How to update a life insurance beneficiary

Beneficiary designations do not update themselves after a divorce, remarriage or new child. Here is when and how to change one.

By the InsuranU team Updated July 20263 min read

Life changes, but your beneficiary designation only changes when U tell your insurer.

When to update it

Most insurers let U update a beneficiary through a simple form, often available online, without touching the rest of your policy.

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A yearly check to keep your policy current.

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Does a will override my beneficiary designation?

No. The beneficiary named on the policy is who gets paid, regardless of what a will says.

Is there a cost to update a beneficiary?

Usually not. It is typically a free administrative change.

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