What happens to your life insurance if you stop paying premiums?

Answered by 2 licensed agents

In general if you stop paying on a term policy, the insurance benefit goes away and the policy is cancelled. There is no refund and no death benefit. With a permanent policy it will depend on your specific policy. If you have accumulated some cash value in the policy you may receive an automatic policy loan to make the premium payment for you. Some policies will provide for an amount of reduced, paid up insurance based on the premiums you have paid. Some policies may provide an extended term policy while the cash value is used to pay the premium. Understanding how your policy will work is important since all policies are not exactly the same.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on May 6, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX, IA, IN & 6 other states

Answered by Mark Bilgere Life Insurance Agent
Your policy will likely lapse.

With Term life insurance, If the grace period expires without payment, the policy terminates.

With Permanent/whold Life insurance, If you have accumulated cash value, you may be able to use it to pay premiums.

Answered by Norma Reynoso on May 11, 2026

Broker Licensed in CA & TX

Answered by Norma Reynoso Life Insurance Agent

Tags: How Life Insurance Works Rates and Costs

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