Group Life Policy Feature Checklist
What to confirm in a group life policy — what's standard, what's often limited, and what to add if needed — plus the gap most often missed.
Pull out your current group life certificate or plan summary and check the box next to each feature you can confirm it includes — anything unchecked is worth a quick conversation with your advisor.
Tick each feature you can confirm your policy includes — anything left unticked is a good question for your next policy review.
| Confirm? | Policy feature | What to confirm | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Group Term Life | Employer-paid life coverage for eligible employees — confirm the benefit amount for each class. | Standard | |
| AD&D | Pays an added benefit for accidental death or dismemberment. | Standard | |
| Waiver of Premium | Keeps coverage for employees who become disabled — confirm age limits and definitions. | Standard | |
| Conversion & Portability | Lets departing employees keep coverage — notices must go out on time. | Standard | |
| Guaranteed Issue Amount | Amounts above it need evidence of insurability — confirm the level. | Often limited | |
| Evidence of Insurability Process | Deductions without approved coverage have led to liability — track every approval. | Often limited | |
| Age Reductions | Benefits often drop at 65 and 70 — confirm the schedule and tell employees. | Often limited | |
| Supplemental / Voluntary Life | Lets employees buy more — confirm the maximum and EOI rules. | If needed | |
| Spouse & Child Life | Dependent coverage — taxable if employer-paid above $2,000. | If needed | |
| Imputed Income Reporting | Employer-paid coverage over $50,000 is taxable to the employee and must be reported. | If needed |
The gap most often missed in this coverage
The gap most often missed in group life is evidence of insurability. Supplemental amounts above the guaranteed issue level need carrier approval, but payroll often starts deducting premiums anyway — and when an employee dies, the claim can be denied. Courts have allowed beneficiaries to pursue the employer for the lost benefit, and the Labor Department reached a settlement over 200+ such denials. Hold deductions until approval, notify employees of denials, and reconcile enrollment with billing regularly.
Send us the checklist and we'll review your group life coverage line by line, then market it across multiple carriers that compete for your account.
Related: Group Life Insurance Plans · Group Life Supplemental (apply) · All coverage checklists
Frequently asked questions
What should a group life policy include?
Standard features to confirm in a group life policy include Basic Group Term Life, AD&D, Waiver of Premium, Conversion & Portability. This checklist also flags the features that are often limited or sublimited and the ones to add if needed, with a plain-English note on each.
Is this checklist insurance advice?
No. It is a free educational tool to help you have a more informed conversation with a licensed professional. It affords no coverage and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice — only your actual policy language governs what is and isn't covered.
Can Cory Washington & Co. review my group life coverage?
Yes. Share your checklist and we'll review your program line by line, market your account across multiple carriers, and explain the trade-offs in plain English. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
This checklist is a free educational tool from Cory Washington & Co. to help you review your own coverage and have a more informed conversation with a licensed insurance professional. It is general information only — not insurance, legal, or financial advice, and not a recommendation to buy, change, or cancel any policy. Coverage terms, availability, limits, and requirements vary by policy, carrier, and state, and only the language in your actual policy governs what is and isn’t covered. Checking or leaving blank any item above does not indicate that you are adequately insured or under-insured. Using this checklist does not create a client, agency, or fiduciary relationship. Always consult a licensed professional about your specific situation.