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Life Insurance Policy Review

Life Insurance Policy Review

How to Prepare for a Policy Review

Our Fitting Strategy for Life Brochure PDF has everything you need to get started:

  • Policy review details
  • Policy Review Preparation Form
  • Request for Illustration Form
    (Use to obtain your policy information from an issuing company other than The Hartford.)

Change is part of life. With each change, your financial needs may evolve–in ways you might not anticipate.

Your life insurance needs are as dynamic as your life. That's why it's important to meet with your financial professional periodically to ensure your coverage still fits your circumstances and objectives.

What's covered in a policy review?

A proper policy review involves more than an analysis of your death benefit. Your financial professional can consider your coverage holistically–in light of changes in your life, current economic conditions, and recent trends in the insurance industry–and should review six key factors:

1. Protection Is your death benefit still sufficient?
2. Annual premiums Can your coverage needs be met more economically?
3. Ownership structure Is your policy ownership the most tax-efficient for your goals?
4. Beneficiary designations Are your beneficiary designations up to date?
5. Supplementary benefits Are there new benefit options better suited to your current circumstances and objectives?
6. Cash value & performance Is your policy's performance meeting your current expectations?

Is a policy review a sales call?

A policy review is a complimentary, no-obligation service offered by your financial professional, even if your policy wasn't issued by The Hartford. It can help you rest assured that your current coverage suits your current needs and gives you the chance to adjust your policy to better suit your needs, whether that means an increase or a decrease in coverage. The results will depend on your unique circumstances.

How will I know if it's time for a review?

We recommend routine reviews every year or two. Certain life events may also signal the need for a review, such as:

  • Change in job status
  • Marriage, divorce or death of a spouse
  • Birth or adoption of a child
  • A new "empty nest"
  • Increase/decrease of debt

Make it a habit

Life insurance is often accompanied with a "set it and forget it" frame of mind. However, it's important to routinely check your existing coverage to ensure it still fits your needs. Consistently setting aside time for a policy review may save you and your beneficiaries time and frustration, and potentially money.

A policy review is not always a precursor to a change in coverage.

For more information, or to schedule a policy review, contact your financial professional.


This information is written in connection with the promotion or marketing of the matters addressed in this material. The information cannot be used or relied upon for the purpose of avoiding IRS penalties. These materials are not intended to provide tax, accounting or legal advice. As with all matters of a tax or legal nature, you should consult your own tax or legal counsel for advice.

"The Hartford" is The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the issuing companies of Hartford Life Insurance Company (HLI) (New York) and Hartford Life and Annuity Insurance Company (HLA) (Outside New York), Simsbury, CT. The mailing address for both issuers is PO Box 2999, Hartford, CT 06104-2999.

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Updated 08/27/2010