The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated a higher special surrender value (SSV) for traditional endowment policies.
As per the new rule announced in IRDAI’s Master Circular on Life Insurance dated 12th June 2024, policyholders can receive a portion of their premium back even if they surrender their policy after one year.
This change aims to provide customers with increased liquidity and flexibility in case they decide to switch policies.e
According to the circular, the special surrender value of a life insurance policy must be at least equivalent to the present value of the paid-up sum assured, future benefits, and accrued benefits.
This value is calculated using a formula based on the number of premiums paid and the sum assured.
Overall, the introduction of higher surrender values and improved transparency in benefit illustrations represents a positive step towards protecting the interests of policyholders and promoting justice in the insurance sector.