---
title: "What Is Nonforfeiture Options? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "Nonforfeiture options are choices a permanent policy owner has if premiums stop. They let the owner keep some value, such as cash, reduced paid-up..."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/nonforfeiture-options
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Policy mechanics

# Nonforfeiture Options

Nonforfeiture options are choices a permanent policy owner has if premiums stop. They let the owner keep some value, such as cash, reduced paid-up coverage, or extended term coverage.

## Why it matters

State law requires these protections in most permanent policies after the policy has built cash value. Cash surrender returns money but ends coverage. Reduced paid-up keeps a smaller policy with no more payments. Extended term keeps the full amount for a limited time. The default option is named in the policy. Pick the one that fits your goals.

Source: [naic.org](https://content.naic.org/consumer/life-insurance.htm)

[Read next, for familiesWhole life insurance: how cash value works, what it costs, and who it fits](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/life-insurance/whole-life)

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