Surrender or Convert to paid-up the unwanted endowment policy

With the closure of tax saving windows fast approaching, most people find it almost impossible to decline pouring offers from insurance-cum-investment policies. Many investors find themselves purchasing traditional endowment plans and typically appreciate the irrationality a few years later. This is usually after they weigh the high premium and the promise of low returns. What options exist for an investor in such a situation? In this article, we discuss three possibilities an investor has for their unwanted endowment fund.
 
Surrender Option

By surrendering when the policy is young, you can get back 30% of the paid up premium and if you had paid for a longer period, the refund value can scale up to 75% of the premium paid. Caution must be exercised when seeking a surrender because it means, the policy is effectively terminated. Moreover, if you have made a tax deduction claim under Section 80C and surrendered within three years of purchasing, the deduction will be taxable in the year of surrender.
 
Converting to a Paid-up Plan can be achieved either by approaching the insurer’s office or an agent with such a request. Alternatively, stop paying the premiums and the plan will turn to a paid up plan when premiums are not paid for two successive years.  This is an option available for investors looking to avoid the high cost of policy till maturity. By stopping the premiums, you will continue to benefit from the cover and the policy will translate to obtain a paid-up value on maturity.
 
Finally, if you continue to Maturity of the plan you will receive a return on maturity which will be only about 6.5%.
 
In the frenzy of buying with little information, insurer agents rarely inform policyholders about the products, returns and exit clauses of the policies.  Be sure to interrogate the plan thoroughly before purchasing and in the event that you do, weigh your options carefully on your next course of action.