Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INTRODUCTION
Life insurance
Life insurance or life assurance is a contract between the policy owner and the insurer, where the
insurer agrees to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon the occurrence of the
insured individual's or individuals' death or other event, such as terminal illness or critical illness.
In return, the policy owner agrees to pay a stipulated amount at regular intervals or in lump
sums. There may be designs in some countries where bills and death expenses plus catering for
after funeral expenses should be included in Policy Premium. In the United States, the
predominant form simply specifies a lump sum to be paid on the insured's demise.
Life insurance (Life Assurance in British English) is a type of insurance. As in all insurance, the
insured transfers a risk to the insurer. The insured pays a premium and receives a policy in
exchange. The risk assumed by the insurer is the risk of death of the insured.
There are three parties in a life insurance transaction; the insurer, the insured, and the owner of
the policy (policyholder), although the owner and the insured are often the same person. For
example, if John Smith buys a policy on his own life, he is both the owner and the insured. But if
Mary Smith, his wife, buys a policy on John's life, she is the owner and he is the insured. The
owner of the policy is called the grantee (he or she will be the person who will pay for the
policy). Another important person involved is the beneficiary. The beneficiary is the person or
persons who will receive the policy proceeds upon the death of the insured. The beneficiary is
not a party to the policy, but is designated by the owner, who may change the beneficiary unless
the policy has an irrevocable beneficiary designation. With an irrevocable beneficiary, that
beneficiary must agree to changes in beneficiary, policy assignment, or borrowing of cash value.
The policy, like all insurance policies, is a legal contract specifying the terms and conditions of
the risk assumed. Special provisions apply, including a suicide clause wherein the policy
becomes null if the insured commits suicide within a specified time for the policy date (usually
two years). Any misrepresentation by the owner or insured on the application is also grounds for
nullification. Most contracts have a contestability period, also usually a two-year period; if the
insured dies within this period, the insurer has a legal right to contest the claim and request
The face amount of the policy is normally the amount paid when the policy matures, although
policies can provide for greater or lesser amounts. The policy matures when the insured dies or
reaches a specified age. The most common reason to buy a life insurance policy is to protect the
financial interests of the owner of the policy in the event of the insured's demise. The insurance
proceeds would pay for funeral and other death costs or be invested to provide income replacing
the deceased's wages. Other reasons include estate planning and retirement. The owner (if not the
insured) must have an insurable interest in the insured, i.e. a legitimate reason for insuring
another person’s life. The insurer (the life insurance company) calculates the policy prices with
an intent to recover claims to be paid and administrative costs, and to make a profit. The cost of
professionals who use actuarial science which is based in mathematics (primarily probability and
statistics). Mortality tables are statistically based tables showing average life expectancies. The
three main variables in a mortality table are age, gender, and use of tobacco. The mortality tables
provide a baseline for the cost of insurance. In practice, these mortality tables are used in
conjunction with the health and family history of the individual applying for a policy in order to
determine premiums and insurability. The current mortality table being used by life insurance
companies in the United States and their regulators was calculated during the 1980s. There is
The current mortality table assumes that roughly 2 in 1,000 people aged 25 will die during the
term of coverage. This number raises roughly quadratic ally to about 25 in 1,000 people for those
aged 65. So in a group of one thousand 25 year old males with a $100,000 policy, a life
insurance company would have to, at the minimum, collect $200 a year from each of the
thousand people to cover the expected claims. The insurance company receives the premiums
from the policy owner and invests them to create a pool of money from which to pay claims, and
finance the insurance company's operations. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of the
money that insurance companies make comes directly from premiums paid, as money gained
through investment of premiums will never, in even the most ideal market conditions, vest
enough money per year to pay out claims. Rates charged for life insurance increase with the
insured's age because, statistically, a people are more likely to die as they get older.
Since adverse selection can have a negative impact on the financial results of the insurer, the
insurer investigates each proposed insured (unless the policy is below a company-established
minimum amount) beginning with the application, which becomes part of the policy. Group
Insurance policies are an exception. This investigation and resulting evaluation of the risk is
called underwriting. Health and lifestyle questions are asked, and the answers are dutifully
recorded. Certain responses by the insured will be given further investigation. Life insurance
companies in the United States support The Medical Information Bureau, which is a
clearinghouse of medical information on all persons who have ever applied for life insurance. As
part of the application, the insurer receives permission to obtain information from the proposed
insured's physicians. Life insurance companies are never required by law to underwrite or to
provide coverage on anyone. They alone determine insurability, and some people, for their own
health or lifestyle reasons, are uninsurable. The policy can be declined (turned down) or rated.
Rating means increasing the premiums to provide for additional risks relative to that particular
insured.
Many companies use four general health categories for those evaluated for a life insurance
policy. These categories are Preferred Best, Preferred, Standard, and Tobacco. Preferred Best
means that the proposed insured has no adverse medical history, is not under medication for any
condition, and his family (immediate and extended) have no history of early cancer, diabetes, or
other conditions. Preferred is like Preferred Best, but it allows that the proposed insured is
currently under medication for the condition and may have some family history. Most people are
in the Standard category. Profession, travel, and lifestyle also factor into not only which category
the proposed insured falls, but also whether the proposed insured will be denied a policy. For
example, a person who would otherwise be in the Preferred Best category will be denied a policy
Upon the death of the insured, the insurer will require acceptable proof of death before paying
the claim. The normal minimum proof is a death certificate and the insurer's claim form
completed, signed, and often notarized. If the insured's death was suspicious and the policy
amount warrants it, the insurer may investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, before
deciding whether there is a legal obligation to pay the claim. Proceeds from the policy may be
paid in a lump sum or as an annuity paid over time in regular recurring payments for either for
Insurance is a contract for reducing losses from accident incurred by an individual party through
a distribution of the risk of such losses among a number of parties. It is a system under which the
insurer, for a consideration usually agreed upon in advance, promises to reimburse the insured or
to render services to the insured in the event that certain accidental occurrences result in losses
during a given period. It thus is a method of coping with risk. Its primary function is to
substitute certainty for uncertainty as regards the economic cost of 1oss-producing events
is concerned. Thus, In return for a specified consideration, the insurer undertakes to pay the
insured or his beneficiary some specified amount in the event that the insured suffers loss
through the occurrence of a contingent event covered by the insurance contract or policy. By
pooling both the Financial contributions and the "insurable risks" of a large number of
policyholders, the insurer is typically able to absorb losses incurred over any given period much
more easily than would the uninsured individual. Insurance relies heavily on the "1aw of 1arge
common events such as deaths and accidents. Losses can be predicted with reasonable accuracy,
and this accuracy increases as the size of the group expands. From a theoretical standpoint, it is
possible to eliminate all pure risk if an infinitely large group is selected. The risks must be such
From the standpoint of the insurer, an insurable risk must meet the following requirements:
1. The objects to be insured must be numerous enough and homogeneous enough to allow a
2. The insured objects must not be subject to simultaneous destruction. For example, if all the
buildings insured by one insurer are in an area subject to flood, and a flood occurs, the loss to the
insurance underwriter may be catastrophic
3. The possible loss must be accidental in nature, and beyond the control of insured. If the insured
could cause the loss, the element of randomness and predictability would be destroyed.
4. There must be some way to determine whether a loss has occurred and how great that loss is.
This is why insurance contracts specify very definitely what events must take place, what
From the viewpoint of the insured person, an insurable risk is one for which the probability of
loss is not so high as to require excessive premiums. What is "excessive" depends on individual
circumstances, including the insured's attitude toward risk. At the same time, the potential loss
Losses of life or health; and the legal liability arising out of use of automobiles, Occupancy of
Losses resulting from price changes and competitive conditions in the market.
Political risks such as war or currency debasement are usually not insurable by
Very often contracts can be drawn in such a way that an "uninsurable risk" can be turned into an
INSURANCE IN INDIA
The insurance sector in India has come a full circle from being an open competitive Market to
nationalization and back to a liberalized market again. Tracing the Developments in the Indian
insurance sector reveals the 360 degree turn witnessed over a Period of almost two centuries.
The business of life insurance in India in its existing form started in India in the year 1818 with
the establishment of the Oriental Life Insurance Company in Calcutta. Some of the important
1912: The Indian Life Assurance Companies Act enacted as the first statute to regulate the life
insurance business.
1928: The Indian Insurance Companies Act enacted to enable the government to collect
1938: Earlier legislation consolidated and amended to by the Insurance Act with the objective of
1956: 245 Indian and foreign insurers and provident societies taken over by the central
government and nationalized. LIC formed by an Act of Parliament, viz. LIC Act,
1956, with a capital contribution of Rs. 5 core from the Government of India.
The General insurance business in India, on the other hand, can trace its roots to the Triton
Insurance Company Ltd., the first general insurance company established in the year 1850 in
Calcutta by the British. Some of the important milestones in the general insurance business in
India are:
1907: The Indian Mercantile Insurance Ltd. set up, the first company to transact all classes of
1968: The Insurance Act amended to regulate investments and set minimum solvency margins
1972: The General Insurance Business (Nationalization) Act, 1972 nationalized the general
insurance business in India with effect from 1st January 1973.107 insurers amalgamated and
grouped into four companies viz. the National Insurance Company Ltd., the New India
Assurance Company Ltd., the Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. and the United India Insurance
In 1993, Malhotra Committee, headed by former Finance Secretary and RBI Governor R.N.
Malhotra, was formed to evaluate the Indian insurance industry and recommend its future
direction. The Malhotra committee was set up with the objective of complementing the reform
The reforms were aimed at “creating a more efficient and competitive financial system suitable
for the requirements of the economy keeping in mind the structural changes currently underway
and recognizing that insurance is an important part of the overall financial system where it was
necessary to address the need for similar reforms…”In 1994, the committee submitted the report
Structure
All the insurance companies should be given greater freedom to operate
Competition
Private Companies with a minimum paid up capital of Rs.1bn should be allowed
To enter the industry No Company should deal in both Life and General Insurance through a
single Entity
Foreign companies may be allowed to enter the industry in collaboration with the domestic
companies
Postal Life Insurance should be allowed to operate in the rural market
Only one State Level Life Insurance Company should be allowed to operate in Each state
Regulatory Body
Controller of Insurance (Currently a part from the Finance Ministry) should be Made
independent
Investments
75% to 50%
GIC and its subsidiaries are not to hold more than 5% in any company (There Current
plans
Computerization of operations and updating of technology to be carried out in the insurance
industry The committee emphasized that in order to improve the customer services and increase
the coverage of the insurance industry should be opened up to competition. But at the same time,
the committee felt the need to exercise caution as any failure on the part of new players could
Hence, it was decided to allow competition in a limited way by stipulating the minimum capital
requirement of Rs.100 cores. The committee felt the need to provide greater autonomy to
insurance companies in order to improve their performance and enable them to act as
independent companies with economic motives. For this purpose, it had proposed setting up an
Reforms in the Insurance sector were initiated with the passage of the IRDA Bill in Parliament in
December 1999. The IRDA since its incorporation as a statutory body in April 2000 has
fastidiously stuck to its schedule of framing regulations and registering the private sector
insurance companies.
The other decisions taken simultaneously to provide the supporting systems to the Insurance
sector and in particular the life insurance companies were the launch of the IRDA’s online
companies would have a trained workforce of insurance agents in place to sell their products,
Since being set up as an independent statutory body the IRDA has put in a framework of globally
compatible Regulations. In the private sector 12 life insurance and 6 general insurance
LIC
There are 12 private life insurance companies and 1 public life insurance company. These are:
Allianz Bajaj
ICICI- Prudential
Max- New York Life
HDFC- Standard Life Insurance
ING- Vysya
TATA- AIG Life
Birla- Sun life
Om Kotak Life
Aviva
Met Life
AMP Sammar
SBI Life
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act 1999, which was passed by the parliament
a) A Chairman;
FINANCIAL RELATIONS
It is mandatory for each and every company to have paid up capital of Rs 100 crore prior to grant
of license.
85% of premium collected by any insurer has to be invested in the government approved i.e.
Central government, state government and other approved infrastructure bonds and
securities
Although all private insurance companies can have a foreign partner to the extent of 26% in their
equity, not a single rupee can be invested out of India i.e. in foreign investment. Now the foreign
An amount equal to 95% of profits generated every year has to be compulsorily distributed among
policyholders as bonus.
A check n management expenses has been sought with a restriction that it cannot be more than
Moradabad City.
To study the overall scenario currently prevailing in the market, namely, the per capital income,
LITERATURE REVIEW
Insurance is a must because of the uncertain future adversities of life. Accidents, illnesses,
disability etc are facts of life that can be extremely devastating. Other than the hospitalization,
medication bills these may run up it’s the aftermath of the incident, the physical well being of the
individual that has to be taken into consideration. Will the individual be in a position to earn as
before? A pertinent question, But what if he is not? Disability can be taken care of by insurance.
Your family will not have to go through the grind due to your present inability.
You think twice before taking the plunge into buying insurance. Is buying insurance a
necessity now? Spending an 'extra' amount as premium at regular intervals where you do not see
immediate benefits does not seem a necessity at the moment. May be later well you could be
wrong. Buying Insurance cannot be compared with any other form of investment. Insurance
gives you a life long benefit and the returns will definitely come but only when you need it the
most i.e. at the right time. Besides buying insurance early in life is one of the wise decisions you
could take. Because the premium you would be paying would be comparatively lower.
INSURANCE HISTORY
INSURANCE IN INDIA
The insurance sector in India has come a full circle from being an open competitive market to
nationalization and back to a liberalized market again. Tracing the developments in the Indian
insurance sector reveals the 360 degree turn witnessed over a period of almost two centuries.
The business of life insurance in India in its existing form started in India in the year 1818 with
Some of the important milestones in the life insurance business in India are:
1912: The Indian Life Assurance Companies Act enacted as the first statute to regulate the life
insurance business.
1928: The Indian Insurance Companies Act enacted to enable the government to collect
1938: Earlier legislation consolidated and amended to by the Insurance Act with the objective of
1956: 245 Indian and foreign insurers and provident societies taken over by the central
government and nationalized. LIC formed by an Act of Parliament, viz. LIC Act,
1956, with a capital contribution of Rs. 5 core from the Government of India. The General
insurance business in India, on the other hand, can trace its roots to the Triton Insurance
Company Ltd., the first general insurance company established in the year 1850 in Calcutta by
the British.
Some of the important milestones in the general insurance business in India are:
1907: The Indian Mercantile Insurance Ltd. set up, the first company to transact all classes of
1957: General Insurance Council, a wing of the Insurance Association of India, frames a code of
1968: The Insurance Act amended to regulate investments and set minimum solvency margins
1972: The General Insurance Business (Nationalization) Act, 1972 nationalized the general
insurance business in India with effect from 1st January 1973. 107 insurers amalgamated and
grouped into four company’s viz. the National Insurance Company Ltd., the New India
Assurance Company Ltd., the Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. and the United India Insurance
Malhotra, was formed to evaluate the Indian insurance industry and recommend its future
direction. The Malhotra committee was set up with the objective of complementing the reforms
initiated in the financial sector. The reforms were aimed at “creating a more efficient and
competitive financial system suitable for the requirements of the economy keeping in mind the
structural changes currently underway and recognizing that insurance is an important part of the
overall financial system where it was necessary to address the need for similar reforms…”
In 1994, the committee submitted the report and some of the key recommendations included:
i) Structure
· Government should take over the holdings of GIC and its subsidiaries so that these subsidiaries
ii) Competition
· Private Companies with a minimum paid up capital of Rs.1bn should be allowed to enter the
industry
· No Company should deal in both Life and General Insurance through a single entity
· Foreign companies may be allowed to enter the industry in collaboration with the domestic
companies
· Only one State Level Life Insurance Company should be allowed to operate in each state
· Controller of Insurance (Currently a part from the Finance Ministry) should be made
independent
iv) Investments
· Mandatory Investments of LIC Life Fund in government securities to be reduced from 75% to
50%
· GIC and its subsidiaries are not to hold more than 5% in any company (There current holdings
v) Customer Service
industry. The committee emphasized that in order to improve the customer services and increase
the coverage of the insurance industry should be opened up to competition. But at the same time,
the committee felt the need to exercise caution as any failure on the part of new players could
ruin the public confidence in the industry. Hence, it was decided to allow competition in a
limited way by stipulating the minimum capital requirement of Rs.100 cores. The committee felt
the need to provide greater autonomy to insurance companies in order to improve their
performance and enable them to act as independent companies with economic motives. For this
Reforms in the Insurance sector were initiated with the passage of the IRDA Bill in Parliament in
December 1999. The IRDA since its incorporation as a statutory body in April 2000 has
fastidiously stuck to its schedule of framing regulations and registering the private sector
insurance companies.
The other decisions taken simultaneously to provide the supporting systems to the insurance
sector and in particular the life insurance companies were the launch of the IRDA’s online
service for issue and renewal of licenses to agents. The approval of institutions for imparting
training to agents has also ensured that the insurance companies would have a trained workforce
of insurance agents in place to sell their products, which are expected to be introduced by early
next year. Since being set up as an independent statutory body the IRDA has put in a framework
of globally compatible regulations. In the private sector 12 life insurance and 6 general insurance
.Life Insurers:
(Participating) and Money Back (Participating). More than 80% of the life insurance
General Insurers:
GIC had four subsidiary companies, namely with effect from Dec'2000, these subsidiaries have
been de-linked from the parent company and made as independent insurance companies.
In year 2000-2001 some companies is entered in insurance sector. There are sixteen
company is entered. Ten companies are entered in Life insurance and other six companies are
Life Insurers -:
General Insurers -:
The need for life insurance comes from the need to safeguard our family. If you care for
Today insurance has become even more important due to the disintegration of the
prevalent joint family system, a system in which a number of generations co-existed in harmony,
a system in which a sense of financial security was always there as there were more earning
members.
Times have changed and the nuclear family has emerged. Apart from other pitfalls of a
nuclear family, a high sense of insecurity is observed in it today besides, the family has shrunk.
Needs are increasing with time and fulfillment of these needs is a big question mark.
Insurance provides a sense of security to the income earner as also to the family. Buying
insurance frees the individual from unnecessary financial burden that can otherwise make him
spend sleepless nights. The individual has a sense of consolation that he has something to fall
back on.
You think twice before taking the plunge into buying insurance. Is buying insurance a necessity
now? Spending an 'extra' amount as premium at regular intervals where you do not see
Well you could be wrong. Buying Insurance cannot be compared with any other form of
investment. Insurance gives you a life long benefit and the returns will definitely come but only
when you need it the most i.e. at the right time. Besides buying insurance early in life is one of
the wise decisions you could take. Because the premium you would be paying would be
comparatively lower.
Most important of all it provides you with that unique sense of security that no other form
of investment provides. It gives you a sense of financial support especially during that time of
crisis irrespective of the fluctuations in the stock market. Insurance provides for your career
If the earning member of the family is no more your child's educational needs will not
suffer. In fact his higher education too will be provided for. You need not spend sleepless nights
thinking about how to save for your child's marriage. Life Insurance will take care of that typical
An accident or a disability may be devastating but an insurance policy can be of utmost
support for the family during such times too. Besides it provides for additional benefits such as
bonuses. You need not worry about your retirement years. The rising prices, taxes, and your
lifestyle will be taken care of easily. And you can relax and spend your old age in comfort and
peace.
Buying Life Insurance cannot ever be compared with other investment decisions since it is very
much in contrast with those stock market investments where you wait for the right time to buy
and sell. Neither is this like receiving tips on particular scrip doing well in the market and
also buying insurance early in life is important too. With proper financial planning one can work
out as to how much money an individual is entitled to after the end of a particular term. A policy
that will fulfill your child's future educational needs would have to be timed appropriately so that
he receives the policy amount at that time when he needs it the most.
By taking a policy early in life you not only benefit in forking out a lower premium
amount but also make a wise decision as far as insuring risks to yourself and your family is
concerned
What is benefited for customer whether to invest in mutual funds or having insurance
policies?
I had also met the customers who are invested in Mutual Funds and also who are
The proceeds accruing from Life Insurance policy can be utilized for -:
of conducting his last rites according to customs and traditions as propagated by religion. Almost
all religious sects follow certain rules that need to bidden regardless of the social circumstances.
As long as there is a steady and assured supply of income, an individual's family and
dependants are able to keep a self-professed standard of living. The family's eating and drinking
habits, entertainment and lifestyle expenses are maintained at a certain level during their earning
member's lifespan.
In case of the unexpected death of the earning member, his or her family will be hard-
pressed in trying to arrange for funds that would assist them in maintaining the standard of living
that they've grown accustomed to. After all, no one really likes to make sacrifices, despite their
Costs of Education -:
Most families start planning for their child's future education costs as soon as he clears
his kindergarten papers. After all, every parent wants his or her child to grow and become a
professionally qualified engineer or physician or likewise. And this is a fairly mean task since
year after year since capitation fees charged by even run-of-the-mill colleges come up to lakes of
rupees.
In case either of the child's guardians or parents happens to expire before the end of his
education, there are chances that he will not be able to complete his education. Nothing aids an
individual in his life as much as what he or she knows. In any case, every parent wants to plan
to plan for his children's future, regardless of his or her presence. In case of the demise of a
parent, the proceeds from his or her insurance can be channeled into their dependant children's
education fund.
Normally after a family member's death, his family or dependants are usually flooded
with notices from creditors or taxation officers. At a time like this when the family is struggling
to recover from such a severe shock, it might seem inhuman for them to be subjected to such
humiliation.
Creditors always do. Not only is it prudent for any individual to clear his debts prior to his
demise but it would also spare his or her family the shame of having to clear debts that they did
Since no one knows when his or her time may come, there is always a chance that the
dependants will have to pay the existing dues regardless of their economic status. Thanks to
insurance, all existing debts and taxes can be cleared from the proceeds in no time at all. And the
dependent family will be spared from the ignominy of having to pay what they did not owe, in
At times after an individual's death, his family might have to sacrifice their interests in
business or investments to arrange for their expenses and maintain a decent standard of living. In
extreme cases, the dependent spouse might also have to suffer and sacrifice everything the
family owns in a desperate bid to maintain the family name and crest above everything else.
After all, India is still a country where honor is regarded higher than life itself. Surely,
making prudent investments in insurance from time to time can aid in averting such a disgraceful
situation for any self-respecting individual's family. Only then will the family be able to maintain
its standard of living prior to the demise of the head of the family.
Obviously, the proceeds from insurance will help secure the family's status and position
in society as well as maintain their socio-economic level in life. Thus insurance serves the
perfect hedging tool for securing the interests of the family and maintaining the continuity of
their interests.
COMPANY PROFILE
BIRLA SUN LIFE = ADITYA BIRLA GROUP (INDIA) + SUN LIFE FINANCIAL’S (CANADA)
INTRODUCTION OF ADITYA BIRLA GROUP-
the world.
The Aditya Birla group is US$ 30 billion
Birla.
The Group’s products and services offer distinctive solutions worldwide .Its 85 state-of-the-art
manufacturing units and sect oral services span 20 countries – India, Thailand, Laos, Indonesia,
Philippines, Egypt, Canada, Australia, China, USA, UK, Germany, Hungary, brajil, Italy,
The group has been adjudged the best employer in India and among the top 20 in Asia by the
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse
range of protection and wealth accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate
customers. Chartered in 1865, Sun Life Financial and its partners today have operations in key
markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong
Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2007, the
Sun Life Financial group of companies had total assets under management of CDN$446 billion
financial of Canada brings together global and Indian expertise to the area of financial services.
Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company Ltd., the investment managers of Birla
Mutual fund, is a joint venture between the Aditya Birla Group and the Sun Life Financial
Services Inc. of India. The joint venture brings together the Aditya Birla Group’s experience in
Since its inception in 1994, Birla Mutual fund has emerged as one of India’s Leading Mutual
Funds managing assets of a large investor’s base. The fund offers a range of investment options,
which include diversified and sector specific equity schemes, fund of fund schemes, hybrid and
monthly income funds, a wide range of debt and treasury products and offshore funds.
Birla Sun Life Insurance Co. Ltd. is a joint venture between Aditya Birla Group, an Indian
multinational corporation, and Sun Life Financial Inc, a leading global insurance company. Birla
Sun Life Insurance is distinguished as the first company in the sector of financial solutions to
begin Business Continuity Plan. This insurance company has pioneered the unique Unit Linked
Life Insurance Solutions in India. Within 4 years of its launch, BSLI became one of the leading
Birla Sun Life Insurance believes in passion, integrity, speed, commitment and seamlessness.
The mission of the company is to help people with risk management. It also helps in managing
the financial situation of firms as well as individuals. Here is given a comprehensive list of
policies and products offered by Birla Sun Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
Birla Sun Life Insurance pioneered the unique Unit Linked Insurance Solutions in India.
Within 4 years of its launch, BSLI has cemented its position as a leading player in the private life
insurance industry.
There has been focus on Investment Linked Insurance Products to maintain leadership in product
innovation.
Multi distribution Channels- Direct Sales force, Alternative Channels and Group offering
Corporate governance and a high degree of transparency in all business practices and procedures.
Vision-
To be a world class provider of financial security to individuals and corporate and to be amongst
Mission-
To be the first preference of our customers by providing innovative, need based life insurance
and retirement solutions to individuals as well as corporate. These solutions will be made
available well trained professionals through a multi channel distribution network and superior
technology.
It will provide constant value addition to customers throughout their relationship with us,
Values-
Integrity
Commitment
Passion
Seamlessness
Speed
PRODUCT PROFILE
Individual Life
Protection
Saving
Birla Sun Life Insurance Gold-Plus
Supreme Life
Dream Plan
Classic Life Premier
Simply Life
Prime Life Premier
Prime Life
Life Companion
Flexi Cash Flow
Flexi Save Plus
Flexi Life Line
Single Premium Bond
Retirement
Flexi Secure Life Retirement Plan II
Children
Riders
Accidental Death and Dismemberment Rider
Term Rider
Critical Illness Rider
Waiver of Premium
Critical Illness Plus Rider
Critical Illness - Woman Rider
Retirement
Our Retirement Plans allow you to meet your expenses and build a nest egg, which
gives you the freedom to live life to the fullest even after retirement.
The post retirement years can be the best years of your life. Time to do things you couldn't have
done while you were working. A right financial planning makes your post retirement years truly
golden . Our Sun Life secure Life II assures you just that.
PRODUCTS
Insurance Plans
Life is unpredictable. But in face of adversity, our responsibilities towards our parents,
children and loved ones need not be compromised. Insurance planning equips you to smooth out
the uncertainties and adversities that life might send your way, so that the best that life has to
offer, secure in the knowledge that your beloved ones are well provided for.
1. Protection Plans
2. Savings Plans
3. Child Plans
4. Investment Plans
5. Retirement Plans
6. Group Plans
7. Rural Plans
9. Keyman Plans
10. Riders
Protection Plans
Life Guard
bsli offers Lifeguard - a set of pure protection plans. Choose from amongst three different
product structures to insure your life and provide total security to your family, at a very
affordable cost.
You can also enhance the above two policies by adding Accident & Disability Benefit
saving Plans
bsli offers a variety of policies that give you the benefits of protection and the
wedding.
Invest Shield Cash
Guarantee# with the added advantage of flexible liquidity option. An ideal plan
Flexibility to choose a specific level of protection (Sum Assured), based on a multiple of the
annual premium. You can also choose the term of the plan.
At the end of the term, the higher of the value of units or the guaranteed value* is paid. On death,
Sum Assured along with the higher of value of units or the guaranteed value is payable.
Facility to make withdrawals from the 6th policy year onwards till the end of the policy term.
Additional credits payable as a percentage of the initial annual premium are paid along with the
Additional insurance for 10 years after the maturity, for an amount of 50% of the Sum Assured.
Flexibility to make additional investment with the help of the top-up facility.
Facility of Automatic Premium Payment- With this facility you can take a temporary break from
premium payment.
Total transparency with the premium allocations, and other charges declared upfront.
The guaranteed value of the unit fund is the value of all invested premiums (premiums net of all
payment for a maximum of 1 year. This facility is available once if the premium paying term is
You can also enhance your policy by adding Accident & Disability Benefit Rider ,
A regular premium unit-linked insurance plan with an assurance of Capital Guarantee# An ideal
Flexibility to choose a specific level of protection (Sum Assured), based on a multiple of the
annual premium. You can also choose the term of the plan.
At the end of the term, the higher of the value of units or the guaranteed value* is paid. On death,
Sum Assured along with the higher of value of units or the guaranteed value is payable
Additional credits payable as a percentage of the initial annual premium are paid along with the
Additional insurance for 10 years after the maturity, for an amount of 50% of the Sum Assured.
Flexibility to make additional investment with the help of the top-up facility.
Facility of Automatic Premium Payment- With this facility you can take a temporary break
Total transparency with the premium allocations, and other charges declared upfront.
The guaranteed value of the unit fund is the value of all invested premiums (premiums net of all
payment for a maximum of 1 year. This facility is available once if the premium paying term is
The capital guarantee is applicable only on the invested premium and the declared bonus
interests.
You can also enhance your policy by adding Accident & Disability Benefit Rider, Waiver of
A unit-linked insurance plan with an assurance of Capital Guarantee which offers you the benefit
of a limited premium payment term. An ideal plan for protection with wealth creation that offers
Flexibility to choose a premium payment term of 5, 7 or 10 years for a maturity term of 10, 15 or
20 years respectively.
Flexibility to choose a specific level of protection (Sum Assured), based on a multiple of the
annual premium.
At the end of the term (maturity), the higher of the value of units or the guaranteed value* is
paid. On death, Sum Assured along with the higher of value of units or the guaranteed value is
payable.
Additional credits payable as a percentage of the initial annual premium are paid along with the
Facility to make withdrawals from the 6th policy year onwards till the end of the policy term.
Flexibility to make additional investment with the help of the top-up facility.
Flexibility to increase / decrease your annual premium amount
Total transparency with the premium allocations, and other charges declared upfront.
The guaranteed value of the unit fund is the value of all invested premiums (premiums net of all
The capital guarantee is applicable only on the invested premium and the declared bonus
interests.
You can also enhance your policy by adding Accident & Disability Benefit Rider and Critical
Illness Rider.
Premier Life
Presenting Premier Life – The Preferred plan for the Preferred Customer. The key features of
Limited premium payment option: Choose from among a 3, 5, 7 or 10 year premium paying
term.
Choice of sum assured: Choose a sum assured, which is a minimum multiple of 1 and a
Facility to top-up your investment any time you have surplus funds.
Choose from among four funds, based on your investment objective and risk appetite.
Choice to switch between investments options (4 free switches every policy year).
Benefit Rider.
Life Time
Presenting Life Time – unit –linked plans that meets your changing needs over a lifetime. These
solutions have been developed to meet your savings, protection and investment needs at every
stage in life.
Protection
Two levels of Sum Assured to choose from (available only with Lifetime II).
Savings
Facility of Premium Holiday, wherein the policy continues even if there is a temporary break in
Facility of Automatic Cover Continuance, wherein the policy continues even if there is a
Facility to top-up your investment any time you have surplus funds.
Investment:
Choose from among four funds, based on your investment objective and risk appetite.
Choice to switch between investments options (4 free switches every policy year).
You can also enhance your policy by adding Critical Illness Rider, Major Surgical Assistance
Rider, Accident & Disability Benefit Rider, Accident Benefit Rider (available only with Life
Secure Plus
An insurance plan that gives added protection, savings and multiple options, all in one!
The flexibility to choose amongst three levels of cover (in the form of sum assured) for the same
The flexibility of shifting between the three levels of cover, as you require.
The flexibility of receiving your maturity proceeds as a lump sum or in equal annual installments
over 3 or 5 years.
Cash Plus
An insurance plan that gives you added protection, savings, multiple options, plus the power of
liquidity.
The flexibility to choose amongst three levels of cover (in the form of sum assured) for the same
The flexibility of shifting between the three levels of cover, as you require.
The flexibility of receiving your maturity proceeds as a lump sum or in equal annual installments
over 3 or 5 years.
The flexibility of withdrawing up to 10% of the accumulated value of your policy, after the first
5 policy years.
An ideal plan for those who want to accumulate funds on a regular basis while enjoying
insurance protection.
Extended Life Cover: An extended cover for 5 years after the maturity of the policy, for
Maturity Benefit: At the end of the term, the policyholder receives the full sum assured, the
Death Benefit: The beneficiary receives the sum assured, the guaranteed additions and the
vested bonuses incase the life assured were to meet with an unfortunate event. In case the life
assured is aged 7 years or less, the basic premium paid will be returned.
You can also enhance your policy by adding Critical Illness Rider , Major Surgical
Assistance Rider , Accident & Disability Benefit Rider , Waiver of Premium Rider
(WOP)
Child Plan
As a responsible parent, you will always strive to ensure a hassle-free, successful life for your
child. However, life is full of Uncertainties and even the best-laid plans can go wrong. Here’s
how you can give your child a 100% safe and assured tomorrow, whatever the uncertainties.
Smart Kid is especially designed to provide flexibility and safeguard your child’s future
education and lifestyle, taking all possibilities into account. Choose from amongst a basket of 4
plans:
Financial Benefits: Regular payments at critical stages in your child’s life, like Board
Sum Assured is paid immediately: Ensures that your loved ones stay financially secure,
All future premiums are waived: Ensuring that your family is not financially burdened
in your absence.
Policy benefits continue: The educational benefits of the policy continue, ensuring that
your child can realize his or her dreams without any hassles.
Development Allowance: Smart Kid guarantees regular income to secure your child’s
educational career and also ensures his or her all-round development, for a nominal additional
amount. The Income Benefit Rider takes care of this through an annual payment of 10% of the
sum assured, to your child, till the maturity of the policy, in the unfortunate event of the death of
the parent.
All SmartKid plans can be enhanced with the Accident & Disability Benefit Rider and
Income Benefit Rider . You can also an Accident Benefit Rider to a Smart Kid Regular
Premium policy, and a Waiver of Premium Rider (WOP) to Smart Kid unit-linked
INVESTMENT PLANS
Life Link II is a unique plan that combines the security of a life insurance policy with the
opportunity of enjoying high returns on your investments, without the market risks
Death Benefit: The Sum Assured under the product has 2 options, either 500% of the initial
premium or 105% of the initial premium. In the event of an unfortunate death, the beneficiary
will receive higher of the value of units or the initial death benefit, less any withdrawals.
Withdrawal Benefit: One can make partial withdrawals from the accumulated value of the
Flexibility: Choose from four fund options, based on your investment objective and risk
appetite. If at a later stage your financial priorities change, you can switch between the various
Life Expectancy has been rising rapidly and today you can expect to live longer than your
earlier generations. For you, this increase will mean a longer retirement life, stretching into a
couple of decades. BSLI Retirement Solutions that combine the best of insurance and
investment. These solutions are developed to ensure your peace of mind for the years to come.
About Annuities
For too many people, the joy of retirement after years of hard work is eclipsed by the
financial uncertainties that it brings. Despite all the planning and saving, you can never sure
whether your money will last a lifetime. Retirement planning offers a way to ensure a more
enjoyable, stress free tomorrow. A prudent plan will ensure that increasing life expectancy,
higher inflation and increasing taxes do not eat away into your hard earned savings.
To ensure a comfortable retired life, you would be wise to invest money into additional
avenues like pension plans. How much you need to invest can be answered by answering some
Group Solutions
In an era of competitive parity, the only asset that makes a decisive difference between corporate
success and failure is the quality of human capital. Employee benefits have proven to be an
excellent tool to optimize the retention of talent and improve an organization’s bottom-line. The
An integrated basket of employee benefits solutions that offer incomparable flexible benefits.
Sound investment management that focuses on safety, stability and profitability of the portfolio.
Personalized financial planning for your employee that takes care of his/her changing financial
Quality service initiatives and transparency across all operations, promising superlative
operational efficiency.
Group Gratuity Plan : Helps employers fund their statutory gratuity obligation in a flexible
BSLI flexible group term solution helps provide affordable cover to members of a
group. The cover could be uniform or based on designation/rank or a multiple of salary, and can
be extended to all employees between the ages of 18 and 65 years. The benefit under the policy
is paid on the event of the member’s death to the beneficiary nominated by the member. It is a
one-year renewable policy where one master policy covers all proposed employees comprising
the group, with a minimum group size of 25 persons. New members can join the group and
outgoing members can leave the group at any point during the policy term.
Highlights include:
Greater convenience for the employees with relaxed underwriting and medical
requirements.
"Free Cover Limits" with simplified underwriting depending upon the number of
Guaranteed benefit: On death during the term of the contract (while in service), the sum
Choice of additional coverage in form an Accident and Disability Benefit Rider and Critical
Illness Cover
BSLI group gratuity plan helps employers fund their gratuity obligation in a scientific manner.
Employers can avail of the tax benefits as applicable to approved gratuity funds. The plan can
also be customized to structure schemes that can provide benefits beyond the statutory
obligations.
Highlights include:
Wider choice of investments with Market Linked Plans - to meet the diverse
financial goals. We offer 4 investment options (short-term debt, debt and balanced and capital
guarantee plan) where investments will be made in accordance with the fund objectives.
Transparency through Daily disclosure of Unit Value and regular disclosure of the portfolio
portfolio
Bundled Life Cover greater values to the employee by packaging life insurance cover with
Low explicit charge structure with the conditions for exit specified upfront.
Enhanced service levels through faster claim settlement, easier access to information and
regular statements.
Complete end to end solutions in the legal and regulatory approval process
Employee Benefits:
The contribution made by the employer is not included in the value of taxable perquisites in the
Gratuity received up to Rs 350000 is exempt from Income tax under Sec 10(10)
Employer Benefits:
Annual contribution up to 8.33% of salary bill in a financial year is allowed a deduction for the
Contribution towards past service liability is allowed as deduction as per the Income Tax rules.
Group Superannuation Plan:
BSLI Superannuation Scheme (for both Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution funds)
offers substantial benefits to both employers and employees. The employer and employee can
avail of tax benefits applicable to an approved superannuation trust. The scheme will provide for
a retirement fund for each participating employee. An employee would be able to choose from
Highlights include:
Wider choice of investments with Market Linked Plans - to meet the diverse
growth and capital guarantee plan) where investments will be made in accordance with
Control - Each member/employer can exercise greater control over investments by choosing
Transparency - Transparency through Daily disclosure of Unit Value and regular disclosure
reshuffling of portfolio
Low explicit charge structure with conditions for exit specified upfront.
Enhanced service levels through faster claim settlement, easier access to information and
regular statements.
Complete end to end solution in the legal and regulatory approval process for
BSLI Rural Products are designed to meet the needs of the rural consumers. These products
2. Life Cover
3. Savings Option
Regular Premiums
Individual policy
NRI Plans:
Being away from India doesn't mean you have to compromise the safety and security of your
loved ones. In fact, your savings from your time overseas can be easily canalized to meet your
family's needs - now and in the future. So, whether its your dream to retire in your hometown; to
secure funds for your children's education; or to build assets, BSLI has a range of solutions that
Don't we always wish for that something more? A bigger house, a plush set of wheels, holidays
in exotic lands. Here's something that makes sure you get all that and much more. Presenting the
Birla Sun Life Insurance Gold-Plus Plan - a plan unlike any other. It covers your life while
giving you an opportunity to grow your investments for the medium term.
DETAILS
The policyholder has an option to reduce the annualized policy premium in the 2nd and 3rd year
Withdrawals – after 3 policy years, Min Rs. 5000,two partial withdrawals are free in a year.
Surrender – can be surrendered anytime during the policy term but will be paid after three policy
years (if surrendered in first 3 policy yrs). Surrender charge is zero after 3rd yr.
NAME OF THE PLAYER MARKET SHARE (%)
LIC 82.3
ICICI PRUDENTIAL 5.63
BIRLA SUN LIFE 2.56
BAJA ALLIANZ 2.03
SBI LIFE 1.80
HDFC STANDARD 1.36
TATA AIG 1.29
MAX NEW YORK 0.90
AVIVA 0.79
OM KOTAK MAHINDRA 0.51
ING VYASA .37
AMP SANMAR 0.26
METLIFE 0.21
A unit linked bond is a lump sum investment plan that gives you access to various investment
markets throughout the world, via a wide range of professionally managed funds. These funds
The underlying make up of the unit linked bond depends on its investment objectives. This
determines the type of stocks and shares in which it invests. Each Investment Linked Bond offers
the option to invest for growth, income or both, you can select the option which best matches
Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) were always seen as a 'wonder product' that
it was poor selection that was responsible for the investors' woes. Here is a 5-step strategy for
investing in ULIPs.
Try to do as much homework as possible before investing in an ULIP. This way you will know
what you are getting into and won't be faced with unpleasant surprises at a later stage.
Experience suggests that many a time people do not realize what they are getting into (in fact we
have been approached by several people who wanted to cancel the ULIPs they had been coerced
into taking by unscrupulous agents). Gather information on ULIPs, the various options available
Read the literature available on ULIPs on the Web sites and brochures circulated by insurance
companies.
Identify a plan that is best suited for you (in terms of allocation of money between equity and
debt instruments). Your risk appetite should play an important role in the plan you choose.
So if you have a high-risk appetite, go in for a more aggressive investment option and vice-a-
versa. Opting for a plan that is lop-sided in favors of equities when you are a risk-averse
individual might spell disaster for you (this is true in most cases currently).
Compare products of the leading insurance companies. Enquire about the premium
payments as ULIPs work on minimum premium basis as opposed to sum assured in the case of
schemes are Performing and how steady the performance has been. Enquire about the charges
you will have to pay. In ULIPs the costs involved are a big deciding factor.
Ask about the top-up facility offered by ULIPs i.e. additional lump sum investments you can
The companies give you the option to increase the premium amounts, thereby providing you
Enquire about the number of times you can make free switches (i.e. change the asset allocation
of the money in your ULIP account) from one investment plan to another.
Some insurance companies offer you free switch for a 2-year period while others do so only for 1
year.
Select an advisor who is not only professional and informed, but also independent and unbiased.
When your agent recommends a ULIP of X company ask him a few product-related questions to
test him and also ask him why the other products should not be considered.
Insurance advice at all times must be unbiased and independent and your agent must be willing
to inform you about the pros and cons of buying a particular plan.
His job should not just begin by filling the form and end after he deposits the cheque and gives
you the receipt. He should keep a track of your plan and inform you on a regular basis. The key
advantage. Find out if the ULIP you are considering offers a minimum guarantee and what costs
have to be borne for the same. This will enable you to make an informed choice.
Unit linked risk plans are doing roaring business agreed but if the recent reports are any
indication a shake up is on the cards. The mutual fund industry is all set to get aggressive to
counter competition from the insurance industry’s unit linked risk products. For mutual funds the
unit linked insurance products launched by life insurance companies are an encroachment on
their territory. Consider this: Around 80 per cent of the premium income of life insurers has
come in through unit-linked plans in 2004 thanks to the boom in the equity markets.
Which means mutual fund companies are losing out on a huge market that would have otherwise
been theirs? To put an end to such a situation they are toying with the idea of aggressively
publicizing its products through celebrity endorsements which mutual funds feel will give a
Unit linked insurance products launched have been doing brisk business and insurers have been
coming out with several such products with slight variations to suit the changing needs of the
customers. These products are investment avenues that provide market related returns to the
investor with an element of insurance thrown in. For the customer the attraction of market related
returns with insurance is an attractive option. On the contrary though mutual fund companies
But the grouse of mutual funds is that they have to adhere to stringent regulations that are absent
for insurance companies when the products are almost similar. While for insurance companies it
is not mandatory to disclose the various expenses related to unit linked risk products such as
expense ratio and brokerages among others, for mutual fund companies it is mandatory.
Pros Cons
The value of the bond can go down You'll usually have to invest a
as well as up minimum amount of premium p.a.
You can invest in a number of that varies from company to
different funds within the bond company e.g. HDFC- Std life has a
They are run by expert fund min. premium of Rs.10,000.p.a.
managers You'll usually have to invest for at
They are free from personal capital least 5 years.
gains tax.
Unit Link Investment Plans of HDFC- Standard Life Insurance Company Ltd.
Before we discuss the plans in detail let’s be accustomed to certain common terms like:
It is the amount for which a person is insured, so it becomes the minimum amount, which has to
LA - Life Assured-
Premium
These are the installments payable by the LA as against the SA. He can either make monthly,
The plan is affordable, customised to your needs and above all, enables you to realise your
dreams for your child. This plan is well suited for the value-conscious customer, and above all,
for every loving parent. The plan can also be chosen by grandparents, other relatives or any adult
HDFC Unit Linked Young Star Plan is designed to provide a lump sum to the child at maturity.
It also provides financial security to the child in the future, even in case of the insured parent's
unfortunate death during the policy term. The Unit Linked Young Star Plan also gives the option
Your premiums are invested in units of the investment funds of your choice, based on the
prevailing unit prices. On maturity the value of the units will be paid. On death (or critical
illness, if chosen) the selected basic sum assured is paid, and the policy continues until maturity.
Following a valid death or critical illness claim, we will pay the future premiums (at the level
originally chosen at inception) into your policy, as and when they would have fallen due.
Premiums
You agree to pay a level premium regularly, either quarterly, half-yearly or annually, throughout
the term of the policy. The minimum premium amount is Rs. 10,000 each year.
To facilitate increased investment, we allow additional single premium top-ups at any time. The
The policy is fully unitised with a range of funds to match your needs and approach to risk. (By
risk we mean the likely volatility in the value of units in the fund.) Each investment fund is
composed of units. All the units in a fund are identical. You can choose from the following
funds:
Liquid fund
The Liquid fund invests 100% in bank deposits and high quality short-term money market
instruments. The fund is designed to be cash secure and has a very low level of risk; however
unit prices may occasionally go down due to the use of short-term money market instruments. At
The Secure Managed fund invests 100% in Government Securities and Bonds issued by
companies or other bodies with a high credit standing, however a small amount of working
capital may be invested in cash to facilitate the day-to-day running of the fund. This fund has a
Defensive Managed
15% to 30% of the Defensive Managed fund will be invested in high quality Indian equities. The
remainder will be invested in Government Securities and Bonds issued by companies or other
bodies with a high credit standing. In addition, a small amount of working capital may be
invested in cash to facilitate the day-to-day running of the fund. The fund has a moderate level of
risk with the opportunity to earn higher returns in the long term from some equity investment.
30% to 60% of the Balanced Managed fund will be invested in high quality Indian equities. The
remainder will be invested in Government Securities and Bonds issued by companies or other
bodies with a high credit standing. In addition a small amount of working capital may be
invested in cash to facilitate the day-to-day running of the fund. The fund has a higher level of
risk with the opportunity to earn higher returns in the long term from the higher proportion it
Growth fund
The Growth fund invests 100% in high quality Indian equities. In addition a small amount of
working capital may be invested in cash to facilitate the day-to-day running of the fund. The
fund has a higher level of risk with the opportunity to earn higher returns in the long term from
The past performance of any of the funds is not necessarily an indication of future performance.
None of the funds participate in the profits of HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company Limited
Switching of funds.
You can switch your existing investments from your any of your unit linked funds, to any other
available unit linked fund. You can also give us a premium redirection instruction to redirect
The Maturity Benefit will pay the value of the unit-linked fund at the end of the policy
term.
The Death Benefit will pay the basic Sum Assured on death of the life assured during the
policy term. Following payment of this benefit, no further premiums are due from the
policyholder.
Following a valid death claim, we will pay future premiums on your behalf, as and when
they become due. The level of premium will be that chosen by you at inception of the
policy.
This option consists of a Maturity Benefit, a Death Benefit and an Extra Health Benefit.
The Maturity Benefit will pay the value of the unit-linked fund at the end of the policy
term.
The Death Benefit will pay the basic Sum Assured on death of the life assured during the
policy term. Following payment of this benefit, no further premiums are due from the
policyholder and the Extra Health Benefit will lapse without value.
The Extra Health Benefit will pay the basic sum assured on diagnosis of any one of six
critical illnesses during the policy term. Following payment of this benefit, no further
premiums are due from the policyholder and the Death Benefit will lapse without value.
The illnesses covered under this benefit are cancer, coronary artery by pass graft
surgery, heart attack, kidney failure, major organ transplant (as recipient) and
stroke.
Following a valid death or critical illness claim, we will pay future premiums on your
behalf, as and when they become due. The level of premium will be that chosen by you at
The unit linked endowment plan is an insurance policy that is designed to pay a lump sum on
maturity or on earlier death. The Unit Linked Endowment Plan also gives the option of
additional protection against the six common critical illnesses, as well as additional protection if
Your premiums are invested in units of the investment fund of your choice, based on the
prevailing unit price. On maturity you receive the value of your units. On death (or critical
illness, if chosen) you receive the greater of the value of your units and your selected basic sum
assured.
Premiums
You agree to pay a level premium regularly, either quarterly, half-yearly or annually, throughout
the term of the policy. The minimum premium amount is Rs. 10,000 each year.
To facilitate increased investment, we allow additional single premium top-ups at any time. The
The policy is fully unitised with a range of funds to match your needs and approach to risk. (By
risk we mean the likely volatility in the value of units in the fund.)
Each investment fund is composed of units. All the units in a fund are identical. You can choose
Liquid fund
Defensive Managed
Balanced Managed
Growth fund
This option pays the same benefits as the Life Option but, should death occur within the policy
term as the result of an accident, an extra benefit equal to the Sum Assured will be paid.
This option pays the same benefits as the Life and Health Option but, should death occur within
the policy term as the result of an accident, an extra benefit equal to the Sum Assured will be
paid.
SURRENDERING THE POLICY
The policyholder can surrender the policy at any point of time during the contract term. The
amount payable will be the unitised fund value after applying additional surrender charges
mentioned below.
You can make lump sum withdrawals from you funds provided the fund balance after
withdrawal and charges does not fall below the Sum Assured. The minimum withdrawal amount
is Rs. 10,000.
Discontinuity of Premiums
This product has a grace period of 15 days for the payment of each premium after the initial
premium.
If you stop paying premiums, before you have paid 3 years of annual premiums, we will cancel
you policy and return to you the value of your unitised fund, less cancellation charges.
If, after three years, you are unable to pay the premiums, you have the option to make the policy
paid-up, provided the policy has accumulated sufficient policy value. Currently, this amount will
be Rs. 15,000.
If you make your policy paid up you will continue to be protected according to the benefits you
selected. To provide this cover, we will continue to collect our usual charges on each monthly
charge date. It is important to note that if no further premiums are paid, this may reduce the value
A paid-up policy can be reinstated to premium paying status at any point of time in the future.
If the fund value of a paid-up policy falls below Rs. 15,000 we will cancel the policy and return
Tax Benefits
Premiums paid under this plan are eligible for tax benefits under Section 88 of the Income Tax
Act, 1961.
Charges
A percentage of each premium is invested to buy units, this percentage is called the Investment
Content Rate.
The unit price each day will include a fund management charge. This charge is 0.80% of the
A flat fee of Rs 15 per month will be deducted by cancellation of units on each monthly charge
date. This will be proportioned across funds according to the fund holdings at the time of
cancellation of units.
Risk benefits (for death sum assured, critical illness, and accidental death) will be charged for by
cancelling units on each monthly charge date, based on the person’s age at that time.
We charge neither for premium redirections nor for switches but we may do so in the future.
We do not charge for altering the regular premium amount (including making a policy paid-up
On cancellation of the policy before 3 years of regular premiums have been paid, we will charge
Alteration to Charges
No changes can be made to our current charges without prior approval from the Insurance
In any case, the fund management charge will not exceed 2% per annum.
EXCLUSIONS
No benefit will be paid if the death has occurred directly or indirectly as a result of suicide within
one year from the date of first being covered under the policy.
Company does not pay health benefits if the critical illness has occurred within 6 months of the
Company may not pay health benefits if we do not receive a duly completed claim form within
26 weeks of the illness, disability, operation or other circumstances giving rise to the claim.
Company will not pay health benefits if the critical illness is caused directly or indirectly by any
of the following:
Alcohol or solvent abuse, or the taking of drugs except under the direction of a registered
medical practitioner.
War, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution
Taking part in any flying activity, other than as a passenger in a commercially licensed
aircraft.
Company will not pay accidental death benefit if death occurs after 90 days from the date of the
accident.
Company will not pay accidental death benefit if death is caused directly or indirectly from any
of the following:
Suicide within one year of the Date of Commencement or the date of issue of the Policy,
if later
Alcohol or solvent abuse, or the taking of drugs except under the direction of a registered
medical practitioner.
Taking part or practicing for any hazardous hobby, pursuit or race unless previously
agreed to by us in writing
War, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution
GENERAL INFORMATION
Unit Prices
The Co. set unit price of a fund by dividing the value of the assets in the fund at the valuation
time by the number of units in existence for the fund. The resulting price will be rounded to the
nearest Rs. 0.0001. The value of the assets will be calculated as the Market or Fair Value of the
fund’s Investments plus Current Assets (including accrued income) less Current Liabilities and
Provisions (including accrued expenses). This price will be published on our company’s website.
Prohibition of rebates
any person to take out or renew or continue an insurance in respect of any kind of risk
relating to lives or property in India, any rebate of the whole or part of the commission
payable or any rebate of the premium shown on the policy, nor shall any person taking
out or renewing or continuing a policy accept any rebate, except such rebate as may be
2. Any person making default in complying with the provisions of this section shall be
The unit linked pension plan is basically an insurance contract, which is designed to provide a
Your premiums are invested in units of the investment fund of your choice, based on the
prevailing unit price. On vesting the value of your units will be used to buy your retirement
benefits.
On earlier death, the beneficiary receives the value of your units plus a cash lump sum of Rs.
1,000.
Premiums
You agree to pay level premiums regularly, either quarterly, half-yearly or annually, throughout
the term of the policy or a single premium at the start of the policy. The minimum premium
amount for regular premium mode is Rs. 10,000 each year and for single premium, it is Rs.
25,000.
To facilitate increased investment, we allow additional single premium top-ups at any time. The
The policy is fully unitised with a range of funds to match your needs and approach to risk. (By
risk we mean the likely volatility in the value of units in the fund.) Each investment fund is
composed of units. All the units in a fund are identical. You can choose from the following
funds:
Liquid fund
Defensive Managed
Balanced Managed
Growth fund
Switching of funds.
You can switch your existing investments from your any of your unit linked funds, to any other
available unit linked fund. You can also give us a premium redirection instruction to redirect
Benefits
At the chosen vesting date, the unitised fund value will be available to secure pension benefits.
Subject to the prevailing regulations, part of this value can be taken in the form of a cash lump
sum and the rest converted to an annuity at the rate then offered by HDFC Standard Life.
Alternatively, if it is permitted by the prevailing regulations, the proceeds net of any cash lump
sum can be used to buy an annuity with any other insurance company who will accept such
business. The current maximum limit for any cash lump sum is one-third of the unitised fund
value on vesting.
On death the unitised fund value will be paid along with a cash lump sum of Rs. 1,000. The
beneficiary may use the proceeds to purchase pension benefits for the surviving spouse.
PROHIBITION OF REBATES
1. No person shall allow or offer to allow, either directly or indirectly, as an inducement to any
person to take out or renew or continue an insurance in respect of any kind of risk relating to
lives or property in India, any rebate of the whole or part of the commission payable or any
rebate of the premium shown on the policy, nor shall any person taking out or renewing or
continuing a policy accept any rebate, except such rebate as may be allowed in accordance with
Life Saver is designed to meet your specific long-term saving needs such as education and
wedding costs for your children, with the added reassurance of life cover to meet those costs in
the unfortunate event of your death before the policy matures. lifesaver ensures availability of a
lump sum fund to you on your survival at the end of the policy term.
Lifesaver provides cover against death as well as accidental death/disability or critical illness.
Lifesaver can be purchased on any life between 18 to 65 years and for any term subject to a
minimum of 5 years and the age of the insured not exceeding 70 years at maturity. However, for
The minimum premium is As.3, 500 for yearly, As.2, 000 for half-yearly, As.1, 000 for quarterly
On payment of each premium, units are allocated to the unit account at the purchase price of the
unit at the date of allocation. Policy value is determined by multiplying the total number of initial
and accumulation units held in the unit account by the selling price of the unit. The units
purchased with the first year's premium are called Initial Units and units purchased with second
and subsequent years' premium and additional single premiums are called Accumulation Units.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS
PREMIER LIFE
You can choose a specified level of protection according to your need. Parat of the contribution
paid is adjusted towards mortality and administrative charges and the rest is invested in the
investment option of your choice. Entry into the plan will be based on the unit value of the
investment option at theta time. Your policy value is based on the value of units slated to you.
How do I start?
Asset Allocation
Allocation of Premium
Premium Range 1st Year 2nd and 3rd Year
Rs. 60,000 – Rs.4,99,999 87% 96%
Rs. 5,00,000 and above 89 % 96 %
Invest Assure; a unique, flexible insurance plan combines the security of a life insurance policy
with the opportunity to exploit the upside of market returns. (However with increased
investment volatility)
Gives you the flexibility to choose your fund based on your risk comfort.
Enables you to enjoy market-linked returns with a potential for higher growth
Brings you additional income on funds that might have otherwise given you minimum returns in
1f How does the Life Maker Unit Linked Investment Plan work?
In the Life Maker TM unit linked plan; the premiums you pay are invested in funds offered by
us. The appropriate ratio of investments into these funds will be determined by you in
consultation with your Agent Advisor. These funds are invested in assets such as equities, money
market instruments, investment grade corporate bonds, and government securities. These funds
offer a wide range of returns. You can choose to invest your premiums in one or more of these
In turn, we issue units, which represent the value of your policy Le. you can "see" the value of
your policy on any day by multiplying the number of your units by the value of units on that day.
The value of these units is called the Net Asset Value (or NAV) and is normally published in
newspapers on a daily basis. The NAV is based on the market value of the underlying
investments in that fund Le. equities, company bonds, government securities, etc.
Types of Funds
Secure Fund - invests 100% in high quality fixed income securities issued by the Government
of India, or companies or other bodies corporate with a high credit rating. This fund will have
Government of India or companies or other bodies corporate with a high credit rating. A small
portion of the fund, not exceeding 15%, may be invested in high quality Indian equity stocks.
This fund will have a low to moderate level of risk and return.
Balanced Fund - invests in both high quality fixed income securities issued by the Government
of India or companies or other bodies corporate with high credit rating, as well as in high quality
Indian equity stocks. However, the investment in equities will not exceed 40% of the size of the
fund. This fund will have a moderate level of risk and return.
Growth Fund - invests largely in high quality Indian equity stocks. A small portion of the fund
may be invested in high quality fixed income securities issued by the Government of India or
companies or other bodies corporate with high credit rating. This fund will have a moderate to
The Allianz Bajaj Unit Gain comes with a host of features to allow you to have the best of all
at any time.
Provision for full/ partial withdrawals any time after three full years premiums are paid.
a) Equity Bond – This fund provides the scope of high appreciation over a long term. The fund will
primarily invest in equities & is expected to match returns given by NSE NIFTY. This fund will
b) Debt Fund – This fund provides the scope for steady returns at low risk through investment in
high quality fixed income securities. This fund will be invested fully in debt instruments.
c) Balanced Fund – The balanced fund is primarily for those who prefer a mix of steady returns &
growth. The balanced fund will invest 30% to 50% in the equity fund and 50% to 70% in the
debt fund.
d) Cash Fund – The cash fund will invest conservatively in money market & short-term
investments to ensure that return on investments shall never be negative. 100% of this fund will
be invested in money market instruments. The price of the units in this fund is guaranteed never
to go down.
KOTAK FLEXI PLAN
An investment cum insurance plan that can be customized to meet your constantly evolving
needs. While on one hand it lets you decide the amount of insurance cover that you want, on the
other hand, it invests a portion of the premium in the capital markets to ensure that your money
At the same time the plan ensures that you have enough flexibility to meet your financial
objectives of savings and protection, both through this single plan. The plan gives you the option
to add lump sum injections, when you want. And what’s more it cover, you the flexibility to
Plan Description
When you invest in the plan, you have the flexibility to choose the portion of your money that
should go towards providing your insurance cover, and the portion should go towards the
investment corpus.
Maturity Benefit:- You have the option to choose the sum assured that you would want on
maturity. This sum assured would be referred to as the maturity sum assured or SA–1. Portion of
the premium corresponding to this amount would be referred to as the investment premium or
P1.
On maturity, you would event of death of the life insured, the beneficiary would receive SA2
Death Benefit:- The plans offer you the flexibility to decide the amount of insurance cover that
you want. The amount of insurance cover selected would be referred to as the insurance sum
assured or SA2. Portion of the premium corresponding to SA2 would be referred to as the
In the unfortunate event of death of the life insured, the beneficiary would receive SA2 plus the
Money Market Fund – The fund seeks to provide reasonable returns commensurate with low
risk through investments in money market instruments such as treasury bills, commercial paper,
Floating Rate Fund – The fund seeks to deliver returns in line with the market interest rate,
Gilt Fund – The fund seeks to generate returns through investments primarily in government
securities. The fund gives you an option to invest in zero credit risk Central Government
Bond Fund – The fund seeks to generate returns from a portfolio constituted primarily of high
Balanced Fund – The fund seeks to achieve steady income and capital appreciation from a
Growth Fund – The fund seeks to achieve capital appreciation through investments in listed
equity and equity – related investments. Securities will be enhanced through holdings in highly
It fulfills an existing Mkt. Demand & combines Retirement Benefits with U.L. Benefits
Features:-
6) 4 Switches free in a yr & Rs. 100 per switch over thereafter.
10) Add to your fund any time & any amount in multiple of 1000 only.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
“The research design is the conceptual structure with in which research is conducted it
consist the blue print of the collection measurement and analysis of data.”
In that project the research design was adopted for the “Descriptive research study” the
exploratory research studies are also termed as formulate research studies. The main purpose of
such studies is that of formulating a problem for more precise investigation or of developing the
The main purpose of the study was to tell the consumer perception in ‘A . The major
emphasis was on the discovery of the ideas and opinions of the consumers at different levels in
Two methods that are used for the study are:
SAMPLE DESIGN
A sample design is a definite plan for obtaining a sample from a given population. It
refers to the technique or the procedure the researcher would adopt in selecting items for the
every item or the universe has equal chance or inclusion in the sample because this is
Consumers’ Perception survey, so we give each person at any place an equal probability of
DATA COLLECTION
TYPES OF DATA
1. Primary data: These data’s are those which are collected for the first time and therefore original
in nature.
2. Secondary data: Data, which have already been collected by someone else and hence
DATA SOURCE
For the collection of the primary data following methods were used:
1. Interview method: Personal interviews of the customers are taken at different levels to get their
2. Questionnaire method: Structured questionnaire on the basis of information collected from
different sources. The questionnaire contains both open and ended questions.
c. Magazines
d. Websites
DATA APPROACHES
Questionnaire
Focus Group
Observation
Direct Method
MECHANICAL INSTRUMENT:
Telephonic Method
POPULATION:
Sampling Unit: Comparative Study between Birla Sun life & Other Insurance Companies
Telephone
Graph
FINDING & ANALYSIS
Question 1- Given a choice you would prefer to invest in?
Interpretation: Mostly people are interested in investing in FDs, Post office schemes, NSS and
Very few are i.e. 12.7% interested in investment in Insurance
Question 2-How much of your income would you like to invest in insurance annually?
S.No. 1 2 3 4
Income group 1000-5000 6000-10000 11000-20000 20000&above
Percentage 36.3 39.2 12.7 11.8
Interpretation: Around 40% of respondents are willing to invest in insurance between Rs 6000-
Rs 10000. annually. 36.3% people are ready to invest between Rs 1000 to Rs 5000 and very few
are willing to invest in insurance above Rs10000 annually.
Question 3- While taking insurance plan how you rate the following?
Interpretation: According to the rating, it has been found that people take insurance basically
for risk coverage i.e. 19.3% and secondly in order to get tax benefits i.e.. 23.7%, followed by
savings i.e.24.7% and very few think it for investment Options.
Question 4- In future, which life insurance plans you will prefer?
S.No. 1 2 3 4 5
PLANS Pension Plan Protection Saving Plan Investment ULIP
Plan Plan
PERCENTAG 55% 12% 8% 21% 4%
E
Interpretation : The graph indicates that 55% of people will like to go for Pension Plan in
future as most of them want to make their future secure . Very few people are aware of Unit Link
Plans and would like to invest in them one of the reason for this can be lack of information about
such Plans.
Insured 93%
Not Insured 7%
Interpretation : The above diagram represent that 93% of people are covered under life
insurance while 7% are still not insured.
Ques.6. Which Birla Sun Life Scheme does you have?
S. No. 1 2 3
Plan Health Retirement Life
Percentage 10% 22% 68%
Interpretation: On the basis of above analysis it has been concluded that around 68% of the
policy holders are having life plan, 22% of them are having Retirement plan and rest of them are
having the health plan.
Question.7. Which plan of Birla Sun Life attract the Investor?
Option Percentage
Yes 72
No 28
Interpretation: On the basis of the analysis it has been concluded that around 72%of the people
are satisfied with plan they and rest if them are not satisfied.
Ques.8. Are you satisfied with the services provided by the company regarding new plans
and schemes?
Option Percentage
Yes 82
No 18
Option Percentage
Yes 67
No 33
Interpretation: On the basis of the above
interested.
Ques.10. Have you any other Insurance Plan apart from BSLI?
Option Percentage
Yes 72
No 28
Interpretation: On the basis of the
S. No. 1 2 3 4 5
Company LIC BSLI BAJAJ ICICI OTHER
ALLIANZ
Percentage 60 12 11 8 9
Option Percentage
Yes 82
No 18
Interpretation: On the basis of the above
of them don’t.
1 LIC 72.5%
2 HDFC- Std Life Insurance 3.9%
3 ICICI 10.8%
4 Birla Sun Life 1%
5 Tata AIG 1%
6 Max New York Life 4.9%
7 No Response 5.9%
Interpretation : While LIC still remains the undisputed leader with a commanding share of
72.5%.LIC is beginning to feel the pinch of a gradual warning of market share from 100%three
years ago. Knocked by competition from private players it is making serious changes in its
marketing strategies.
Question 14 - From where did you get the information about the policy?.
Interpretation: Friends and relatives play a significant role in influencing the individual’s
decision regarding going for life insurance policy, followed by advisors or financial consultants
then media and others.
CONCLUSION
Over the past three years, around 40 companies have expressed interest in entering the sector and
many foreign and Indian companies have arranged anticipatory alliances. The threat of new
players taking over the market has been overplayed. As is witnessed in other countries where
liberalization took place in recent years we can safely conclude that nationalized players will
continue to hold strong market share positions, but there will be enough business for new
entrants to be profitable.
Opening up the sector will certainly mean new products, better packaging and improved
customer service. Both new and existing players will have to explore new distribution and
marketing channels. Potential buyers for most of this insurance lie in the middle class. New
insurers must segment the market carefully to arrive at appropriate products and pricing.
Recognizing the potential, in the past three years, the nationalized insurers have already begun to
Given the industry’s huge requirement of start-up capital, the initial years after opening up are
bound to see a strong inflow of foreign capital. Substantial shift in the distribution of insurance
in India is likely to take place. Many of these changes will echo international trends. Worldwide,
insurance products move along a continuum from pure service products to pure commodity
products. Initially, insurance is seen as a complex product with a high advice and service
component. Buyers prefer a face-to-face interaction and place a high premium on brand names
and reliability.
Finally, some potential Indian entrants into insurance hope to ride their existing distribution
networks and customer bases. For example financial organizations like ICICI, HDFC or BIRLA
intend to tap the thousands of customers who already buy their deposits, consumer loans or
housing finance. Other hopeful entrants anticipate specific alliances such as with hospitals to
SUGGESTIONS
1. To address mass is cheaper. Thus sponsoring the events conducted by CII, FICCI, PHD Chamber
of commerce and other such renowned organizations could be fruitful. Along with these certain
2. Increasing awareness level by increasing number of hoarding in prime areas such as Bank Square
3. There should be no upper limits for CFC's under a BDM because as competition goes companies
4. Measures to build faith among people about corporate BIRLA SUN LIE INSURANCE must be
taken on accounts of its reliability, credibility, responsibility, sincerity and the long lasting
establishment.
5. Since all the riders attached with any of its products is along with a slight increment in the
premium rates, as such a few cost free riders should be designed to attract more customers.
6. Put up ATM's in different areas so that premium can be collected across the country.
7. There should be a particular. Product, which can be termed as Fixed Deposit Insurance product,
where life insurance policy can act as a fixed deposit for the customer, which can be encashed
8. The agent should not only be provided with training at time of section but they should also be
given refresher training periodically. As the agents find training a step to be selected as an agent
of the company, the agent should be provided the knowledge about all the cheques. It increase
their professionalism make them more competitive. Every year the agents should be given the
10. As the most important media to increase the sate, the agent should be provided with more and
11. The company should also make effort in advertisement through city Cable Channel as wide is
12. The company should cover various risks in one policy with same premium.
LIMITATIONS
Some of the respondents were not cooperative.
The reliability and scope of survey greatly relies on the cooperation of the respondents.
BIBILIOGRAPHY
BOOKS-
MAGAZINES
India Today
Business World
Money
Business Week
INTERNET
www.birlasunlife.com
www.birlasunlifeinsurance.com
QUESTIONNAIRE
Question 2-How much of your income would you like to invest in insurance annually?
S.No. 1 2 3 4
Income group 1000-5000 6000-10000 11000-20000 20000&above
Tick
Question 3- While taking insurance plan how you rate the following?
S.No Purpose of Insurance Tick
.
1 Tax Benefits
2 Investment
3 Saving
4 Risk
Question 4- In future, which life insurance plans you will prefer?
S.No. 1 2 3 4 5
PLANS Pension Plan Protection Saving Plan Investment ULIP
Plan Plan
Tick
Option Tick
Insured
Not Insured
Option Tick
Yes
No
Ques.8. Are you satisfied with the services provided by the company regarding new plans
and schemes?
Option Tick
Yes
No
Option Tick
Yes
No
Ques.10. Have you any other Insurance Plan apart from BSLI?
Option Tick
Yes
No
S. No. 1 2 3 4 5
Company LIC BSLI BAJAJ ICICI OTHER
ALLIANZ
Tick
12. ANY SUGGESIONS:
1………………………………………………………..
2………………………………………………………..
3………………………………………………………..
Name: ----------------------------------------------------------
Address/Phone No:
--------------------------------------------
Age -------------------------------------------------------------