Effect of suicide on life insurance
I recently got a life insurance policy, and it mentions something about it being void if I die by my own act or face capital punishment within a specific period. However, the policy remains valid after the said period even if such events occur. What does this mean? Could you help clarify this?
PS, Dodoma
The said clause is a reflection of section 111 of the Insurance Act, 2009 (as amended), which essentially addresses the validity of a life insurance policy in cases where the insured dies by their own act (such as suicide) or suffers capital punishment. In summary, the section provides that if the policy states that it will be void if the insured dies by their own act or is executed within a stipulated period, the policy cannot be void for any period exceeding 2 years from the policy’s issue date, regardless of what the policy conditions say. If the insured dies by their own act or is executed after the stipulated period or after 2 years from the policy’s issue date (whichever is sooner), the policy will not be void. Further, if the policy does not contain such a provision, it remains valid regardless of when the insured dies by their own act or suffers capital punishment. In simple terms, after two years from the issue date of the policy, the insurance company cannot avoid the policy based on the insured’s suicide or capital punishment. We hope this has clarified your query. Should you have more questions, your lawyer can guide you further.