Life & Health Insurance Exam (National Portion)Policy Provisions, Options, and RidersMedium

A life insurance policy states that the policyowner can reinstate a lapsed policy within a certain period, usually 3 to 5 years, by paying back premiums with interest, proving insurability, and repaying any loans. This is known as the:

  1. AReinstatement Provision
  2. BNonforfeiture Option
  3. CIncontestable Clause
  4. DGrace Period Provision
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Reinstatement Provision

The Reinstatement Provision allows a policyowner to restore a lapsed policy to its original force and effect, typically by paying overdue premiums with interest, proving current insurability, and repaying any outstanding policy loans.

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. Nonforfeiture options (e.g., cash surrender, extended term, reduced paid-up) deal with the value of a policy that has lapsed and is not reinstated.
  • C. The Incontestable Clause prevents the insurer from denying a claim due to misstatements on the application after a certain period, usually two years.
  • D. The Grace Period is a short time after the premium due date during which the policy remains in force without premium payment, preventing lapse.

Reinstatement Provision

A life insurance policy provision that allows the policyowner to restore a lapsed policy to full force and effect by fulfilling specific requirements, typically within a certain timeframe after lapse.

  • Usually a 3-5 year window after lapse.
  • Requires payment of back premiums with interest.
  • Requires proof of insurability (e.g., health statement).
  • Any outstanding policy loans must be repaid or reinstated.

Memory trick: REINSTATE: Re-Enter, Insurability Needed, Time's Expiring.

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