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Wednesday, September 30, 2009

High upfront charge

A consumer asked my views about a product introduced by an insurance company.

He showed me a benefit illustration:
a) A large single premium is paid into the account.
b) The sum insured is about 7 times of the single premium
c) The cash value on the first year is 73% of the single premium. The upfront charge is 27% of the single premium.
d) At the end of 20 years, there is a guaranteed cash value based on the guaranteed crediting rate of 3% and maximum charges) amounting to 79% of the single premium.
e) There are two other illustrations, which are not guaranteed, that shows a cash value that is higher than the single premium invested.

MY ANALYSIS
a) The charges are TOO HIGH. If the single premium is $100,000, a sum of $27,000 is taken away from your investment to allow for commission and profit.
b) It is unlikely, in my view, for the payout to meet the non-guaranteed illustration, as they are based on optimistic assumptions on future earnings
c) The consumer can invest the single premium separately and pay the on a term insurance out of the interest earned.

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