How do I keep my life insurance policy in force long-term?

Keeping your policy in force requires consistent premium payments and periodic policy reviews. For term policies, this is straightforward: pay your premiums on time and you maintain coverage for the full term. Set up automatic bank drafts to avoid accidental lapses.

Permanent policies require more attention. Universal life policies can lapse if cash value is depleted—often due to rising cost-of-insurance charges in later years combined with underfunding. Review your policy's in-force illustration every two to three years with an agent to confirm the projected cash value is sufficient to sustain coverage to your intended age.

Keep your carrier informed of address changes and confirm your beneficiary designations are current. If you experience a financial hardship, contact your agent before missing a payment. Permanent policies may have options such as reduced paid-up insurance or an extended term option that preserve some benefit without ongoing premiums.

For questions about your existing policy's health, agents in our network can perform a no-obligation policy review.