Dividend

In the context of life insurance, a "Dividend" (often referred to as a Policyowner Dividend) is a payment made to the policyholders of participating policies from the insurer's surplus profits. Participating policies are typically whole life insurance policies that are eligible to receive dividends, which are not guaranteed and depend on the insurance company's financial performance, including investment earnings, mortality rates, and expenses.

Dividends can be used in several ways according to the policyholder's choice:

1. Cash Payments: The policyholder can opt to receive dividends as cash payouts, which can be taken as income or used however the policyholder wishes.
2. Premium Reduction: Dividends can be applied toward reducing the premium payments, making the insurance policy more affordable for the policyholder.
3. Accumulate with Interest: Policyholders may choose to leave dividends with the insurer to accumulate at a specified interest rate, enhancing the policy's cash value over time.
4. Purchase Additional Insurance: Dividends can be used to purchase paid-up additional insurance, increasing both the death benefit and the policy's cash value without requiring further underwriting.
5. Repay Policy Loans: If the policyholder has taken a loan against the policy's cash value, dividends can be used to repay the loan balance and interest.

Dividends are a feature of mutual insurance companies, where the policyholders are considered part-owners of the company and thus share in its profits. However, some stock insurance companies that issue participating policies may also pay dividends. The payment of dividends reflects the company's financial strength and efficiency in managing its operations and investments.