What Happens When You Stop Paying Life Insurance? 
Life insurance is a contract . Term life insurance is a contract based on the exchange of premiums for coverage . If you stop paying premiums and youre past the reinstatement period , youve lost coverage and may be required to re-qualify for coverage . Permanent forms of life insurance with accumulated cash values may be able to sustain the policy without premiums for a time . To determine if your policy will continue without payments , order an in force ledger from your company . In your request for an in force ledger , ask them to illustrate the nonpayment of premiums under current policy expenses . This will give you an idea how long the policy will stay in force . 