An in-force policy in life insurance means your policy is active and valid. It is a term used to show that your life insurance plan is currently providing coverage as intended. Your premiums are being paid on time, the coverage is in effect, and the insurer is obligated to pay the benefits if a claim arises. In contrast, if a policy lapses, gets cancelled, or has not yet begun, it is not considered 'in-force'. Understanding whether your policy is in-force is important. It helps you make informed decisions about premium payments, renewals, and the overall protection your policy offers.
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A life insurance policy becomes in-force after the insurer accepts your application and you pay the first premium. From that point, the insurer assumes the risk and guarantees to pay the sum assured if a claim arises, as long as the policy conditions are met.
To keep the policy in-force, you must:
If you miss a premium, a grace period of 15 to 30 days (depending on your payment frequency and policy terms) is typically offered. Once the grace period expires without payment, coverage stops unless reinstated under revival rules.
Rahul bought a term life insurance policy with a sum assured of ₹50 lakhs. He pays his premiums annually. As long as Rahul continues to pay these premiums without delay, his policy remains in-force. If he passes away during this period, his family will receive the full death benefit.
Neeta purchased a traditional endowment plan and has been paying premiums for 10 years. Her policy is in-force and has also accumulated some cash value. She misses a premium but pays it within the grace period. Her policy remains in-force, and her savings and life cover are not affected.
It’s important to understand the difference between an in-force policy and one that has lapsed. Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | In-force Policy | Lapsed Policy |
| Status | Active and valid | Inactive due to non-payment of premiums |
| Coverage | Life cover is available | No life cover until reinstated |
| Premiums | Paid regularly or within the grace period | Missed beyond the grace period |
| Claim Eligibility | Claims can be made and settled | Claims may be rejected unless the policy is revived |
| Reinstatement Required | No | Yes, via the policy revival process |
Whether you have term insurance or a savings-based life plan, your policy must be in-force to serve its purpose. Here’s why:
Your family receives the promised sum assured in case of death.
For endowment or ULIP plans, remaining in-force ensures savings grow and maturity payouts are available.
Add-ons like critical illness or waiver of premium remain valid only if the base policy is in-force.
Policies with cash value (like whole life or endowment) can offer loans only if they are in-force.
You can check the status of your life insurance policy through:
If your policy is not in-force, you may be able to revive it by paying overdue premiums along with late fees, subject to underwriting and time limits set by the insurer.
Keeping your life insurance policy in-force is essential to ensure your family gets the benefits you’ve planned for. Here are some simple steps you can take to avoid unintentional lapses:
Set reminders or enable auto-debit to ensure timely payments.
Use your insurer’s customer portal or mobile app to keep track of upcoming premium deadlines.
Make sure your insurer has your latest mobile number and email so you can receive renewal reminders and alerts.
If you miss a premium, use the grace period, typically 15 to 30 days, to pay it without penalty.
If your policy lapses, you may still be able to revive it within a specified period, usually with some conditions.
These small steps can go a long way in keeping your policy active and protecting your long-term financial goals.
An in-force policy in life insurance is the foundation of your financial protection. It means your plan is active, your premiums are being paid, and your insurer is ready to fulfil the policy benefits. Whether your goal is to protect your family, save for the future, or build long-term wealth, your policy must remain in-force to achieve it.
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Reviewed by Vaibhav Kumar Kaushik 
Acko Technology & Services Private Limited
#36/5, Hustlehub One East, Somasandrapalya, 27th Main Rd, Sector 2, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102
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