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What is a Waiver of Premium for Payer Benefit? Definition, How It Works, and Examples

Last updated 03/14/2024 by

Abi Bus

Edited by

Fact checked by

Summary:
The Waiver of Premium for Payer Benefit is a valuable insurance rider that relieves the payor from premium payments under specific circumstances. This article explores the mechanics, eligibility criteria, and considerations related to this rider.

Understanding the waiver of premium for payer benefit

In the realm of insurance policies, a “waiver of premium for payer benefit” is a crucial rider that offers financial security under certain circumstances. This rider essentially stipulates that the insurance company will not require the payor (the individual responsible for premium payments) to pay premiums to maintain the policy if certain conditions are met.

Key parties in an insurance policy

It’s essential to distinguish the various parties associated with an insurance policy:
  • Applicant: The person who applies for the insurance policy.
  • Insured: The individual whose life is insured under the policy.
  • Owner: The person who owns the insurance policy and has the authority to make decisions regarding it.
  • Payor: The party designated by the policy owner to make premium payments on the insurance policy. A crucial point to note is that the insured is not always the payor. In many cases, the payor is someone other than the insured, as the policy owner designates them to handle premium payments.

When does the waiver of premium apply?

The waiver of premium for payer benefit typically comes into play when certain events occur. The most common triggering event for this rider is a disability affecting the payor. It’s important to clarify that this waiver is not activated by the death of the payor. Here’s how it works:

Disability of the payor

If the payor becomes disabled, as defined in the policy, the insurance company will activate the waiver of premium. This means the payor is relieved of the obligation to make premium payments while the disability persists.

Designated co-payor

In some cases, there may be a designated co-payor. If the original payor becomes disabled, the co-payor can continue to make the premium payments.

Owner as payor

If the policy owner is not the payor and the designated payor becomes disabled, the policy owner can either designate a new payor or choose to make the premium payments themselves.
It’s important to note that the insurance company may charge a slightly higher premium for policies that include the waiver of premium for payer benefit. This increase in cost compensates for the additional risks associated with providing this rider.
Weigh the risks and benefits
Here is a list of the benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Pros
  • Financial security: The rider provides financial security to policyholders by ensuring that premiums are paid even if the payor becomes disabled.
  • Flexibility: The option to designate a new payor or pay premiums as the policy owner offers flexibility in managing the policy.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing that disability won’t lead to policy lapses can provide peace of mind to policyholders and their families.
Cons
  • Additional cost: Including the waiver of premium rider typically comes with a slightly higher premium.
  • Underwriting criteria: Some companies may have specific requirements for policyholders to qualify for this rider, such as age and health criteria.
  • Exclusions: Not all disabilities may qualify for the waiver, depending on the policy’s terms and conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What is the waiver of premium for payer benefit?

The Waiver of Premium for Payer Benefit is a rider in an insurance policy that relieves the payor from making premium payments if they become disabled. It ensures that the policy remains in force during the payor’s disability.

Can the policy owner become the payor under this rider?

Yes, if the policy owner is not the payor and the designated payor becomes disabled, the policy owner has the option to take over premium payments or designate a new payor.

Are there specific criteria for qualifying for this rider?

Qualification criteria can vary between insurance companies. Some may require policyholders to meet specific age and health requirements to be eligible for the Waiver of Premium for Payer Benefit.

Key takeaways

  • The Waiver of Premium for Payer Benefit relieves the payor from premium payments in the event of disability.
  • Policyholders can designate a new payor or make premium payments themselves if the payor becomes disabled.
  • This rider provides financial security and peace of mind but may come with a slightly higher premium.
  • Qualification criteria, such as age and health, may apply to access this rider.

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