Mutual Fund Application Forms Download Any Applications
Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds Invest Online
Infrastructure Bond Application Forms Download Applications

Monday, 23 April 2012

Online term Insurance plans appear too good to be true

Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

Current open Infra Bond Application form

 

Despite scepticism on their financial prudence, they are not a threat to costumers

IRDA is fastidious about companies adhering to the mandated liquidity and solvency ratios. So, new businesses can't be garnered indiscriminately

The slew of online term insurance plans launched by various industry players is certainly evoking awareness among prospects and interest among the financial planning community.

While term plans were already touted as the best solution for ones insurance requirements, online term plans are that much more preferable, considering the (nearly unbelievably) low premium they charge. However, for every five enthusiasts, there is one Doubting Thomas who believes that if something looks too good to be true, it probably isn't.

According to them, the main reasons for such scepticism are: In their quest for market share, companies are sacrificing financial prudence. This race to the bottom may help them increase the number of customers but the nominees of these customers will encounter problems while making a claim, as companies will pull every trick out of the book to deny claims.

The problem will be compounded by the fact that no agent will be present to guide the nominees. Hence, they will have to run from pillar to post to get a hearing.

Companies will be diluting underwriting requirements to gain customers. This would backfire at a later stage, as evidenced by an outsized increase in the Adverse Claim Experience. This may even jeopardise the financial solvency of these companies.

While I will not profess to know all the answers, here is my view: Companies are not indulging in any hara-kiri by launching such policies, as none of them is charging a premium below the mortality charges incurred. Also, these charges themselves are trending downward (as the new mortality tables depict).

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority is fastidious about companies adhering to the mandated liquidity and solvency ratios. Hence, new businesses cannot be garnered indiscriminately by throwing caution to the winds. This mode of distribution is extremely cost-efficient for companies and they are merely passing on the savings to the customer. Another article on this subject deals with this aspect.

While a customer satisfaction survey is possible in a term insurance policy, (owing to the customer not being there to answer it), only a foolhardy company would sacrifice goodwill by denying genuine claims. Also, if there is suspicion of fraud, the claim would be withheld anyway until the investigation is complete. In such a case, no agent can hasten the process.

I have opted for online term insurance policies from two different companies and I must say the medical underwriting standards are not lax by any yardstick. Also, the onus is on us to be as truthful as possible in the application form. If we are not, the threat of discovery at a later stage will always hang over our head like the Sword of Damocles. In such instances, it is we and not the insurance company who is doing our nominees the greatest disservice.

Finally, if it is of any comfort, the Life Insurance Corporation of India is set to launch its own online term policy. That, I guess, should set all doubts to rest

---------------------------------------------

Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds ( ELSS Mutual Funds ) to upto Rs 1 lakh and Save tax under Section 80C.

Invest Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

Tax Saving Mutual Funds Online

These links can be used to Purchase Mutual Funds Online that are regular also (Investment, non-tax saving)

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Application Forms from all AMCs

Download Tax Saving Mutual Fund Applications

These Application Forms can be used for buying regular mutual funds also

Some of the best Tax Saving Mutual Funds available ( ELSS Mutual Funds )

  1. HDFC TaxSaver
  2. ICICI Prudential Tax Plan
  3. DSP BlackRock Tax Saver Fund
  4. Birla Sun Life Tax Relief '96
  5. Reliance Tax Saver (ELSS) Fund
  6. IDFC Tax Advantage (ELSS) Fund
  7. SBI Magnum Tax Gain Scheme 1993
  8. Sundaram Tax Saver

---------------------------------------------

Application form for Tax Saving Infrastructure Bond and more information

Current open Infra Bond Application form

Submit filled up application Collection canter near you

No comments:

Post a Comment

Mutual Fund Application Forms Download Any Applications
Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds Invest Online
Infrastructure Bond Application Forms Download Applications

Popular Posts

Mutual Fund Application Forms Download Any Applications
Invest in Tax Saving Mutual Funds Invest Online
Infrastructure Bond Application Forms Download Applications