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Credit Protection in Term Insurance

TeamAckoNov 7, 2023

Term insurance provides a cost-effective way to obtain credit protection, as it offers coverage for a specific period of time and is often less expensive than other types of life insurance. It can also be customised to meet your specific credit protection needs, such as coverage amount and the length of the policy. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of Credit Protection in Term Insurance and how it can help secure your financial future.

Credit Protection in Term Insurance

Contents

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What is Credit Protection In Term Insurance?

Credit protection is an important aspect of Term Insurance. Essentially, it is feature designed to pay out a loan balance or make debt payments on behalf of the customer in certain circumstances. These circumstances include death, disability, job loss, or critical illness. If you want to ensure that your debts are taken care of in case of unforeseen circumstances, Credit Protection in Term Insurance is definitely something to consider. Credit protection acts as a safety net by mitigating potential losses, and alleviating financial burdens

What are the types of Credit Protection in Term Insurance?

When it comes to Credit Protection in Term Insurance, there are different types of coverage available.

Disability insurance

It pays out benefits if you can't work due to an illness or injury.

Job loss insurance

It basically covers expenses if you lose your job. These types of insurance are usually sold separately from term life policies. Policyholders should understand their coverage needs and make informed decisions based on their financial situation.

What are the benefits of Credit Protection?

Here are the advantages of Credit Protection in Term Insurance.

  1. Pays outstanding debts such as mortgages, car loans, or personal loans, in the event of the borrower's death.

  2. Safeguards against potential difficulties arising from unemployment or disability.

  3. Reduces stress surrounding risk factors.

  4. Premium payment terms are designed with flexibility in mind so that individuals can continue making premium payments even when faced with critical illnesses or accidental deaths.

  5. This comprehensive coverage ultimately contributes towards improving one's quality of life and securing futures for both themselves and their loved ones.

  6. Ensures your credit score remains intact even if you are unable to repay your debts due to unfortunate events like terminal illness or critical illnesses.

Real-life example of Credit Protection in Term Insurance

Meet Raj, a 35-year old software engineer who has a wife and two children. He understands the importance of securing his family’s financial future and availed of a Term Insurance Policy with Credit Protection. One day, Raj met with a serious accident and injured his right arm. He was unable to continue working.

This made it challenging for him to pay off his outstanding loans. However, thanks to the Credit Protection feature in his Term Insurance Policy, his outstanding loan amount was paid off by the insurance company, providing his family with financial security during a difficult time. 

How much coverage would someone need for Credit Protection?

The amount of coverage needed for this varies depending on the individual’s financial obligations and the number of dependents. It is essential to consider all outstanding loans, mortgages, credit card debt, and other financial liabilities when determining how much coverage is required.

The higher the coverage amount, the better protected your loved ones will be if an unfortunate event occurs.

Points to consider when choosing this feature

While having higher coverage may offer additional peace of mind for you and your family, it can also result in increased premiums or charges that could impact your finances over time. Therefore, it's important to assess different plans' terms and conditions before deciding on a specific policy. The chosen policy must meet both affordability and adequate coverage requirements.

Eligibility requirements

To apply for Credit Protection in Term Insurance, you must meet certain eligibility requirements set by the insurance company.  The criteria usually include the following.

  • Age limits

  • Minimum and maximum coverage amounts

  • Loan or card tenure

  • Waiting periods

You must confirm the eligibility with the insurer before applying to avoid any complications at a later stage. In addition to basic eligibility criteria, some insurers may require the following.

It is important to provide complete information when applying for life insurance, to ensure that claims for accidental death or terminal illness benefits can be processed smoothly.

Premiums and charges when choosing Credit Protection

When choosing Credit Protection in Term Insurance, it's important to understand the premiums and charges. Here are some things to consider while choosing this feature.

  • The premium amount is the price you pay for the policy.

  • Charges may include administrative or processing fees. These costs can vary depending on your age, health status, and the coverage amount. It's crucial to evaluate your financial situation carefully before selecting a policy that fits within your budget.

  • Note that credit scores can impact the cost of premiums for term insurance policies.

  • Maintaining a good credit score can potentially lower your premiums.

Terms and conditions of the policy

This section outlines the specific provisions that apply to your coverage. Terms and Conditions can be different for different insurers.

  • It includes details on risk factors, exclusions, premiums, claim process for life insurance, and other important information.

  • Make sure you understand all these policies before signing up for any credit protection plan.

  • You must ensure to get a copy of the policy documents.

  • You must take professional guidance from your tax consultant or financial advisor if necessary.

The importance of Credit Protection in Term Insurance

With term insurance, you can choose the amount of coverage that's right for your family's needs. This way, you can ensure that your dependents and beneficiaries will have the financial support they need to cover expenses like mortgage payments, education costs, and other bills.

Protection for dependents and beneficiaries

When you purchase term insurance, you're not just protecting yourself, you're also protecting your dependents and beneficiaries. Here are some more benefits of Credit Protection In Term Insurance.

  • With credit protection added on top, the policy provides financial security to loved ones in case of the policyholder’s death.

  • This policy ensures outstanding loan amounts are paid off by the insurer.

  • This helps prevent the sale of assets.

  • Planning ahead can bring comfort in the knowledge that your loved ones will not suffer hardships after your passing.

Reduction of financial obligations

By having this policy included in your term insurance, your beneficiaries will receive a lump sum payout that can be used to repay any outstanding debts such as mortgages or car loans. 

Assurance of peace of mind

  • It ensures that their outstanding debts and liabilities are taken care of.

  • It offers a sense of security to both the policyholder as well as their dependents.

  • Offer terminal illness benefits.

Claim process for Credit Protection Life Insurance Policy

Claiming this life insurance policy is a crucial step in ensuring financial security when the unexpected happens. In this section we highlight the claim process, tips for filling a claim and what happens after the submission. The process involves the following steps.

  1. Notifying the insurance company

  2. Providing documents to support the claim

  3. Waiting for the insurer's decision.

It's important to understand that if any information provided is found to be inaccurate, it can lead to the rejection of your claim.

After submission 

  • The insurer will review all supporting claim documents, including proof of identity and evidence of owed money.

  • This review also considers the borrower's savings/deposits and adjusted loan repayment schedule, based on payments made or missed 30 days before the incident

  • According to IRDAI, the claim is settled between 30-45 days.

Tips for filing a claim 

  • Inform your insurer as soon as possible. 

  • Fill out a claims form with details like policy number, date, and cause of death or illness, along with other personal information.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions about Credit Protection in Term Insurance

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How does Credit Protection Life Insurance differ from regular life insurance?

It offers financial protection to the family in case of death or terminal illness while addressing outstanding debts like loans or credit card dues, whereas regular life insurance only provides risk coverage.

What are the eligibility criteria for Credit Protection Life Insurance?

Generally, you need to have an active loan or credit facility with a bank or financial institution and be between the ages of 18-65, but it's best to consult with a tax consultant or insurance agent to assess risk factors and determine suitable coverage amounts and premiums.

Is it possible to cancel credit protection? 

Yes, it is possible to cancel credit protection. The process for cancelling credit protection may vary depending on the provider, but typically you can cancel by contacting the company directly or through your online account. Some providers may require you to submit a written request to cancel. It is important to review the terms and conditions of your credit protection plan to understand any fees or penalties associated with cancelling.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes. 

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