by InsuranceReviews
reviewed:
[wpbread]

What is a Participating Life Insurance Policy vs a Non-Participating Policy? 

What is a Participating Life Insurance Policy vs a Non-Participating Policy 

If you’re in the market for life insurance, you might have come across the terms “participating” and “non-participating” policies. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed explanation of everything there is to know about participating life insurance, which is a type of whole life insurance policy.

Additionally, we’ll provide guidance on how to determine whether a participating policy or non participating policy is the right choice for you based on your individual needs and financial goals.

What is a Participating Life Insurance Policy

A participating life insurance policy is a type of whole life insurance policy that allows policyholders to participate in the profits of the insurance company. Participating life insurance policy is sometimes referred to as a “par policy” or “with-profits policy.”

With a participating life insurance policy, policyholders pay premiums to the insurance company in exchange for coverage for their entire life. As the insurance company earns profits, it may distribute a portion of those profits to policyholders in the form of dividends. These dividends are not guaranteed and can vary based on the financial performance of the insurance company.

In addition to paying out dividends, participating life insurance policies also have a cash value component. This means that as you continue to pay premiums, the policy accumulates cash value over time which you can borrow against or withdraw from in the future.

Dividends in a participating Life Insurance Policy. 

Dividends are a key feature of participating life insurance policies. As mentioned earlier, dividends are not guaranteed but they are typically paid out to policyholders on an annual basis if the insurance company earns a profit. Dividends are considered to be a “return of premium” and are typically not taxed as income.

There are several ways in which policyholders can use dividends. One option is to take the dividends in cash which can provide some extra income. Another option is to use the dividends to purchase additional coverage or to pay premiums on the policy. Policyholders can also choose to reinvest the dividends back into the policy which can increase the cash value and death benefit of the policy over time.

How can my dividends be paid out in a Participating Life Insurance Policy? 

Policyholders of participating life insurance policies have several options for how their dividends can be paid out. Here are five common options:

Cash Payment

Policyholders can choose to receive their dividends in cash which can provide some extra income. If the policyholder’s dividend payout for the year is $1,000, they can choose to receive this amount in cash.

Premium Reduction

Policyholders have the ability to reduce their upcoming premium payments with dividends, so a $1k dividend payout to the policyholder for the year can be utilized by them to decrease their upcoming insurance premium.

Paid-up Additions

Using dividends is an alternative method for policyholders to acquire more coverage by purchasing paid-up additions which means that by using dividends, you can increase your policy’s cash value and death benefit by buying additional coverage.

When receiving a $1k dividend payout on insurance, policyholders can opt to use it to buy paid-up additions that will enhance their plan’s benefits such as increasing their coverage’s death benefit or cash value.

Accumulation 

Policyholders can choose to have their dividends accumulate within the policy. As a result of adding dividends to its cash value over time, the policy may grow exponentially. If the insurance plan policyholder has generated a yearly payment of dividends totaling up to $1,000, it is possible for them to add this sum to their coverage’s cash reserves.

One-time Payment

Policyholders have the option of getting a lump sum payout of their collected dividends at any given moment, so to give an example, should the policy owner accumulate $10k in dividends over some period of time we offer the possibility of receiving a lump sum payment.

What is a Non-Participating Life Insurance Policy?   

Non-participating life insurance is a type of life insurance policy that does not pay out dividends or bonuses to policyholders. These policies have a fixed premium and death benefit which are determined at the time the policy is purchased and do not change over the life of the policy.

Non-participating policies are often more affordable than participating policies but they also offer less flexibility and potential benefits. The policy’s cash value and death benefit are guaranteed but there is no opportunity for the policyholder to earn additional income through dividends.

Non participating life insurance policies are sometimes referred to as “non-par” policies or “without-profit” insurance policies.  Examples of non-participating life insurance policies include term life insurance, universal life insurance, and variable life insurance. 

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time, typically 10, 20, or 30 years, and does not have any cash value. Universal life insurance provides both a death benefit and a savings component but the savings component is not eligible for dividends. Variable life insurance allows policyholders to invest in a selection of funds but the policy does not offer dividends.

What is the difference between a Participating Life Insurance Policy vs a Non-Participating Policy?  

Participating Life Insurance Policy vs a Non-Participating Policy

Understanding the difference between a participating and non-participating policy is crucial when selecting a life insurance plan. The way in which premiums, cash value, dividends, and other factors are managed differs between these two policies as both offer life insurance coverage.

We have created a table to highlight key differences for ease of comparison and contrast of both policy types.  

DifferencesParticipating Life Insurance PolicyNon-Participating Life Insurance Policy
DefinitionA type of whole life insurance policy that pays dividends to policyholders.A type of life insurance policy that does not pay dividends to policyholders.
RisksThere is a risk that dividends may not be paid out if the insurance company performs poorly.The policy’s cash value and death benefit are guaranteed but there is no opportunity for the policyholder to earn additional income through dividends.
DividendsPolicyholders may receive dividends which can be used to purchase additional coverage, reduce premiums, or receive cash payouts.No dividends are paid out.
ExampleA participating whole life insurance policy provides coverage for the policyholder’s entire life and accumulates cash value over time.A term life insurance policy provides coverage for a specific period of time and does not accumulate cash value.
PremiumsPremiums may be higher than non-participating policies due to the potential for dividends.Premiums may be lower than participating policies since there are no dividends.
Cash ValueCash value accumulates over time and can be accessed by policyholders through loans or withdrawals.Cash value is guaranteed and may be lower than participating policies since there are no dividends.
Investment ComponentParticipating policies have an investment component as policyholders have the opportunity to earn additional income through dividends.Non-participating policies do not have an investment component, as there are no dividends paid out.
Policyholder ControlPolicyholders have more control over their policy with participating policies as they can choose how to use their dividends.Policyholders have less control over their policy with non-participating policies as there are no dividends to use.
Tax ImplicationsDividends may be taxable.May have tax advantages.
FlexibilityOffers more flexibility in terms of coverage and paymentMay have more restrictions
The differences between a participating life Insurance policy and a non-participating policy

The table outlines the key differences between participating and non-participating life insurance policies. Participating policies are typically more expensive due to the potential for dividends while non-participating policies have lower premiums but no dividends. 

Participating policies also offer policyholders an investment component and more control over their policy while non-participating policies do not. Additionally, participating policies accumulate a cash value that can be accessed through loans or withdrawals while non-participating policies have a guaranteed cash value but it may be lower than participating policies. 

What should I take: a Participating Life Insurance Policy or a Non-Participating Policy?  

Deciding whether to opt for a participating life insurance policy or a non-participating policy can be a complex decision that depends on several factors. These factors include your financial situation, your investment goals, your risk tolerance, and your personal preferences. 

For instance, if you are looking for a life insurance policy that provides you with an investment component and a chance to earn dividends, then a participating policy might be a better fit for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a policy with lower premiums and more predictability, a non-participating policy may be a better option.

Participating life insurance would also fit someone who has a higher risk tolerance since he is willing to take on more risk in exchange for the potential for higher returns. On the other hand, someone who has a lower risk tolerance may prefer the predictability of a non-participating policy. 

Additionally, your age and financial situation can also play a role in your decision. Younger individuals who have more time to accumulate wealth and who are willing to take on more risk may find that a participating policy suits their needs better. On the other hand, older individuals who are closer to retirement and who want a guaranteed payout may prefer a non-participating policy. 

The decision between these two types of policies will still depend on your unique circumstances and goals so it’s important to consult with a financial advisor or insurance professional before making a final decision.

FAQs

What is whole Life Insurance? 

Whole life insurance is a type of life insurance policy that provides lifelong coverage and includes a savings component known as “cash value.” Premiums for whole life insurance policies are typically higher than for term life insurance policies but the coverage remains in effect as long as the premiums are paid. The cash value of the policy can be used as collateral for loans, withdrawn or surrendered for cash, or used to pay premiums.

What does cash value mean? 

The cash value is the amount of money that your whole life insurance policy accumulates over time. It’s like a savings account within the policy and is invested by the insurance company. Each time you make a premium payment, a portion of it is set aside for the cash value, which grows tax-deferred. This cash value can be used in various ways, such as to pay premiums, withdraw cash, or even take out a loan using the cash value as collateral.

Is dividend a form of cash value? 

Dividends and cash value are two different things in a whole life insurance policy. Dividends are like bonuses given by the insurance company to policyholders who have a participating policy, while cash value is like a savings account that grows over time as a portion of the premium is allocated towards it. Dividends are more like a reflection of the company’s financial performance while cash value is a guaranteed component of your policy.

Can I cash out my dividends? 

Yes, policyholders can choose to cash out their dividends, although it may not be the most financially beneficial option. It’s important to consider the tax implications and the potential impact on the policy’s death benefit before making the decision to cash out dividends. In some cases, reinvesting dividends may be a more advantageous option for the policyholder.

Can I cash out my dividends before I’ve paid off all my premiums? 

Yes, you can cash out your dividends before you’ve paid off all your premiums. However, if you choose to do so, the amount of cash value in your policy will be reduced, which may also reduce the death benefit payable to your beneficiaries. Additionally, if you surrender your policy before it reaches maturity, you may be subject to surrender charges and taxes. 

What happens to my dividends if I don’t pay my premiums? 

If you don’t pay your premiums, your life insurance policy may lapse, which means it will no longer be in force. In this case, you will not receive any future dividends. However, if you have accumulated cash value in your policy, it may be used to pay your premiums or keep the policy in force for a certain period of time.

If the policy lapses and there is still cash value remaining, the insurance company may use it to pay any outstanding premiums or administrative fees. If there is any cash value remaining after those expenses are paid, you may be able to receive a partial surrender of the cash value. 

What is the difference between a participating and non-participating provider?

A participating insurance policy is a type of whole life insurance policy that pays out dividends to policyholders based on the financial performance of the insurance company. On the other hand, a non-participating insurance policy is a type of life insurance policy that does not pay dividends to policyholders. Instead, the premiums paid into the policy are used to provide a death benefit to the policyholder’s beneficiaries upon their passing.

What are the advantages of a non-participating provider?

Non-participating policies provide a guaranteed death benefit, which means that the policyholder’s beneficiaries will receive a set amount of money upon their death, regardless of market fluctuations or changes in the insurance company’s financial performance.

Can I switch from a participating life insurance to a non participating life insurance?

Yes, it is possible to switch from a participating life insurance policy to a non-participating policy.

Can I switch from a non-participating life insurance to a participating life insurance before my premiums are paid off?

Yes, it is possible to switch from non-participating life insurance to a participating life insurance policy before your premiums are paid off. It is important to note that the insurance company may require you to undergo medical underwriting which involves assessing your health and medical history, before approving the switch. 

Can I get dividends with a non-participating life insurance?

No, dividends are not available with a non-participating life insurance policy. Non-participating policies do not have a savings component, so there is no cash value or surplus that can be used to pay dividends to policyholders. 

Summary

The article discusses the differences between participating and non-participating life insurance policies. Participating policies allow policyholders to receive dividends based on the company’s financial performance while non-participating policies have fixed premiums and do not pay dividends. Both types of policies have advantages and disadvantages depending on the individual’s needs and preferences.

The decision to choose a participating or non-participating policy depends on various factors such as risk tolerance, financial goals, and overall insurance needs. Non-participating policies may be a good option for those who prioritize stability and predictability in their insurance coverage while participating policies may be more suitable for those who want the potential for higher returns and are comfortable with taking on some risk.

The choice between a participating or non-participating policy should be based on an individual’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and preferences for stability and predictability in their insurance coverage. We encourage you to speak with a licensed insurance professional and carefully consider your individual needs and priorities before choosing a life insurance policy.

Article Sources

Insurancereviews.org follows stringent sourcing guidelines by utilizing peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and industry associations to ensure the reliability and accuracy of our content. We refrain from using tertiary references and prioritize primary sources. To learn more about our commitment to delivering up-to-date and accurate information, please refer to our editorial policy.

Share this article

Related Content

Was this article helpful?

Protect your future. Request a free insurance quote today and save.

Evidence Checked

This piece of writing has been crafted using scientific evidence and has been composed and verified by our knowledgeable specialists team. Our group of certified nutritionists and dietitians endeavors to maintain impartiality, honesty, and to provide a comprehensive perspective on the issue at hand. Additionally, the article includes scientific citations, indicated by clickable links, which lead to peer-reviewed research papers.

Amber Benka
Amber Benka
Amber first started in insurance five years ago. She has had various roles in my career, ranging from customer service, policy servicing, writing policies, creating endorsements, running the customer worker’s comp billing, and even writing about insurance. In addition to being a full-time agent, she also writes insurance content as a hobby. Amber's license number is 826316. Agent ID: https://apps02.ins.pa.gov/producer/ilist3.asp Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-lynn-benka-abb0a4268/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abenka.valor

Amber first started in insurance five years ago. She has had various roles in my career, ranging from customer service, policy servicing, writing policies, creating endorsements, running the customer worker’s comp billing, and even writing about insurance. In addition to being a full-time agent, she also writes insurance content as a hobby. Amber's license number is 826316. Agent ID: https://apps02.ins.pa.gov/producer/ilist3.asp Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-lynn-benka-abb0a4268/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abenka.valor

Was the article informative and beneficial?

It's like I'm a different person!

Was the article informative and beneficial?

Article gave useful information.

Was the article informative and beneficial?

Seeking insurance information and guidance

What changes should we make?

Article's information is incorrect, unfortunately.

What changes should we make?

Article doesn't answer my question