How to Get a Loan Against Life Insurance Policy

What is a Loan Against Life Insurance Policy? 

A Loan Against Life Insurance Policy is a financial option where policyholders can borrow funds from their life insurance plans, primarily whole life or endowment policies, by using the policy’s accumulated cash value as collateral. Simply put, these are the financial securities you can utilise as collateral to opt for a loan. 

Are All Life Insurance Policies eligible for availing loans? 

No, term insurance plans are not eligible for opting loans, as per IRDAI. However, you can avail of a policy loan against life insurance policy, such as endowment policies, whole life insurance plans and money-back policies. 

How much amount of loan can I avail of my life insurance plan? 

Instead of the policy’s total sum assured, the surrender amount is considered for availing such loans. The surrender amount is acquired only in case of paying a premium for plans for at least 3 years. Most banks provide 80% to 90% of the surrender value as an insurer’s loan. 

What are the benefits of a loan against life insurance policy?

Loan against insurance offers the following benefits:-

• Banks do not check CIBIL scores when sanctioning loans against insurance. Therefore, this option is very useful for people with low CIBIL scores as you can get a loan without hassles.

• Loan against insurance is one of the best alternatives to personal loans. On average, interest rates on a personal loan vary between 12% and 24%, whereas the interest rate on a loan against insurance is between 10.50% and 12.50%.

• The documentation is minimal, and there are fewer chances of rejection. As a result, the loan gets sanctioned rather quickly.

What is the loan amount and interest rate?

The maximum loan amount depends on the type of life insurance policy and its surrender amount. The loan amount is generally a percentage of the policy’s surrender value. The loan amount can go as far as 80 -90% of the surrender value in the case of endowment or money-back plans. Various insurers consider around 50% of the total premium paid to compute the maximum loan amount. 

What is the interest rate for a loan against ife insurance policy?

The interest rate for a loan against insurance depends on the amount and installments of premiums paid. The higher the premium amount and instalments, the lesser will be the interest rate. Usually, banks link the interest rate with their base rate. Life Insurance Corporation of India charges 9%, to be paid half-yearly, whereas Bank of India charges 13.15%.

What are the eligibility criteria for buying life insurance plans? 

The main eligibility criteria are to ensure that the type of life insurance plan you buy should be approved by your chosen lender for a loan. This facility loan is available to companies, partnerships, sole proprietorships and Hindu Undivided Families (HUF). 

How is your loan eligibility decided?

In the case of ULIPs, a loan against the insurance plan is usually offered up to 70%–75% of the paid-up value. In traditional policies, it can go up to 85%–90%.

What tax benefits are available if the loan amount is used to buy or construct a house?

Interest on a loan against insurance is allowed as a deduction from income chargeable under the head ‘income from house property’. However, the insurer should use the loan amount to re-construct, repair or renew the property.

What happens if you fail to repay?

The insurer will give you a repayment schedule, though you can pre-pay or foreclose the loan without any charges. Repayment clauses vary from one insurer to another. If the insured fails to repay the loan, the policy will lapse. 

Any default in loan repayment can have a huge impact on the policy benefits. If the insured dies without repaying the loan, the insurer will provide death benefits to the beneficiaries after deducting the due amount and interest rate. If you fail to repay, the loan amount will increase due to the compounding effect, and the unpaid amount will be added to the outstanding principal amount. The policy is terminated when the outstanding premium and interest amount equals the surrender value. In this case, the policyholder will lose the insurance coverage.

*All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI approved insurance plan. Standard T&C Apply

What is the drawback of mortgaging the insurance policy?

The biggest drawback in mortgaging your insurance policy is that if the policyholder dies during the term of the policy, the nominee will not get the full policy benefits. The lender will deduct the outstanding loan and interest before paying to beneficiaries.

How do you apply for a loan against life insurance policy?

The first step is to ask the insurance company or the bank about the eligible loan amount. The next is applying for the loan and assigning the policy to the insurance company/bank. It means all rights on the policy will be transferred to the lender. Then, mention the policy details and the loan amount in the lender's format. Banks charge processing fees and other charges in addition to the interest rate. The loan may be sanctioned in 2–3 days; however, it may vary from one company to another. Once the loan is sanctioned, all rights on the policy are automatically transferred to the lender after the loan disbursement. Upon loan repayment, the lender will reassign the policy to an insurer by an endorsement.

What documents are required while availing loan against life insurance policy?

You need to submit the following documents to avail of a loan against insurance:-

• Original Insurance Policy

• Deed of Assignment

• Cancelled Cheque

Wrapping It Up! 

While the protection cover provided by a life insurance policy is its important benefit, the facility of loan is valuable additional benefit. Always go through the terms and conditions of the bank before applying for a loan against life insurance policy to avoid discrepencies in long time.

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