(a) For a policy of individual life insurance that is surrendered by the policy owner, the insurer shall return to the owner all moneys due in relation to that policy as expeditiously as possible, but in no event more than 45 days from the date the surrender is effective as provided in subdivision (b). However, this section does not supersede the provisions of subdivision (f) of Section 10160 empowering an insurer to defer payment of cash surrender value for up to six months, to the extent that deferral is necessary to assure the solvency of the insurer.
(b) Unless a later date permitted by the policy, but not later than 45 days after the request is received, is requested by the policy owner, a surrender of a life insurance policy is effective on the date the request is received, if the request is made to the insurer or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive these requests on the insurer’s behalf and contains the elements specified by the insurer in the contract. The insurer may require the request be in writing. The insurer may require some or all of the following elements, but shall not require more:
(1) A statement that makes it clear that the policy owner intends to surrender, in whole or in part, the contract in question.
(2) The policy number of the policy to be surrendered.
(3) The name of the insured on the policy to be surrendered.
(4) The signature of the owner of the policy and, if required by the policy or by a legally binding document of which the insurer has actual notice, the signature of a collateral assignee, irrevocable beneficiary, or other person having an interest in the policy through the legally binding document.
(5) Either the policy itself, or, in lieu of the policy, a statement that the policy has been lost or destroyed.
(c) When the policy owner requests of an insurer or servicing agent information about surrendering a policy, the insurer or servicing agent shall provide, as expeditiously as possible, a written notice setting forth either the requirements of this section or the insurer’s requirements, if less.
(d) A policy subject to this section issued on or after January 1, 1997, shall either include language that may be included by endorsement, or be accompanied by a notice setting forth the elements necessary to surrender the policy as required by this section or by the insurer, if less.
(e) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit an existing statutory right to return a policy for surrender, nor shall it limit a contractual provision that provides a greater right or option to the policy owner.
(f) For a written request, for purposes of this section, “received” means the first day that the written notice is delivered to the address of the insurer or servicing agent authorized by the insurer in writing to receive these requests on the insurer’s behalf. An insurer or servicing agent shall maintain a procedure for ensuring that requests for surrender are logged or stamped on the date received, and not on a later date due to the insurer’s or servicing agent’s internal routing or delivery procedures. If this procedure is not maintained, it shall be conclusively presumed that a request was received on the delivery date shown on an express, certified, or registered mail receipt form of the United States Postal Service or by a commercial carrier, if delivered by commercial carrier, or the earlier of (1) two business days after the request was postmarked by the United States Postal Service or (2) one business day before the date stamped received by the insurer or servicing agent. For purposes of this subdivision, “business day” has the meaning set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 1215. Postmarks generated by postage meters not located at an office of the United States Postal Service are to be disregarded.
(g) This section does not alter a contractual provision governing calculation of cash or surrender or other values. The effective date established by subdivision (b) is intended to establish a date certain on which a policyholder may rely in determining when the 45-day period specified in subdivision (a) begins to run. Subdivision (b) is not intended to advance a date otherwise provided by contract that is triggered by a request to surrender. An insurer may request information in addition to that listed in subdivision (b). However, an insurer’s request for additional information does not delay an effective date established by a policyholder’s compliance with subdivision (b).
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 417, Sec. 27. (AB 1696) Effective January 1, 2018.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018