What is Nomination in Term Insurance?
Nomination in term insurance refers to the process of selecting one or more individuals (called nominees) who will receive the insurance payout if the policyholder passes away during the policy term. These nominees can be family members, friends, or anyone else the policyholder chooses. The purpose of nominating someone is to ensure that the life insurance benefit goes directly to the person or people you want to support financially.
For example, if you nominate your spouse as your nominee, the insurance company will pay the sum assured to your spouse if you pass away during the policy term.
Why is Nomination Important in Term Insurance?
Nomination is an important aspect of life insurance because it ensures that the payout reaches the right person without unnecessary legal complications. Here’s why it matters:
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Ensures Financial Security for Loved Ones: By nominating someone, you can rest assured that the money will go to the person you intend to protect financially.
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Avoids Legal Hassles: Without a nomination, your family may have to go through legal procedures to avail term insurance claim, which can cause delays and stress.
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Control Over the Distribution: You can nominate more than one person and even specify the share of the sum assured each nominee should receive.
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Peace of Mind: It provides peace of mind knowing that the sum assured will go directly to your nominees and help them in their time of need.
Who Can You Nominate in Term Insurance?
You can nominate any person to receive the death benefit under your term insurance policy. Typically, here is who you should nominate in term insurance plans:
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Spouse
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Children
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Parents
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Siblings
While most people nominate family members, it’s not mandatory. You can choose any person you trust, even if they’re not a relative. However, it is wise to nominate someone who would genuinely need financial support in case of your death.
How to Nominate Someone in Term Insurance?
Nomination is a simple process and can usually be done when purchasing the term insurance policy. Here’s how you can choose to nominate someone in term insurance:
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At the time of Policy Purchase: When filling out the application form, you’ll be asked to provide the nominee’s details, including their name, relationship to you, age, and sometimes contact information.
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Updating or Changing Nomination: If your circumstances change (e.g., after marriage or having children), you can update your nominee later. Most life insurance companies allow you to change the nominee by submitting a written request or updating it through their online portal.
Nomination vs. Beneficiary: What’s the Difference?
Let us take a look at the nomination vs beneficiary difference:
Nomination:
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Person appointed to receive the payout on behalf of legal heirs.
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May not have legal rights to the money unless also a legal heir.
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Acts as a trustee for the sum assured.
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Can be changed at any time by the policyholder.
Beneficiary:
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Legally entitled to receive the death benefit directly.
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Has a legal claim to the insurance payout.
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Can be multiple beneficiaries with specified shares.
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Typically named in legal documents like a will.
What Happens if There’s No Nomination?
If you do not nominate anyone in your term insurance policy and you pass away, the payout will not automatically go to your family. Instead, they will need to follow a legal process to claim the money. This could involve obtaining a legal heir certificate or going through probate, which can delay access to the funds. In worst cases, it could even lead to disputes among family members.
Wrapping it Up!
Nomination is a crucial aspect of term insurance that ensures the benefits of your policy reach the right people without any complications. By nominating one or more individuals, you provide financial security to those you care about most. Whether you choose to nominate your spouse, children, parents, or anyone else, make sure to update your nomination if your circumstances change. Always inform your insurance company in writing if you want to modify your nominee. With proper nomination, you can ensure that your loved ones are taken care of, and the policy serves its true purpose of providing financial protection when it's needed most.