Once the decision is made, signing the policy itself is a simple, well-established process. This article shows step by step what happens – and what to look out for at the end, when the policy document arrives.
- The process starts with filling in the offer and the declarations – I handle the paperwork, you decide and sign.
- Commencement of cover is typically tied to the arrival of the first premium – the exact rule varies by product.
- It pays to check the policy document: details, sum insured, beneficiary, premium – five minutes that are well worth it.
From offer to contract
For the chosen product, we fill in the offer: personal details, sum insured, the method and frequency of premium payment, the beneficiary designation. If the product involves a health declaration, the insured person fills it in – calmly, going through it question by question, because filling it in accurately is what gives peace of mind at claim time. If the policyholder and the insured are not the same person, the insured's consent is also signed. I handle the paperwork with the insurer, and I keep you updated on progress.
From when does the cover apply?
The insurer assesses the offer (for funeral expense products this is typically quick), and commencement of cover is typically tied to the arrival of the first premium and a date set out in the terms – for some products it starts on the first day of the following month. The waiting period is also counted from that date. We clarify the exact rule on the day of signing – this is covered in detail in the when does cover apply article.
Checking the policy – the five minutes that are well worth it
When the policy document arrives, it is worth reviewing five things: the accuracy of names and details; the sum insured; the beneficiary designation (named correctly, in full); the premium and its frequency; and the commencement of cover. Typos are rare – but if there is one, an email sorts it out now, while later it could turn into a misunderstanding. Within 30 days of receiving notice that the life insurance contract has come into effect, the policyholder may terminate it in writing, without giving a reason (under Section 122 of the Insurance Act); the starting point of this deadline – receipt of the notice that the contract has come into effect – and the way to terminate are also set out in the insurer's disclosure and the terms; for contracts with a term of more than six months, this right belongs to policyholders who are private individuals, and it cannot be waived.
After signing: putting the order in place
The policy is now live – and the order is built around it: the policy document goes into the family folder, the beneficiary is told about their role, and premium payment (direct debit, bank transfer) is set up. And if you'd like, I can note the anniversary on my side too: at that first review, on request, we will already be looking at a system that works. That is the whole journey – from offer to peace of mind.
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