What Are Surrender Charges In A Fixed Annuity?

A fixed annuity is an insurance contract in which the insurer agrees to make periodic payments to the annuitant, starting immediately or later. The payments are usually made for several years or until the annuity owner dies.

The key feature of a fixed annuity is that it guarantees both your principal investment and your interest rate. This means that no matter what happens with market conditions, you’re guaranteed to receive a set payment each period.

With a fixed annuity, one thing to be aware of is that there may be surrender charges if you withdraw money from the account before the contract period ends. Surrender charges are penalties assessed by the insurer for early withdrawal, ranging from 5% to 10% of your account value.

Understanding Fixed Annuities

Fixed annuities are financial products offered by insurance companies and designed to provide a steady stream of income for a specified period or for life. They are a type of annuity in which you make a lump-sum payment or a series of payments to an insurance company. In return, the insurance company promises to pay you a fixed amount of money regularly, typically monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of fixed annuities:

1. Principal Protection: With a fixed annuity, your initial investment (the principal) is generally protected. This means that regardless of market conditions, you won’t lose the money you put into the annuity. The insurance company guarantees the safety of your principal.
2. Guaranteed Interest Rate: Fixed annuities offer a fixed, predetermined interest rate that is typically higher than what you can get from traditional savings accounts or certificates of deposit (CDs). The insurance company sets this interest rate at the time of purchase and remains constant for a specific period, often several years.
3. Income Payments: You can choose when to start receiving income payments from your fixed annuity. The most common options are immediate annuities, which begin payments shortly after you make the initial investment, and deferred annuities, which allow your money to grow for a specific period before income payments start.
4. Income Period: The income period for a fixed annuity can be for a fixed number of years or the rest of your life. Select the income period that best suits your financial needs and goals.
5. Tax-Deferred Growth: Earnings on your fixed annuity are tax-deferred, meaning you won’t owe taxes on the interest until you start receiving income payments. This can provide a tax advantage, especially if you’re in a higher tax bracket during your working years.
6. Surrender Period: Fixed annuities often come with a surrender period, during which you may face penalties or surrender charges if you withdraw funds from an annuity before the end of the contract term. These surrender charges gradually decrease over time.
7. No Market Risk: Fixed annuities do not expose you to market risk, unlike variable annuities, which are tied to the performance of underlying investments. Your returns are based solely on the predetermined interest rate offered by the insurance company.
8. Inheritance: You can typically choose a beneficiary who will receive the remaining value of your annuity if you pass away before exhausting the income payments. This provides a degree of inheritance protection.
9. Fees: While fixed annuities generally have lower fees than variable annuities, it’s essential to understand the fee structure, including any administrative fees or charges associated with riders or optional features.

What Are Annuity Surrender Charges?

Annuity surrender charges, also known as surrender fees or withdrawal charges, are penalties imposed by insurance companies if you surrender your annuity before the end of a specified surrender period. These charges are intended to discourage early withdrawals and protect the insurance company from the costs of setting up and managing the annuity contract.

Here are some key points to understand about annuity surrender charges:

1. Surrender Period: Annuity contracts typically have a surrender period, a predetermined duration during which surrender charges apply. Standard surrender periods can range from three to ten years, but they can vary depending on the specific annuity contract and insurance company.
2. Charge Structure: The surrender charge structure can vary among annuity contracts. It may be a flat fee, a percentage of the amount withdrawn, or a combination of both. For example, you might face a 7% surrender charge on withdrawals made during the first year, decreasing by 1% each year until it reaches zero after the seventh year.
3. Reducing Over Time: One common feature of surrender charges is that they decrease gradually over the surrender period. For example, a 7% charge in the first year might decrease to 6% in the second year, 5% in the third year, and so on, until it reaches zero.
4. Exceptions: Some annuity contracts allow for penalty-free withdrawals up to a certain percentage of the contract value each year, typically around 10%. These are known as free withdrawal provisions, and they are not subject to surrender charges.
5. Purpose: Surrender penalties encourage investors to keep their money in the annuity for the long term, as annuities are often meant to be long-term financial tools. 
6. Impact on Returns: Surrender charges can significantly affect the overall return on your annuity if you need to make early withdrawals. 
7. Exceptions to Charges: In certain circumstances, surrender charges may be waived or reduced, such as the annuity holder’s death or specific hardship situations. 

Working with a fixed annuity agent can help ensure you fully understand the pros and cons of the annuity contract terms. We help our clients learn how to avoid a surrender charge before they buy an annuity.

How Do Surrender Charges Work In A Fixed Annuity?

When you purchase a fixed annuity, you enter into a contract with the insurance company. One aspect of this contract is the surrender charge, a fee that may be assessed if you withdraw money from the annuity before a specific period. 

Surrender charges help protect the insurance company against potential losses if policyholders withdraw their funds too soon. The surrender charge is typically a percentage of the amount withdrawn and usually decreases over time.

For example, the surrender charge maybe 10% in the first year, 9% in the second year, and so on until it reaches 0% after a certain number of years. Considering the surrender charge before committing to a fixed annuity is essential, as it can deter you from accessing your money when needed. 

Talk with Integrity Now Insurance Brokers to learn how to receive money from an annuity without incurring a surrender charge. Our annuity experts may be able to find may be able to locate a contract provision that allows the annuity provider to waive surrender charges.

How to Avoid Surrender Charges In A Fixed Index Annuity

Annuity buyers need to learn about all the fees they may face if they withdraw money from their annuity before age 59. This is where having an independent annuity expert in your back pocket helps protect you from surrender charges and tax penalties.

Avoiding surrender charges in a fixed index annuity requires careful consideration of various factors and strategies.

Here are nine ways to obtain funds from an annuity without a surrender charge:

1. Understand the Surrender Period
2. Utilize the Free Withdrawal Provisions
3. Take Partial Withdrawals up to the allowable amount
4. Wait Until the Surrender Period Ends
5. Utilize Fixed Account Options within a Fixed Index Annuity
6. Ask a Fixed Annuity Agent If A 1035 Exchange is an Option
7. Select a Shorter Surrender Period
8. Consult with a Qualified Annuities Expert

The Impact of Surrender Charges On Your Annuity Investment

Surrender charges can significantly impact your annuity investment, affecting various aspects of your financial strategy. Let’s delve into each of these points to understand the implications better:

1. Surrender Charges Decrease the Value of Your Annuity: Surrender charges reduce the amount you receive if you need to withdraw funds from your annuity before the end of the surrender period. This decrease in value can significantly impact your overall return on the investment.
2. They Make It More Difficult to Access Your Annuity Funds When Needed: Surrender charges discourage early withdrawals, making it more challenging to access your annuity funds in case of unexpected financial needs. This lack of liquidity can be a drawback for those requiring more investment flexibility.
3. They Increase the Cost of Your Annuity: Surrender charges essentially add to the cost of owning an annuity. These charges are an expense that you may incur if you ever need to access your money before the surrender period ends.
4. They Decrease Your Returns From the Start: Surrender charges are applied from the beginning of the annuity contract, reducing the initial return on your investment. This can impact your ability to achieve your financial goals.
5. They May Prevent You From Investing in an Annuity at All: Surrender charges might deter some individuals from investing in annuities altogether, especially if they require more liquidity or have concerns about potential penalties.
6. They Increase Your Risk of Running Out of Money in Retirement: If you face unexpected expenses or changes in your financial situation and cannot access your annuity funds without incurring surrender charges, it could prematurely deplete your retirement savings.
7. They May Cause You to Lose Out on Interest Rate Increases: Annuity contracts typically offer fixed interest rates or rates tied to market performance. Surrender charges can discourage you from moving to a new annuity with a higher interest rate, potentially causing you to miss out on better returns.
8. They May Cause You to Miss Out on Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits: Some annuities offer lifetime withdrawal benefits, which can provide guaranteed income in retirement. Surrender charges might deter you from exercising this valuable feature if you need to access your funds.
9. They May Prevent You from Benefiting From Stock Market Growth: Fixed index annuities often provide exposure to stock market gains without the risk of market losses. Surrender charges could discourage you from staying invested in an annuity, potentially causing you to miss market growth opportunities.
10. They May Cause You to Miss Out on Bonus Deposits: Some annuities offer bonus deposits to incentivize initial investments. Surrender charges might dissuade you from taking advantage of these bonuses, which can impact the overall growth of your annuity.

Why Are There Surrender Charges?

Surrender charges exist in financial products like annuities, primarily to benefit the insurance company that issues the annuity.

Here are the main reasons why surrender charges are imposed:

1. Cost Recovery: Annuities involve significant administrative and marketing costs for insurance companies. These costs include commissions paid to agents who sell the annuities, underwriting expenses, and administrative overhead. Surrender charges help the insurance company recoup some of these upfront expenses over time.
2. Risk Mitigation: Insurance companies rely on the long-term nature of annuities to manage their investments effectively. Policyholders withdrawing their funds early disrupts the insurance company’s investment strategy. Surrender charges help deter early withdrawals, ensuring a stable pool of assets for the insurance company to invest.
3. Aligning Interests: Surrender charges align the interests of the policyholder and insurance companies’ interests. By discouraging policyholders from withdrawing their funds prematurely, insurance companies can better match their investment duration with the expected duration of their liabilities.
4. Subsidizing Higher Commissions: Some annuities offer agents higher commissions, often at the expense of longer surrender charge periods. Surrender charges help fund these higher commissions, incentivizing agents to sell these annuities.
5. Encouraging Long-Term Commitment: Annuities are designed to be long-term financial instruments, often used for retirement planning. Surrender charges encourage policyholders to commit to the long-term nature of annuities and discourage them from treating the annuity as a short-term investment.
6. Supporting Competitive Pricing: Insurance companies compete to offer policyholders attractive interest rates and features. To do so, they often need to manage their expenses effectively. Surrender charges allow insurance companies to provide more competitive terms on their annuity contracts.
7. Enhancing Predictability: For insurance companies, surrender charges provide predictability in managing their cash flow and investments. This predictability helps them maintain financial stability and meet their obligations to policyholders.

While surrender charges can be seen as a drawback for policyholders, they are not inherently negative. They serve a purpose in the financial marketplace by allowing insurance companies to provide annuity products with attractive features, competitive rates, and long-term sustainability.

Annuities are meant to be long-term investments like a 401k and IRA.  

What Is A Surrender Charge Schedule?

A surrender charge schedule is a critical component of fixed annuity contracts, outlining the fees or penalties policyholders may incur if they withdraw funds from the annuity before a specified surrender period ends. The schedule provides a timeline for gradually reducing these charges over time.

Here’s a more detailed explanation of understanding surrender charge fee schedule:

1. Surrender Charges: These charges are typically expressed as a percentage of the amount withdrawn or as a flat fee. The percentage often decreases yearly until it reaches zero at the end of the surrender period.
2. Surrender Period: The surrender period is a predetermined duration during which the surrender charges apply. The length of the surrender period is a significant factor in determining the structure and severity of the surrender charges.
3. Gradual Reduction: The key feature of a surrender charge schedule is the gradual reduction of charges over time. This allows policyholders more flexibility as they continue to hold the annuity. 
4. Impact on Withdrawals: The surrender charge schedule directly impacts the amount of money you receive if you decide to withdraw from your annuity before the end of the surrender period. The charges are subtracted from your withdrawal amount, reducing the funds you can access.
5. Exceptions: Some annuity contracts offer exceptions or waivers to surrender charges in certain circumstances. For instance, the insurance company may waive the charges if the annuity holder passes away, is diagnosed with a terminal illness, or faces financial hardship. These exceptions can provide flexibility and relief for policyholders facing unforeseen situations.
6. Free Withdrawal Provisions: Certain annuity contracts contain provisions allowing policyholders to withdraw their contract value each year without paying surrender charges. This feature can be helpful for individuals who need occasional access to their funds.

Understanding the surrender charge schedule is crucial when evaluating an annuity contract. It influences your ability to access your money and can significantly impact the overall return on your investment.

Before purchasing an annuity, carefully review the terms and conditions of the contract, including the surrender charge schedule, to ensure that it aligns with your financial goals and investment horizon.

Consulting with an insurance professional can provide further guidance in making an informed decision based on your needs.

What Happens To A Fixed Annuity At The End Of The Surrender Period?

At the end of the surrender period of a fixed annuity, several options become available to the annuity holder, and the annuity’s characteristics may change. Here’s what typically happens after the surrender period:

1. Surrender Charges End: The most immediate change is that surrender charges cease to apply. Once the surrender period ends, you can withdraw from the annuity without incurring any surrender charges or penalties. This provides you with more flexibility to access your money.
2. Full Liquidity: You can access your annuity’s accumulated value at the end of the surrender period. You can withdraw any amount, in part or full, without facing any surrender charges. This can be useful if you need to access your funds for financial needs, investments, or any other purpose.
3. Income Options: Depending on the terms of your annuity contract, you may have various income options. These options may include annuitization, where you receive a guaranteed income stream for life or a specified period, or you can continue to let your funds grow tax-deferred.
4. Renewal or Rollover: Some annuity contracts have provisions that allow you to renew or rollover your annuity into a new contract with different terms. This can be an opportunity to adjust your investment strategy, select a new surrender period, or take advantage of improved features or interest rates.
5. Tax Implications: It’s essential to be aware of the tax implications when you reach the end of the surrender period. Any interest or gains may be subject to income tax if you withdraw funds. However, annuities also offer tax advantages, such as tax-deferred growth, which can continue after the surrender period ends.
6. Beneficiary Options: If you pass away and have designated a beneficiary, the annuity’s terms may specify how the remaining value of the annuity will be distributed to your beneficiary. Some annuities offer options for beneficiaries to receive a death benefit or continue the annuity in their name.
7. Evaluation and Decision: As the surrender period ends, it’s an excellent time to reassess your financial goals and decide on the best action for your annuity. You might continue with the existing annuity, explore other investment options, or begin taking income payments.

Can I Surrender An Annuity Without Being Charged A Penalty?

You may sometimes surrender an annuity without incurring surrender charges or penalties.

Here are some scenarios where you might avoid these charges:

1. Free Withdrawal Provisions: Many annuity contracts include provisions for penalty-free withdrawals. These provisions allow you to withdraw a certain percentage of your annuity’s contract value each year without incurring surrender charges. This free withdrawal is typically around 10% of the contract value. Be sure to check your specific annuity contract to understand the terms and limits of free withdrawals.
2. End of Surrender Period: As discussed earlier, annuities often have a specified surrender period during which surrender charges apply. Once this period ends, you can usually surrender the annuity without facing penalties. The length of the surrender period varies between contracts, so it’s essential to know when your annuity’s surrender period concludes.
3. Exceptions and Waivers: Some annuity contracts offer exceptions or waivers for surrender charges in specific situations. Common exceptions may include the annuity holder’s death, a terminal illness diagnosis, or financial hardship. 
4. Deferred Annuities: With deferred annuities, you often can withdraw after a specific number of years without incurring surrender charges. For example, you might have the option to make penalty-free withdrawals after the fifth year of the contract.
5. Exchange or 1035 Transfer: In some cases, you may be able to avoid surrender charges by exchanging your current annuity for another annuity or financial product through a 1035 exchange. A 1035 exchange allows you to transfer the cash value of one annuity into another annuity or insurance policy without triggering tax consequences. Be sure to consult with a financial advisor to understand the tax implications and requirements of a 1035 exchange.

Reviewing the terms and conditions of your specific annuity contract to determine the circumstances under which you can surrender the annuity without penalties is crucial. When you are ready to purchase the best annuity, our fixed annuity agents will review the life insurance contract with you before finalizing the agreement.

How Are Fixed Annuity Surrender Charges Are Calculated?

Fixed annuity surrender charges are typically calculated as a percentage of the amount you withdraw from the annuity during the surrender period. The surrender charge percentage is specified in the annuity contract.

It is typically highest in the contract’s early years, gradually decreasing until it reaches zero at the end of the surrender period.

Here’s a breakdown of how fixed annuity surrender charges are calculated:

1. Percentage of Withdrawal: The surrender charge is usually expressed as a percentage of the amount you want to withdraw. For example, if you have a 7% surrender charge in the first year of your annuity and decide to withdraw $10,000, the surrender charge would be 7% of $10,000, which is $700.
2. Gradual Reduction: One of the critical features of surrender charges is their gradual reduction over the surrender period. The percentage charged decreases each year, making it more cost-effective to access your funds as time goes on. For example, the 7% charge in the first year might decrease to 6% in the second year, 5% in the third year, and so on, until it reaches zero.
3. Surrender Period: The surrender period is a predetermined duration during which surrender charges apply. The length of this period varies depending on the specific annuity contract but is often between three to ten years. Once the surrender period ends, you can withdraw without incurring any surrender charges.
4. Calculation of Charges: When you withdraw from your annuity during the surrender period, the insurance company calculates the surrender charge based on the applicable percentage for the year the withdrawal occurs. The charge is then subtracted from the withdrawal amount, and you receive the remaining funds.

Here’s an example to illustrate how fixed annuity surrender charges work:

Let’s say you have a fixed annuity with a 7% surrender charge in the first year and a surrender period of seven years. In the first year, you decide to withdraw $10,000. The surrender charge is 7%, so the charge would be 7% of $10,000, which is $700. Therefore, you would receive $9,300 ($10,000 – $700) as the withdrawal amount.

In the second year, if the surrender charge decreases to 6%, the same $10,000 withdrawal would incur a charge of $600, resulting in a withdrawal amount of $9,400 ($10,000 – $600).

It’s crucial to review the specific terms of your fixed annuity contract to understand the surrender charge schedule, including the percentages and the duration of the surrender period. This information will help you make informed decisions about accessing your funds and align your financial strategy with your long-term goals.

What Are Surrender Charges and How Do They Affect Fixed Annuities?

Surrender charges are fees imposed by insurance companies to discourage early withdrawals from fixed annuities. These charges can reduce the amount you receive if you cash out your annuity before the surrender period ends. Understanding fixed annuities explained the impact of surrender charges on your investment.

What Are Common Fees & Charges For Fixed Indexed Annuities?

Fixed-indexed annuities (FIAs) typically have several fees associated with them. These fees can vary depending on the annuity contract, insurance company, and the optional riders or features you choose.

Here are some common fees you might encounter with FIAs:

1. Insurance and Administrative Fees: These are fees charged by the insurance company for managing the annuity contract. They cover administrative costs, including paperwork, record-keeping, and customer service. These fees are usually deducted from the annuity’s cash value continuously.
2. Mortality and Expense (M&E) Fee: This fee covers the insurance component of the annuity, which guarantees a death benefit to beneficiaries. It’s a typical fee in variable annuities but may also be present in some FIAs. It helps fund the insurance company’s risk in providing the death benefit.
3. Rider Fees: Many FIAs offer optional riders or features that provide additional benefits, such as income guarantees, enhanced death, or long-term care benefits. These riders often come with additional fees, and the cost can vary depending on the specific rider and its terms.
4. Surrender Charges: As discussed earlier, FIAs may have surrender charges if they withdraw or surrender the annuity before the end of the surrender period. These charges are typically a percentage of the amount withdrawn and gradually decrease over time.
5. Market-Value Adjustment (MVA) Fees: Some FIAs have MVAs, which can adjust the annuity’s surrender value based on changes in interest rates. An MVA fee may be applied if you withdraw funds during falling interest rates.
6. Annual Contract Fees: These fees may be assessed annually to cover the costs of maintaining the annuity contract. They are separate from any administrative or rider fees.
7. Spread/Margin Fees: In some FIAs, the interest credited to your account is determined by subtracting a spread or margin from the performance of the chosen index. This can impact the overall return on your investment.
8. Withdrawal Fees: Some annuity contracts may impose fees on certain types of withdrawals, particularly if you exceed any free withdrawal provisions. These fees are typically a percentage of the withdrawal amount.
9. Excess Interest Tax: If you withdraw more than the allowable free withdrawals, the interest earned on the excess amount may be subject to ordinary income tax.
10. Income Rider Fees: If you opt for an income rider on your FIA to secure a guaranteed income stream in retirement, you can expect additional fees associated with this feature.

Understanding the sales charges of each annuity contract is vital before you purchase the annuity. Integrity Now Insurance Brokers will work with you to ensure you don’t pay surrender charges that catch you off guard.

Contact us today to request a fixed annuity quote, and we will thoroughly review your financials to see what type is best for you.