Over 65 years, LIC policies have been one of the most trusted and stable ways to save money in India. But do you know that you can also take out a loan against your LIC policy in case of an emergency?
Instead of taking personal loans with interest rates as high as 18%, LIC loans are a far better option.
In this blog, you will know more about the LIC loans repayments, interest rates and rules.
A LIC policy loan is a secured loan that you can avail against your life insurance policy’s surrender value. It is the total amount saved in the policy.
Your LIC policy will be used as security until you repay the loan.
Some key aspects of the LIC policy loan rules are
The LIC loan interest rates are lower than those on personal loans. This is because they are secured by the policy amount. Interest rates typically range between 8 % to 12%, and these rates are revised periodically by LIC.
Factors affecting the Interest rates in the LIC policy are:
1. Policy Type - Traditional policy plans like Endowment or Money Bank with larger surrender value offer better loan value than the term plans.
2. Loan amount and Tenure - A higher loan amount with a longer tenure can increase risk, which directly affects the interest rates.
3. Surrender Value - The loan amount depends on the surrender value of the policy. That value depends on the premium paid and the policy age.
4. Market Trends - Interest rates in LIC policy are fixed; however, economic changes can influence the rates over time.
The repayment option for the LIC loans is flexible. These are the options you can choose while repaying the LIC loans.
Failure to pay the interest amount on time results in interest being added to the principal amount, or it may be deducted from the policy. To repay the LIC loans, choose any step.
Pay Direct Option
Open the LIC official website and click on the Pay Direct option. Now, click on the Repay loan option and enter your customer login ID and password for LIC loan repayment online.
Pay Through Customer Portal
Another option is Pay Through Customer Portal, and by logging in through OTP, QR scan or customer ID, you can pay the loan easily.
Offline Repayments
Visit the nearest LIC branch and pay via cash, cheque and DD for offline repayments. This is a convenient option for people who do not know how to pay online.
There are some major consequences for ignoring the LIC loan repayments.
The unpaid interest will keep on adding, increasing the overall debt. The interest amount should be paid on time to avoid any extra interest. However, you can pay the principal amount later.
The Unpaid interest amount is added to the principal amount, which will ultimately reduce the maturity of the policy. There will be no death benefits received after the unpaid interest.
If the total loan amount with the interest surpasses the total surrender value in the policy, this will result in policy foreclosure. You will also lose the insurance if the policy is foreclosed.
When repayments are not paid on time, this can affect your credit score. A lower credit score can reduce your chances of getting loans in future.
Taking a loan against LIC can be a smart decision if you keep all the pros and cons in mind.
LIC loans can be a practical solution during financial emergencies, offering relatively lower interest rates and flexible repayment options compared to unsecured loans. However, they are not entirely risk-free. Delayed repayments can increase your overall liability, reduce your policy’s maturity value, or even lead to policy foreclosure.
Before opting for a loan against your LIC policy, it is important to understand how repayment works, evaluate your ability to service the interest, and assess whether it aligns with your financial goals. Used wisely, it can provide short-term liquidity without disrupting long-term financial security.
For investors looking to diversify beyond traditional options, platforms like Grip Invest offer access to curated fixed-return opportunities, helping you balance liquidity needs with steady income potential.
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Author: Grip Invest Editorial Team The Grip Invest Editorial Team is a group of Chartered Accountants, MBA (Finance) graduates, and Qualified Research Analysts dedicated to helping you invest smarter. We dive deep into India's fixed income landscape to deliver content that is accurate, up-to-date, and easy to understand. Whether you're exploring bonds, fixed deposits, or other fixed income opportunities, our guides cut through the noise and give you the clarity to make better financial decisions. |
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