Life Insurance Policy: 47% people surrendered life insurance policies in five years; Here's the reason

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• Sep 14, 2023 | Dhupali Das

SBI Life's Financial Immunity Report has unveiled a disconcerting trend in India's insurance landscape over the past five years...

Digital Desk: In a startling revelation, SBI Life's Financial Immunity Report has unveiled a disconcerting trend in India's insurance landscape over the past five years. The report highlights that a staggering 47 percent of individuals have either surrendered their life insurance policies or failed to renew them during this period, exposing a significant gap in financial preparedness among the population.

The report further underscores a stark disparity between perceived and actual insurance coverage. Despite 68 percent of respondents believing they have adequate insurance coverage, only a mere 6 percent actually possess sufficient coverage to safeguard their financial interests.

Among the noteworthy findings, it was revealed that 71 percent of the population recognizes the importance of insurance for achieving financial immunity, yet a significant proportion remains hesitant to invest in insurance products. Additionally, 80 percent of respondents emphasize the necessity of insurance for financial security. Despite these recognitions, a staggering 94 percent of individuals either lack insurance entirely or possess inadequate coverage.

One striking revelation from the report is that 37 percent of respondents have opted for alternative income sources instead of investing in insurance. Moreover, 41 percent of those surveyed believe that secondary income streams will further bolster their financial immunity, opting for such options over traditional insurance products.

SBI Life's report also discloses that 87 percent of consumers are contemplating the purchase of life insurance within the next five years. Of this group, 46 percent intend to acquire insurance coverage within the coming year. The report outlines a financial immunity score, with life and health insurance policyholders boasting a higher score of 7.4, while uninsured consumers languish at a lower score of 6.3.

Inflation: The Leading Cause of Surrendering Policies

Rising inflation emerged as the primary driver behind the surge in policy surrenders over the last half-decade. The report notes that mounting inflationary pressures have made daily living more challenging, necessitating additional funds for essential expenses. Simultaneously, increased medical costs, compared to previous years, have also contributed significantly to the abandonment of life insurance policies.

Understanding SBI Life's Financial Immunity Report

SBI Life's Financial Immunity Report serves as a valuable resource for assessing the financial readiness of the Indian population. This is the third edition of the report, offering insights into the financial needs and shortcomings of individuals across the country. The study encompassed a comprehensive sample of 5,000 respondents drawn from 41 cities nationwide.

In light of these revelations, it is evident that there is a pressing need for greater awareness and education on the importance of insurance as a critical component of financial planning. As inflation and economic uncertainties continue to prevail, safeguarding one's financial future through adequate insurance coverage becomes increasingly vital.

This report serves as a wake-up call, urging individuals to reevaluate their insurance needs and seek professional advice to bridge the gap between perceived and actual financial immunity.