Surrendering a life insurance policy with the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India involves a structured process where the policyholder needs to submit specific documents to the insurance company. These documents are essential to verify the policyholder’s identity, ensure the validity of the surrender request, and facilitate the transfer of the surrender value. Additionally, using the LIC Surrender Value Calculator can help policyholders estimate the surrender value of their policy before proceeding with the surrender. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the documents required and how to use the LIC Surrender Value Calculator.
The Surrender Discharge Form
The primary document needed for surrendering a life insurance policy is the Surrender Discharge Form, also known as Form 5074. This official document is provided by the insurance company and must be filled out and signed by the policyholder. The form indicates the policyholder’s intent to surrender the policy and initiates the surrender process.
NEFT Mandate Form
To ensure the seamless transfer of the surrender value directly to the policyholder’s bank account, an NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) Mandate Form is required. This form authorizes the insurance company to deposit the surrender value into the policyholder’s designated bank account. It is crucial to fill out this form accurately to prevent any issues during the funds transfer.
Identification Documents
Identification documents are necessary for verifying the policyholder’s identity. Typically, a copy of the policyholder’s PAN Card and Aadhaar Card (or other officially recognized identification documents) must be submitted. These documents help confirm that the person requesting the surrender is indeed the policyholder.
Original Policy Document
The original life insurance policy document is a critical requirement for surrendering the policy. This document serves as proof of the insurance contract that is being surrendered. The policyholder must ensure that they submit the original document to avoid any delays in processing the surrender request.
Cancelled Cheque
A cancelled cheque from the policyholder’s bank account is required to provide the insurance company with accurate bank account details. This helps ensure that the surrender value is credited to the correct account. The cheque should be from the same account mentioned in the NEFT Mandate Form.
Postal Stamp of ₹1
A nominal postal stamp of ₹1 is required as part of the documentation process. This small formality ensures that all necessary legal requirements are fulfilled.
Reasons for Surrendering the Policy
While not always mandatory, some insurance companies may request a written statement explaining the reason for surrendering the policy. This information can help the insurance company understand the policyholder’s motivation and is useful for their records. It may also aid in addressing any concerns the policyholder might have had about their policy.
Submission to the Relevant Branch
To streamline the surrender process, it is important to submit all the required documents to the branch where the policy was originally issued. This ensures that the surrender request is handled by the correct office and processed efficiently. The original LIC policy document will typically indicate the relevant branch for submission.
Using the LIC Surrender Value Calculator
Before surrendering a life insurance policy, it is beneficial to use the LIC Surrender Value Calculator to estimate the surrender value of the policy. This tool helps policyholders understand the financial implications of surrendering their policy. Here’s how to use the LIC Surrender Value Calculator:
Visit the LIC Website: Go to the official LIC website and navigate to the Surrender Value Calculator section.
Enter Policy Details: Input the necessary details, such as the policy number, sum assured, policy term, and the number of premiums paid.
Calculate Surrender Value: The calculator will process the entered information and provide an estimated surrender value based on the policy’s terms and conditions.
Conclusion
Surrendering a life insurance policy with LIC requires a detailed and systematic process. The required documents collectively enable the insurance company to process the surrender request while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and safeguarding against fraudulent activities. Additionally, using the LIC Surrender Value Calculator can help policyholders make an informed decision by providing an estimate of the surrender value. By following these guidelines and submitting the necessary documents, policyholders can facilitate a smooth and efficient surrender of their life insurance policy