do not affect your credit rating. Second, you can withdraw some of the funds from your cash value, either in a lump sum or in payments.

Do you get any money back from life insurance?

So, if you're thinking about cancelling your life insurance, keep reading to make an informed decision. In short: You'll receive a refund provided you cancel within the 30-day cooling-off period. You won't receive a refund if you cancel after the 30-day cooling-off period.

What is the cancellation period for life insurance?

2The insured will be allowed a period of at least 15 days (30 days in case of electronic policies and policies sourced through distance mode) from the date of receipt of the policy to review the terms and conditions of the policy and to return the same if not acceptable.

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 is the maximum cash back withdrawal?

In a cash-back transaction, consumers are usually limited to a maximum withdrawal amount ranging from $5 to $50, though some merchants may allow higher amounts.

Which funeral cover gives cash back?

When you take out AVBOB Cashback Funeral Cover, you get rewarded in CASH for every five, consecutive, claim-free years. That means you get the peace of mind of trusted funeral cover PLUS cash in your pocket every five years, which you can spend on anything you want.

How do I cancel my life insurance and get money back?

By law, if you cancel a term life insurance policy within 30 days of purchasing it, the company must refund any money you paid. In addition, if you pay some of your premiums ahead of schedule and then cancel your policy, the company should return those early pre-payments.

What is the cash value of a $10,000 whole life insurance policy?

Most whole life insurance policies mature at 121 years, although some mature at 100 years. Say, for example, that you purchase an insurance policy with a face value of $10,000. Once the policy matures, the cash value of the policy should equal $10,000.

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 you lose money when you surrender a life insurance policy?

The insurance company will pay you the cash surrender value, if there is any available. Generally, this is the cash value of the policy to date, less any loans, loan interest, premiums outstanding, or surrender fees. Your life insurance coverage ends, and some or all the money you receive may be subject to tax.

How much will I get if I cash in my life insurance policy?

Fortunately, it's easy to calculate your cash surrender value. First, add up the total payments you've made toward your life insurance policy. Then, subtract the surrender fees your insurance company will charge. You'll be left with the actual payout you may receive if you terminate or surrender your life insurance.

How long does it take to get money from a surrendered life insurance policy?

If you surrender your life insurance policy, you will receive the cash surrender value, which is the cash value minus any surrender fees. You won't receive the death benefit. Payment typically takes 14 to 60 days after the request is processed.