Virginia Law

A. No individual life insurance policy shall be delivered or issued for delivery in this Commonwealth unless it contains in substance all of the requirements prescribed in §§ 38.2-3301 through 38.2-3315 of this article.

B. As used in this article, "individual life insurance" means any life insurance other than group life insurance, industrial life insurance, annuities, credit life insurance, and pure endowments, with or without return of premiums or of premiums and interest. However, for the purposes of § 38.2-3308, "policy" includes annuity contracts that provide for policy loans and certificates issued by a fraternal benefit society.

C. The requirements of §§ 38.2-3300 through 38.2-3315 shall not apply to policies of reinsurance or to policies issued or granted in exchange for lapsed or surrendered policies.

Code 1950, §§ 38-371, 38-373; 1952, c. 317, §§ 38.1-390, 38.1-405; 1977, c. 174; 1986, c. 562.

No individual life insurance policy shall be delivered or issued for delivery in this Commonwealth unless it has printed on it a notice stating in substance that if, during a ten-day period from the date the policy is delivered to the policyowner, the policy is surrendered to the insurer or its agent with a written request for cancellation, the policy shall be void from the beginning and the insurer shall refund any premium paid for the policy. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an insurer from extending the right to examine period to more than ten days if the period is specified in the policy.

1977, c. 174, § 38.1-390.1; 1986, c. 562.

A. For purposes of determining the commencement of the period during which the owner of an individual life insurance policy may exercise any statutory right to examine, surrender, or return the policy for cancellation, the date of delivery of the policy shall be:

1. The date of the signed receipt of delivery if the life insurance policy is (i) delivered by United States mail or other postal delivery system, or (ii) physically delivered to the owner by a representative of the insurer; or

2. The date of electronic transmission of the policy, provided the electronic transmission has been effected in accordance with this title and any other state or federal laws governing the electronic transmission of documents and information. The insurer shall retain evidence of electronic transmittal for the entire period of the life insurance policy.

B. If an insurer does not deliver a policy by the means set forth in subsection A, the burden of proof shall be on the insurer to establish that the policy was delivered, in the event of a dispute with the owner of the policy.

C. Notwithstanding subsections A and B, a policy shall be deemed to have been received by the owner of the policy as of the date of its issuance if six months have passed since its issuance and the owner of the policy has paid the premiums pursuant to the contract for those six months.

2009, c. 299.

Each individual life insurance policy shall have a provision that all premiums after the first premium shall be payable in advance.

Code 1950, § 38-371(1); 1950, p. 179; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-391; 1986, c. 562.

A. Each individual life insurance policy shall contain a provision that the insured is entitled to a grace period of not less than thirty-one days within which the payment of any premium after the first premium may be made, subject at the insurer's option to an interest charge that is not to exceed six percent per year for the number of days of grace elapsing before the payment of the premium.

B. The provision shall also state that during the grace period the policy shall continue in full force, but if a claim arises under the policy during the grace period before the overdue premium or any overdue premium installment is paid, the amount of any earned overdue premium or installment through the policy month of death with interest may be deducted from any amount payable under the policy in settlement. The grace period shall start on the premium payment due date.

Code 1950, § 38-371(2); 1950, p. 179; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-392; 1986, c. 562.

A. Each individual life insurance policy shall contain a provision that the policy, or the policy and the application for the policy if a copy of the application is endorsed upon or attached to the policy when issued or delivered, shall constitute the entire contract between the parties.

B. The provision shall also state that:

1. All statements made by the insured shall, in the absence of fraud, be deemed representations and not warranties; and

2. No statement shall be used in defense of a claim under the policy unless it is contained in a written application that is endorsed upon or attached to the policy when issued or delivered.

C. As used in this section, "policy" shall include any riders, endorsements or amendments.

Code 1950, § 38-371(3); 1950, p. 179; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-393; 1986, c. 562; 1990, c. 223.

A. Each individual life insurance policy shall contain a provision that the policy shall be incontestable after it has been in force during the lifetime of the insured for two years from its date of issue except for nonpayment of premiums.

B. Provisions relating to benefits in event of disability, and provisions granting additional insurance specifically against death by accident or accidental means, may be excepted in the incontestability provision.

Code 1950, § 38-371(3); 1950, p. 179; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-394; 1986, c. 562.

Each individual life insurance policy shall contain a provision that if, at any time before final settlement under the policy, the age of the insured, or the age of any other person if considered in determining the premium, is found to have been misstated, the amount payable under the policy shall equal the amount that the premium would have purchased at the insured's or other person's correct age at the time the policy was issued.

Code 1950, § 38-371(4); 1950, p. 179; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-395; 1986, c. 562.

A. Each participating individual life insurance policy shall contain a provision that the policy shall participate in the surplus of the insurer. Any policy containing a provision for participation at the end of the first policy year, and annually thereafter, may also provide that each dividend shall be paid subject to the payment of the premiums for the next ensuing year. The policyowner under any annual dividend policy shall have the right each year to have the dividend arising from the participation paid in cash. If the policy provides other dividend options, it shall also state which of the options shall be effective if the insured does not elect any option on or before the expiration of the grace period allowed for the payment of the premium.

B. This section shall not apply to any form of paid-up insurance, temporary insurance, or pure endowment insurance, issued or granted in exchange for lapsed or surrendered policies.

Code 1950, § 38-371 (5); 1950, p. 180; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-396; 1986, c. 562.

A. Each individual life insurance policy shall contain a provision that after the policy has been in force three policy years the insurer shall at any time, while the policy is in force other than as extended term insurance, advance, on proper assignment or pledge of the policy and on the sole security of the policy, a sum equal to or, at the option of the policyowner, less than the amount required by § 38.2-3218, under the conditions specified by that section.

B. Each individual life insurance policy issued after July 1, 1975, and prior to July 1, 1981, shall contain only one of the following policy loan interest rate provisions:

1. A provision that a policy loan shall bear interest at a specified rate not exceeding eight percent per year; or

2. A provision that all loans under the policy, including outstanding loans, shall bear interest at a variable rate not exceeding eight percent per year, specified from time to time by the insurer. The effective date of any increase in the variable rate shall be not less than one year after the effective date of the establishment of the previous rate. If the interest rate is increased, the amount of the increase shall not exceed one percent per year. The variable rate may be decreased without restriction as to amount or frequency. With respect to policies providing for a variable rate, the insurer shall give notice of:

a. The variable rate currently effective when a loan is made and when notification of interest due is furnished;

b. Any increase in the variable rate at least thirty days before the effective date for any loans outstanding forty days before that date; and

c. The increase at the time a loan is made for any loans made during the forty days before the effective date of the increase. The notice shall be given as directed by the policyowner and any assignee as shown on the records of the insurer at its home office.

C. 1. Each individual life insurance policy issued after July 1, 1981, shall contain a policy loan interest rate provision permitting either:

a. A maximum fixed interest rate of not more than eight percent per year; or

b. An adjustable maximum interest rate established from time to time by the insurer as permitted by law.

2. The interest rate charged on a policy loan made under subdivision 1 b of this subsection shall not exceed the greater of:

a. The Published Monthly Average for the calendar month ending two months before the date on which the rate is determined; or

b. The rate used to compute the cash surrender values under the policy during the applicable period plus one percent per year.

3. For the purposes of this subsection, the "Published Monthly Average" means:

a. Moody's Corporate Bond Yield Average -- Monthly Average Corporates as published by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., or any successor thereto; or

b. If the Moody's Corporate Bond Yield Average -- Monthly Average Corporates is no longer published, a substantially similar average, established by regulation issued by the Commission.

4. If the maximum interest rate is determined pursuant to subdivision 1 b of this subsection, the policy shall contain a provision setting forth the frequency at which the rate is to be determined for that policy.

5. The maximum interest rate for each policy shall be determined at regular intervals at least once every twelve months, but not more frequently than once every three months. At the intervals specified in the policy:

a. The rate being charged may be increased whenever the increase as determined under subdivision 2 of this subsection would increase that rate by one-half percent or more per year;

b. The rate being charged shall be reduced whenever the reduction as determined under subdivision 2 of this subsection would decrease that rate by one-half percent or more per year.

6. The insurer shall:

a. Notify the policyowner at the time a cash loan is made of the initial interest rate;

b. Notify the policyowner of the initial interest rates on a premium loan as soon as it is reasonably practical to do so after making the loan. Notice need not be given to the policyowner when a further premium loan is added, except as provided in subdivision 6 c below;

c. Send reasonable advance notice of any increase in the rates to policyowners with loans; and

d. Include the substance of the pertinent provisions of subdivisions 1 and 4 of this subsection in the notices required above.

7. No policy shall terminate in a policy year as the sole result of a change in the interest rate during that policy year, and the insurer shall maintain coverage during that policy year until the time at which it would otherwise have terminated if there had been no change during that policy year.

8. The substance of the pertinent provisions of subdivisions 1 and 4 of this subsection shall be set forth in the policies to which they apply.

9. For the purposes of this section:

a. The interest rate on policy loans permitted under this section includes the interest rate charged on reinstatement of policy loans for the period during and after any lapse of a policy.

b. The term "policy loan" includes any premium loan made under a policy to pay one or more premiums that were not paid to the insurer as they fell due.

c. The term "policy" includes certificates issued by a fraternal benefit society and annuity contracts that provide for policy loans.

10. No other provision of law, including Chapter 3 (§ 6.2-300 et seq.) of Title 6.2, shall apply to policy loan interest rates unless made specifically applicable to the rates.

D. The insurer may deduct from the loan value any indebtedness not already deducted in determining the value of any unpaid balance of the premium for the current policy year and any interest that may be allowable on the loan to the end of the current policy year. The policy may further provide that if the interest on the loan is not paid when due, it shall be added to the existing loan and shall bear interest at the same rate.

E. A policy loan provision shall not be required in term insurance policies.

1981, c. 46, § 38.1-397.1; 1986, c. 562.

A. Each individual life insurance policy shall contain a provision for nonforfeiture benefits. The provision shall specify the options to which the policyowner is entitled, in accordance with the requirements of § 38.2-3202.

B. Each individual life insurance policy shall have a provision for cash surrender values in accordance with the requirements of § 38.2-3203.

Code 1950, § 38-371(7), (8); 1950, p. 180; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-398; 1986, c. 562.

Each individual life insurance policy shall contain a table showing the loan values in figures, line by line. The table shall also show any options available under the policy each year upon default in premium payments, during at least the first twenty years of the policy or during the premium-paying period if it is less than twenty years.

Code 1950, § 38-371(9); 1950, p. 180; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-399; 1986, c. 562.

Each individual life insurance policy shall have a provision that in the event of default in premium payments, if (i) the value of the policy has been applied automatically to the purchase of other insurance as provided for in this article, (ii) the insurance is in force, and (iii) the original policy has not been surrendered to the insurer and cancelled, the policy may be reinstated within three years from default, upon:

1. Evidence of insurability satisfactory to the insurer;

2. Payment of premiums in arrears with interest at a rate not exceeding six percent per year payable annually; and

3. The payment or reinstatement of any other indebtedness to the insurer upon the policy, with interest at the rate set forth in the policy for the indebtedness.

Code 1950, § 38-371(10); 1950, p. 180; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-400; 1986, c. 562.

Each individual life insurance policy shall contain a provision that when a death claim arises under the policy, settlement shall be made upon receipt of due proof of death.

Code 1950, § 38-371(11); 1950, p. 181; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-401; 1986, c. 562.

If an individual life insurance policy provides that the proceeds may be payable in installments that are determinable prior to the maturity of the policy, the policy shall have a table showing the guaranteed installments.

Code 1950, § 38-371(12); 1950, p. 181; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-402; 1986, c. 562.

Each individual life insurance policy shall have a title on its face that shall briefly and accurately describe the nature and form of the policy.

Code 1950, § 38-371(13); 1950, p. 181; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-403; 1986, c. 562.

A. Any of the requirements of §§ 38.2-3300 through 38.2-3314 not applicable to single premium, nonparticipating, term, variable, or flexible premium life insurance policies shall to that extent, as approved by the Commission, be appropriately modified or not be incorporated in these policies.

B. Any individual life insurance policy that, in the opinion of the Commission, contains provisions more favorable to the policyholder than those required by §§ 38.2-3300 through 38.2-3314, may be delivered or issued for delivery in this Commonwealth after approval by the Commission.

Code 1950, § 38-372; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-404; 1976, c. 562; 1986, c. 562.

No individual life insurance policy shall be delivered or issued for delivery in this Commonwealth if it contains any provision:

1. Limiting the time within which any action at law or in equity may be commenced to less than one year after the cause of action accrues;

2. For any mode of settlement at maturity, of less value than the amount insured on the face of the policy plus any dividend additions, less any indebtedness to the insurer on or secured by the policy, and less any premium or portion of any premium, that may by the terms of the policy be deducted. This paragraph shall not apply to any nonforfeiture provision that employs the cash value less any indebtedness to purchase paid-up or extended insurance, and shall not prohibit the issuance of policies providing for a limitation in the amount payable under certain specified conditions;

3. For forfeiture of the policy for failure to repay any loan on the policy, or to pay interest on any policy loan, while the total indebtedness on the policy, including interest, is less than the loan value of the policy; or

4. To the effect that the agent soliciting the insurance is the agent of the person insured under the policy, or making the acts or representations of the agent binding upon the person insured under the policy.

Code 1950, § 38-386; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-406; 1956, c. 417; 1986, c. 562.

Individual life insurance policies issued by any foreign or alien insurer for delivery in this Commonwealth may contain any provision that is prescribed by the laws of its domiciliary jurisdiction and that is not in conflict with the laws of this Commonwealth. Policies issued by any domestic insurer for delivery in any other jurisdiction may contain any provision required by the laws of that jurisdiction.

Code 1950, § 38-387; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-407; 1986, c. 562.

Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 154.

Except as provided in § 38.2-3319.1, no policy of group life insurance shall be delivered in this Commonwealth unless it conforms to one of the following descriptions:

A. A policy issued to an employer, or to the trustees of a fund established by an employer, which employer or trustees shall be deemed the policyholder, to insure employees of the employer for the benefit of persons other than the employer, subject to the following requirements:

1. The employees eligible for insurance under the policy shall be all of the employees of the employer, or all of any class or classes thereof. The policy may provide that the term "employees" include:

a. The employees of one or more subsidiary corporations, and the employees, individual proprietors, and partners of one or more affiliated corporations, proprietorships or partnerships if the business of the employer and of such affiliated corporations, proprietorships, or partnerships is under common control;

b. The individual proprietor or partners if the employer is an individual proprietorship or partnership;

c. Retired employees, former employees and directors of a corporate employer; or

d. If the policy is issued to insure the employees of a public body, elected or appointed officials.

2. The premium for the policy shall be paid either from the employer's funds or from funds contributed by the insured employees, or from both. Except as provided in subdivision 3 of this subsection, a policy on which no part of the premium is to be derived from funds contributed by the insured employees must insure all eligible employees, except those who reject such coverage in writing.

3. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any person as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer.

B. A policy which is:

1. Not subject to Chapter 37.1 (§ 38.2-3727 et seq.) of this title, and

2. Issued to a creditor or its parent holding company or to a trustee or trustees or agent designated by two or more creditors, which creditor, holding company, affiliate, trustee, trustees or agent shall be deemed the policyholder, to insure debtors of the creditor, or creditors, subject to the following requirements:

a. The debtors eligible for insurance under the policy shall be all of the debtors of the creditor or creditors, or all of any class or classes thereof. The policy may provide that the term "debtors" includes:

(1) Borrowers of money or purchasers or lessees of goods, services, or property for which payment is arranged through a credit transaction;

(2) The debtors of one or more subsidiary corporations; and

(3) The debtors of one or more affiliated corporations, proprietorships, or partnerships if the business of the policyholder and of such affiliated corporations, proprietorships, or partnerships is under common control.

b. The premium for the policy shall be paid either from the creditor's funds, or from charges collected from the insured debtors, or from both. Except as provided in subdivision 3 of this subsection, a policy on which no part of the premium is to be derived from the funds contributed by insured debtors specifically for their insurance must insure all eligible debtors.

3. An insurer may exclude any debtors as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer.

4. The amount of the insurance on the life of any debtor shall at no time exceed the greater of the scheduled or actual amount of unpaid indebtedness to the creditor.

5. The insurance may be payable to the creditor or any successor to the right, title, and interest of the creditor. Such payment shall reduce or extinguish the unpaid indebtedness of the debtor to the extent of such payment and any excess of the insurance shall be payable to the estate of the insured.

6. Notwithstanding the provisions of the above subsections, insurance on agricultural credit transaction commitments may be written up to the amount of the loan commitment on a nondecreasing or level term plan. Insurance on educational credit transaction commitments may be written up to the amount of the loan commitment less the amount of any repayments made on the loan.

C. A policy issued to a labor union, or similar employee organization, which shall be deemed to be the policyholder, to insure members of such union or organization for the benefit of persons other than the union or organization or any of its officials, representatives, or agents, subject to the following requirements:

1. The members eligible for insurance under the policy shall be all of the members of the union or organization, or all of any class or classes thereof.

2. The premium for the policy shall be paid either from funds of the union or organization, or from funds contributed by the insured members specifically for their insurance, or from both. Except as provided in subdivision 3 of this subsection, a policy on which no part of the premium is to be derived from funds contributed by the insured members specifically for their insurance must insure all eligible members, except those who reject such coverage in writing.

3. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any person as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer.

D. A policy issued to or for (i) a multiple employer welfare arrangement, a rural electric cooperative, or a rural electric telephone cooperative as these terms are defined in 29 U.S.C. § 1002, or (ii) a trust or to the trustees of a fund established or adopted by two or more employers, or by one or more labor unions or similar employee organizations, or by one or more employers and one or more labor unions or similar employee organizations, which trust or trustees shall be deemed the policyholder, to insure employees of the employers or members of the unions or organizations for the benefit of persons other than the employees or the unions or organizations, subject to the following requirements:

1. The persons eligible for insurance shall be all of the employees of the employers or all of the members of the unions or organizations, or all of any class or classes thereof. The policy may provide that the term employees includes:

a. The employees of one or more subsidiary corporations, and the employees, individual proprietors, and partners of one or more affiliated corporations, proprietorships or partnerships if the business of the employer and of such affiliated corporations, proprietorships or partnerships is under common control;

b. The individual proprietor or partners if the employer is an individual proprietorship or partnership;

c. Retired employees, former employees and directors of a corporate employer; or

d. The trustees or their employees, or both, if their duties are principally connected with such trusteeship.

2. The premium for the policy shall be paid from funds contributed by the employer or employers of the insured persons, or by the union or unions or similar employee organizations, or by both, or from funds contributed by the insured persons or from both the insured persons and the employers or unions or similar employee organizations. Except as provided in subdivision 3 of this subsection, a policy on which no part of the premium is to be derived from funds contributed by the insured persons specifically for their insurance must insure all eligible persons, except those who reject such coverage in writing.

3. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any person as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer.

E. 1. A policy issued to an association or to a trust or to the trustees of a fund established, created, or maintained for the benefit of members of one or more associations. The association or associations shall:

a. Have at the outset a minimum of 100 persons;

b. Have been organized and maintained in good faith for purposes other than that of obtaining insurance;

c. Have been in active existence for at least five years; and

d. Have a constitution and bylaws which provide that: (i) the association or associations hold regular meetings not less than annually to further purposes of the members, (ii) except for credit unions, the association or associations collect dues or solicit contributions from members, and (iii) the members have voting privileges and representation on the governing board and committees.

2. The policy shall be subject to the following requirements:

a. The policy may insure members of such association or associations, employees thereof or employees of members, or one or more of the preceding or all of any class or classes thereof for the benefit of persons other than the employee's employer.

b. The premium for the policy shall be paid from funds contributed by the association or associations, or by employer members, or by both, or from funds contributed by the covered persons or from both the covered persons and the association, associations, or employer members.

c. Except as provided in clause d of this subdivision, a policy on which no part of the premium is to be derived from funds contributed by the covered persons specifically for the insurance must insure all eligible persons, except those who reject such coverage in writing.

d. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any person as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer.

F. A policy issued to a credit union or to a trustee or trustees or agent designated by two or more credit unions, which credit union, trustee, trustees, or agent shall be deemed policyholder, to insure members of such credit union or credit unions for the benefit of persons other than the credit union or credit unions, trustee or trustees, or agent or any of their officials, subject to the following requirements:

1. The members eligible for insurance shall be all of the members of the credit union or credit unions, or all of any class or classes thereof.

2. The premium for the policy shall be paid by the policyholder from the credit union's funds and, except as provided in subdivision 3 of this subsection, must insure all eligible members.

3. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any member as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer.

G. A policy issued to an incorporated association as described in § 38.2-4000, whose principal purpose is to assist its members in (i) financial planning for their funerals and burials and (ii) obtaining insurance for the payment, in whole or in part, for funeral, burial and other expenses. The association shall be deemed the policyholder, to insure the members of the association for the benefit of persons other than the association. The policy shall be subject to the following requirements:

1. A policy may not be issued to an association in which membership is conditioned upon the member's designation at any time of a specific funeral director or cemetery as the beneficiary under the insurance, so as to deprive the representatives or family of the deceased member from, or in any way control them in, obtaining funeral supplies and services in an open competitive market.

2. The policy shall insure members of such association.

3. The premium for the policy shall be paid from funds contributed by the association, or from funds contributed by the covered persons, or both.

4. Except as provided in subdivision 5 of this subsection, a policy on which no part of the premium is to be derived from funds contributed by the covered persons specifically for the insurance must insure all eligible persons except those who reject the coverage in writing.

5. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any person as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer.

1998, c. 154.

Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 154.

Group life insurance offered to a resident of this Commonwealth under a group life insurance policy issued to a group other than one described in § 38.2-3318.1 shall be subject to the following requirements:

A. No such group life insurance policy shall be delivered in this Commonwealth unless the Commission finds that:

1. The issuance of such group policy is not contrary to Virginia's public policy and is in the best interest of the citizens of this Commonwealth;

2. The issuance of the group policy would result in economies of acquisition or administration; and

3. The benefits are reasonable in relation to the premiums charged.

Insurers filing policy forms seeking approval under the provisions of this subsection shall accompany the forms with a certification, signed by the officer of the company with the responsibility for forms compliance, in which the company certifies that each such policy form will be issued only where the requirements set forth in subdivisions 1 through 3 of this subsection have been met.

B. No such group life insurance coverage may be offered in this Commonwealth by an insurer under a policy issued in another state unless this Commonwealth or another state having requirements substantially similar to those contained in subdivisions 1, 2 and 3 of subsection A has made a determination that such requirements have been met.

An insurer offering group life insurance coverage in this Commonwealth under this subsection shall file a certification, signed by the officer of the company having responsibility for forms compliance in which the company certifies that all group insurance coverage marketed to residents of this Commonwealth under policies which have not been approved by this Commonwealth will comply with the provisions of § 38.2-3318.1 or have met the requirements set forth in subdivisions A 1 through A 3 of this section, and which clearly demonstrates that the substantially similar requirements of the state in which the contract will be issued have been met. The certification shall be accompanied by documentation from such state evidencing the determination that such requirements have been met.

C. The premium for the policy shall be paid either from the policyholder's funds or from funds contributed by the covered persons, or from both.

D. An insurer may exclude or limit the coverage on any person as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer.

1998, c. 154.

The Commission may review the records of any insurer to determine that the insurer's policies have been issued in compliance with the requirements set forth in this article. Insurers issuing coverage not complying with the provisions of § 38.2-3318.1 and not complying with the requirements of § 38.2-3319.1 shall be deemed to have committed a knowing and willful violation of this article, and shall be punished as set forth in subsection A of § 38.2-218.

1998, c. 154.

Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 154.

A group life insurance policy issued outside of this Commonwealth, providing coverage to residents of this Commonwealth, that does not qualify under § 38.2-3318.1 or does not comply with § 38.2-3319.1 shall be subject to the statutory requirements of this title and may subject the insurer issuing such policy to the penalties available under this title for violation of such requirements.

1998, c. 154.

Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 154.

Insurance marketed to certificate holders of a group that does not qualify pursuant to § 38.2-3318.1 must be marketed by a person holding a valid life and health insurance agent license as required by Chapter 18 (§ 38.2-1800 et seq.) of this title.

1998, c. 154.

Repealed by Acts 1998, c. 154.

The Commission may issue regulations to establish standards for group life insurance pursuant to the authority provided in § 38.2-223.

1998, c. 154.

A group life insurance policy shall cover at least two persons, other than spouses or minor children, at the issue date and at each policy anniversary date.

1998, c. 154.

A. Coverage under a group life insurance policy, except a policy issued pursuant to § 38.2-3318.1 B, may be extended to insure:

1. The spouse and any child who is under the age of 19 years or who is a dependent and a full-time student under 25 years of age, or any class of spouses and dependent children, of each insured group member who so elects; and

2. Any other person in whom the insured group member has an insurable interest as defined in §§ 38.2-301 and 38.2-302 as may mutually be agreed upon by the insurer and the group policyholder.

The amount of insurance on the life of a spouse, child, or other person shall not exceed the amount of insurance for which the insured group member is eligible.

B. A spouse insured under this section shall have the same conversion right to the insurance on his or her life as the insured group member.

C. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 38.2-3331, one certificate may be issued for each insured group member if a statement concerning any spouse's, dependent child's, or other person's coverage is included in the certificate.

D. In addition to the coverages afforded by the provisions of this section, any such plan for group life insurance which includes coverage for children shall afford coverage to any child who is both (i) incapable of self-sustaining employment by reason of intellectual or physical disability and (ii) chiefly dependent upon the employee for support and maintenance. Upon request of the insurer, proof of incapacity and dependency shall be furnished to the insurer by the insured group member within 31 days of the child's attainment of the specified age. Subsequent proof may be required by the insurer but not more frequently than annually after the two-year period following the child's attainment of the specified age. The insurer shall be allowed to charge a premium at the insurer's then customary rate applicable to such group policy for such extended coverage.

E. 1. Upon termination of such group coverage of a child, the child shall be entitled to have issued to him by the insurer, without evidence of insurability, an individual life insurance policy without disability or other supplementary benefits, if:

a. An application for the individual policy is made, and the first premium paid to the insurer, within 31 days after such termination; and

b. The individual policy, at the option of such person, is on any one of the forms then customarily issued by the insurer at the age and for the amount applied for, except that the group policy may exclude the option to elect term insurance;

c. The individual policy is in an amount not in excess of the amount of life insurance which ceases because of such termination, less the amount of any life insurance for which such person becomes eligible under the same or any other group policy within 31 days after such termination, provided that any amount of insurance which has matured on or before the date of such termination as an endowment payable to the person insured, whether in one sum or in installments or in the form of an annuity, shall not, for the purposes of this provision, be included in the amount which is considered to cease because of such termination; and

d. The premium on the individual policy is at the insurer's then customary rate applicable to the form and amount of the individual policy, to the class of risk to which such person then belongs, and to the individual age attained on the effective date of the individual policy.

2. Subject to the same conditions set forth above, the conversion privilege shall be available (i) to a surviving dependent, if any, at the death of the group member, with respect to the coverage under the group policy which terminates by reason of such death, and (ii) to the dependent of the group member upon termination of coverage of the dependent, while the group member remains insured under the group policy, by reason of the dependent ceasing to be a qualified family member under the group policy.

1960, c. 272, § 38.1-472.1; 1976, c. 111; 1980, c. 110; 1984, c. 364; 1985, c. 28; 1986, c. 562; 1995, c. 259; 1998, c. 154; 2010, cc. 227, 374; 2012, cc. 476, 507; 2023, cc. 148, 149.

A. No group life insurance policy shall be delivered or issued for delivery in this Commonwealth unless it contains in substance the standard provisions prescribed in this article. The standard provisions required for individual life insurance policies shall not apply to group life insurance policies.

B. If a group life insurance policy is not term insurance, it shall contain a nonforfeiture provision that in the opinion of the Commission is equitable to the insured persons and to the policyholder. This subsection shall not be construed to require that group life insurance policies contain the same nonforfeiture provisions as are required for individual life insurance policies.

C. The provisions of § 38.2-3330, subsection A of § 38.2-3331, and §§ 38.2-3332 through 38.2-3334 shall not apply to policies issued pursuant to § 38.2-3318.1 B or group life insurance contracts in which the insurable interest is as described in subdivision 3 of subsection B of § 38.2-301.

Code 1950, §§ 38-429, 38-431; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-424; 1960, c. 273; 1968, c. 282; 1970, c. 145; 1986, c. 562; 1993, c. 105; 1998, c. 154.

Each group life insurance policy shall contain a provision that the policyowner is entitled to a grace period of not less than thirty-one days for the payment of any premium due except the first. The provision shall also state that during the grace period the death benefit coverage shall continue in force, unless the policyowner has given the insurer written notice of discontinuance in accordance with the terms of the policy and in advance of the date of discontinuance. The policy may provide that the policyowner shall be liable to the insurer for the payment of a pro rata premium for the time the policy was in force during the grace period.

1960, c. 273, § 38.1-424.1; 1986, c. 562.

A. Each group life insurance policy shall contain a provision that the validity of the policy shall not be contested, except for nonpayment of premiums, after it has been in force for two years from its date of issue.

B. The provision shall also state that no statement made by any person insured under the policy relating to his insurability or the insurability of his insured dependents shall be used in contesting the validity of the insurance with respect to which such statement was made:

1. After the insurance has been in force prior to the contest for a period of two years during the lifetime of the person about whom the statement was made; and

2. Unless the statement is contained in a written instrument signed by him.

Code 1950, § 38-429(1); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-425; 1986, c. 562.

A. Each group life insurance policy shall contain a provision that the policy and any application of the policyowner, and any individual applications of the persons insured shall constitute the entire contract between the parties.

B. The provision shall also state that:

1. A copy of any application of the policyowner shall be attached to the policy when issued;

2. All statements made by the policyowner or by the persons insured shall be deemed representations and not warranties; and

3. No written statement made by any person insured shall be used in any contest unless a copy of the statement has been furnished to the person, his beneficiary or his personal representative.

Code 1950, § 38-429(2); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-426; 1960, c. 273; 1986, c. 562.

Each group life insurance policy shall contain a provision setting forth any conditions under which the insurer reserves the right to require a person eligible for insurance to furnish evidence of individual insurability satisfactory to the insurer as a condition to part or all of his coverage.

1960, c. 273, § 38.1-426.1; 1986, c. 562.

Each group life insurance policy shall contain a provision that an equitable adjustment of premiums, benefits, or both shall be made if the age of a person insured has been misstated. The provision shall contain a clear statement of the method of adjustment to be used.

Code 1950, § 38-429(3); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-427; 1960, c. 273; 1986, c. 562.

Each group life insurance policy shall contain a provision that any sum payable because of the death of the person insured shall be payable to the beneficiary or beneficiaries designated by the person insured, subject to:

1. The provisions of the policy as to all or any part of such sum if there is no designated beneficiary living at the time of death of the person insured; and

2. Any right reserved by the insurer in the policy and set forth in the certificate to pay a part of the sum, not exceeding $2,000, to any person appearing to the insurer to be equitably entitled thereto because of having incurred funeral or other expenses incident to the death or last illness of the person insured.

1960, c. 273, § 38.1-427.1; 1986, c. 562.

A. Each group life insurance policy shall contain a provision that the insurer will issue to the policyholder, for delivery to each person insured, an individual certificate setting forth:

1. The insured person's insurance protection, including any limitations, reductions and exclusions applicable to the coverage provided;

2. To whom the insurance benefits are payable; and

3. The rights and conditions set forth in §§ 38.2-3332, 38.2-3333 and 38.2-3334.

B. Each policy issued pursuant to § 38.2-3318.1 B, where any part of the premium is paid by the debtors or by the creditor from identifiable charges collected from the insured debtors not required of an uninsured debtor, shall contain a provision that the insurer will furnish to the policyholder for delivery to each debtor insured under the policy a form that will contain a statement that the life of the debtor is insured under the policy and that any death benefit paid under the policy by reason of his death shall be applied to reduce or extinguish the indebtedness.

Code 1950, § 38-429(4); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-428; 1960, c. 273, § 38.1-428.4; 1986, c. 562; 1998, c. 154.

Each group life insurance policy shall contain a provision that if the insurance, or any portion of it, on a person covered under the policy, other than a minor child insured pursuant to § 38.2-3323, ceases because of termination of employment or of membership in the class or classes eligible for coverage under the policy, the person shall be entitled to have the insurer issue him without evidence of insurability an individual policy of life insurance, without disability or other supplementary benefits, subject to the following:

1. Application for the individual policy shall be made, and the first monthly or other mutually agreeable modal premium paid to the insurer, within thirty-one days after the termination;

2. The individual policy shall at the option of the person be on any one of the forms, except term insurance, then customarily issued by the insurer, subject to the insurer's customary age and amount requirements for the forms;

3. The amount of the individual policy shall not exceed the amount of terminated group life insurance less the amount of any group life insurance that the person is or becomes eligible for within thirty-one days after the termination. Any amount of insurance maturing on or before the date of the termination as an endowment payable to the person insured, whether in one sum, installments or in the form of an annuity, shall not be included in the amount of terminated group life insurance; and

4. The premium on the individual policy shall be at the insurer's then current rate applicable to the form and amount of the individual policy, to the class of risk to which the person then belongs, and to the person's age on the effective date of the individual policy.

1960, c. 273, § 38.1-428.1; 1986, c. 562.

Each group life insurance policy shall contain a provision that if the group policy terminates or is amended so as to terminate the insurance of any class of insured persons, every person, other than a minor child insured pursuant to § 38.2-3323, whose insurance terminates and who has been insured for at least five years prior to the termination date shall be entitled to have the insurer issue him an individual life insurance policy. The individual life policy shall be subject to the conditions and limitations set forth in § 38.2-3332. However, the group policy may contain a provision that the amount of the individual policy shall not exceed the smaller of (i) the amount of the person's life insurance protection ceasing because of the termination or amendment of the group policy, less the amount of any life insurance for which he is or becomes eligible under any group policy issued or reinstated by the same or another insurer within 31 days after the termination, or (ii) $10,000.

1960, c. 273, § 38.1-428.2; 1986, c. 562.

Each group life insurance policy shall contain a provision that if a person insured under the group policy dies during the period within which he is entitled to have an individual policy issued to him in accordance with § 38.2-3332 or § 38.2-3333 and before the individual policy has become effective, the amount of life insurance that he would have been entitled to have issued to him under an individual policy shall be payable as a claim under the group policy, whether or not application for the individual policy or the payment of the first premium was made.

1960, c. 273, § 38.1-428.3; 1986, c. 562.

Each group life insurance policy shall contain a provision that any person who subsequently becomes a member of a group or class that is covered under the policy shall be eligible for group life insurance in accordance with the same requirements as any other member of the group or class.

Code 1950, § 38-429(5); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-429; 1986, c. 562.

Group life insurance policies issued by any foreign or alien insurer for delivery in this Commonwealth may contain any provision that is prescribed by the laws of its domiciliary jurisdiction and that is not in conflict with the laws of this Commonwealth. Policies issued by any domestic insurer for delivery in any other jurisdiction may contain any provision required by the laws of that jurisdiction.

Code 1950, § 38-430; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-430; 1986, c. 562.

With mutual agreement among the insured, the policyholder, and the insurer, any person insured under a group life insurance policy may make an irrevocable assignment of the rights and benefits conferred on him by any provision of the policy or by this article. The assignment may be made to any person other than the insured's employer.

Code 1950, §§ 38-429, 38-431; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-424; 1960, c. 273; 1968, c. 282; 1970, c. 145; 1986, c. 562.

No group life insurance policy shall be delivered or issued for delivery in this Commonwealth if it contains any provision:

1. Limiting the time within which any action at law or in equity may be commenced to less than one year after the cause of action accrues; or

2. To the effect that the agent soliciting the insurance is the agent of the person insured under the policy, or making the acts or representations of the agent binding upon the person insured under the policy.

Code 1950, § 38-386; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-406; 1956, c. 417; 1986, c. 562.

No group life insurance policy, nor its proceeds, shall be liable to attachment, garnishment, or other process, or to be seized, taken, appropriated, or applied by any legal or equitable process or operation of law, to pay any debt or liability of any person insured under the policy, or his beneficiary, or any other person who has a right under the policy, either before or after payment. If the proceeds of a group life insurance policy are not made payable to a named beneficiary, the proceeds shall not constitute a part of the insured person's estate for the payment of his debts.

Code 1950, § 38-432; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-482; 1986, c. 562.

"Industrial life insurance" means life insurance provided by an individual insurance contract (i) under which premiums are payable monthly or more frequently, and (ii) with the words "industrial policy" printed upon the policy as a part of the descriptive matter.

Code 1950, § 38-433; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-482; 1986, c. 562.

No industrial life insurance policy shall be delivered or issued for delivery in this Commonwealth, unless it contains in substance the provisions prescribed in this article or provisions that are, in the Commission's opinion, more favorable to policyowners.

Code 1950, §§ 38-434, 38-435; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-410; 1986, c. 562.

No industrial life insurance policy shall be delivered or issued for delivery in this Commonwealth unless it has printed on it a notice stating in substance that if during a ten-day period from the date the policy is delivered to the policyowner, the policy is surrendered to the insurer or its agent with a written request for cancellation, the policy shall be void from the beginning and the insurer shall refund any premium paid for the policy. Nothing in this section shall prohibit an insurer from extending the right to examine period to more than ten days if the period is specified in the policy.

1977, c. 174, § 38.1-410.1; 1986, c. 562.

A. Each industrial life insurance policy shall contain a provision that the insured is entitled to a grace period of twenty-eight days within which the payment of any premium after the first may be made. This grace period shall terminate at noon on the twenty-eighth day after the due date of the defaulted premium. However, for monthly payment policies the insured shall be entitled to a grace period of not less than thirty-one days.

B. Each policy shall also contain a provision that during the grace period the policy shall continue in full force, but if a claim arises under the policy during the grace period and before the overdue premiums are paid, the amount of overdue premiums may be deducted in any settlement under the policy.

Code 1950, § 38-434(1); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-411; 1986, c. 562.

A. Each industrial life insurance policy shall contain a provision that the policy, or the policy and the application for the policy, if a copy of the application is endorsed upon or attached to the policy when issued, shall constitute the entire contract between the parties.

B. The provision shall also state that:

1. All statements made by the insured shall, in the absence of fraud, be deemed representations and not warranties; and

2. No such statement shall be used in defense of a claim under the policy unless it is contained in a written application that is endorsed upon or attached to the policy when issued.

Code 1950, § 38-434(2); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-412; 1986, c. 562.

Each industrial life insurance policy shall contain a provision that the policy shall be incontestable after it has been in force for two years from the date of issue during the lifetime of the insured, except for nonpayment of premiums, and except as to provisions and conditions (i) relating to benefits in the event of certain specific types of disability and (ii) granting additional insurance specifically against death by accident or accidental means.

Code 1950, § 38-434(3); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-413; 1986, c. 562.

Each industrial life insurance policy shall contain a provision that if, before final settlement of the policy, the age of the insured or the age of any other person if considered in determining the premium is found to have been misstated, the amount payable under the policy shall equal the amount that the premium would have purchased at the insured's or other person's correct age, at the time the policy was issued.

Code 1950, § 38-434(4); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-414; 1986, c. 562.

Each industrial life insurance policy shall contain a provision for nonforfeiture benefits in accordance with the requirements of §§ 38.2-3202 and 38.2-3208, and a provision for cash surrender values in accordance with the requirements of §§ 38.2-3203 and 38.2-3209.

Code 1950, § 38-434(5), (6); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-415; 1986, c. 562.

Each industrial life insurance policy shall contain a provision that the policy, if not surrendered for its cash value or if the period of extended term insurance has not expired, may be reinstated within one year from the date of default in payment of premiums upon:

1. Payment of all overdue premiums and, at the insurer's option, interest on the overdue premiums at an annual rate not exceeding six percent; and

2. Presentation of evidence satisfactory to the insurer of the insurability of the insured.

Code 1950, § 38-434(7); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-416; 1986, c. 562.

Each industrial life insurance policy shall contain a table showing the nonforfeiture options available under the policy each year upon default in the payment of premiums during at least the first twenty years of the policy, or during the premium-paying period if less than twenty years. There shall also be a provision that the insurer will furnish, upon request, an extension of the table beyond the years shown in the policy.

Code 1950, § 38-434(8); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-417; 1986, c. 562.

Each industrial life insurance policy shall contain a provision that when a death claim arises under the policy, settlement shall be made within two months after receipt of due proof of death.

Code 1950, § 38-434(9); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-418; 1986, c. 562.

Each industrial life insurance policy shall have a title on its face that briefly and accurately describes the nature and form of the policy.

Code 1950, § 38-434(10); 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-419; 1986, c. 562.

The provisions of this article do not apply to policies issued or granted in exercise of the nonforfeiture provisions of § 38.2-3347.

Code 1950, § 38-438; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-420; 1986, c. 562.

Industrial life insurance policies issued by any foreign or alien insurer for delivery in this Commonwealth may contain any provision that is prescribed by the laws of its domiciliary jurisdiction and is not in conflict with the laws of this Commonwealth. Policies issued by any domestic insurer for delivery in any other jurisdiction may contain any provision required by the laws of that jurisdiction.

Code 1950, § 38-436; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-421; 1986, c. 562.

No industrial life insurance policy shall be delivered or issued for delivery in this Commonwealth if it contains any of the following provisions:

1. Limiting the time within which any action at law or in equity may be commenced to less than one year after the cause of action accrues;

2. For any mode of settlement at maturity of less value than the amount insured by the policy plus any dividend additions to the policy, less (i) any indebtedness to the insurer on or secured by the policy and (ii) any premium that may by the terms of the policy be deducted. This subdivision shall not apply to any nonforfeiture provision that employs the cash value less any indebtedness, to purchase paid up or extended insurance, and shall not prohibit the issuance of policies providing for a limitation in the amount payable under certain specified conditions; or

3. To the effect that the agent soliciting the insurance is the agent of the person insured under the policy, or making the acts or representations of the agent binding upon the person insured under the policy.

Code 1950, § 38-437; 1952, c. 317, § 38.1-422; 1986, c. 562.