How to cancel Primerica and get your money back
To cancel Primerica, you must contact the company directly by phone, email, or written request — there is no online cancellation option. Primerica will process your cancellation and issue a refund for any unearned premiums (the portion of your payment that covers months you did not use). The refund timeline depends on your policy type and how you paid, but most refunds arrive within 30 to 60 days after cancellation is confirmed.
The amount you receive back is not your full payment. Insurance companies refund only the unused portion of your premium. If you paid for 12 months and cancel after 3 months, you get back roughly 9 months' worth. Primerica may also deduct any outstanding fees or claims paid on your behalf before sending the refund.
Key Takeaways
- Call Primerica's customer service at 1-877-373-7462 to start the cancellation process — phone is the fastest method.
- Your refund covers only the unused portion of your premium, not the full amount you paid.
- Refunds typically arrive 30 to 60 days after cancellation, but the timeline varies by payment method and policy type.
- Request a written cancellation confirmation so you have proof the policy ended on a specific date.
- If you financed your policy through Primerica, cancellation does not end the loan — you still owe the balance.
Contact Primerica and request cancellation
Call Primerica's customer service line at 1-877-373-7462 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time). Have your policy number ready. Tell the representative you want to cancel your policy and ask for the effective cancellation date. Request that they email or mail you a written confirmation of the cancellation.
If you prefer not to call, you can send a written cancellation request by mail to Primerica's address (ask for the correct mailing address when you call, as it varies by state). Email is not a reliable cancellation method for Primerica — the company may not process cancellations received through email without follow-up phone contact.
Do not simply stop paying your premiums. Stopping payment does not cancel the policy; it triggers a lapse, which can damage your credit and may result in collection attempts. A formal cancellation request is the only way to end your obligation.
Understand what refund amount you can expect
Primerica refunds the unearned premium — the portion of your payment that covers time after your cancellation date. If your policy cost $1,200 per year and you cancel after 4 months, you have used 4 months of coverage and have 8 months unused. Your refund would be roughly $800, minus any deductions.
Deductions from your refund may include unpaid claims, outstanding fees, or policy loans you took out. If Primerica paid a death benefit or other claim during your coverage period, that amount is not refunded. Ask the representative to itemize any deductions so you understand exactly why your refund is less than the full unused premium.
The refund calculation also depends on your policy type. Term life insurance policies typically refund the full unearned premium. Whole life or universal life policies may have different rules, especially if you have built cash value — the refund may include or exclude the cash value depending on your contract terms.
Track your refund after cancellation
After you receive written cancellation confirmation, note the effective cancellation date. Primerica processes refunds within 30 to 60 days, though some take longer depending on how you paid. If you paid by credit card or debit card, the refund appears as a credit on your statement. If you paid by bank draft or check, Primerica mails a check to your address on file.
Call Primerica again after 45 days if you have not received your refund. Have your cancellation confirmation letter ready and ask for the refund status and expected delivery date. Request the check number or transaction ID so you can track it. If Primerica cannot locate the refund, ask them to reissue it or investigate the delay.
If you paid through a loan or financing agreement with Primerica, the refund may be applied to your loan balance rather than returned to you as cash. Ask about this when you cancel so you know what to expect.
What happens to your coverage when you cancel
Your Primerica policy ends on the effective cancellation date you agree to with the company. After that date, you have no coverage. If you die or have a claim after the cancellation date, Primerica will not pay. Make sure you have other coverage in place before you cancel — do not cancel one policy expecting another to start on the same day unless you have written confirmation from the new insurer that coverage is active.
If you have a Primerica policy loan (money you borrowed against your policy's cash value), cancellation does not forgive the loan. You still owe the balance, and Primerica may deduct it from your refund. If the loan balance exceeds your refund, you may owe Primerica money after cancellation.
Cancellation and your credit report
A formal cancellation does not hurt your credit. However, if you stop paying without canceling, Primerica may report the lapse to credit bureaus as a missed payment or default. This can lower your credit score and appear on your credit report for up to seven years.
If you have already stopped paying and Primerica has reported a lapse, call immediately to cancel formally and bring your account current if possible. Ask Primerica to remove the late payment report if you pay any outstanding balance. Some companies will agree to this if you cancel and settle within a short window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel Primerica online?
No. Primerica does not offer online cancellation. You must call 1-877-373-7462, send a written request by mail, or visit a local Primerica office in person. Phone is the fastest and most reliable method because the representative can confirm your identity and process the cancellation immediately.
How long does it take to get my refund after I cancel?
Refunds typically arrive within 30 to 60 days. The timeline depends on your payment method — credit card refunds appear faster than mailed checks. Call Primerica after 45 days if you have not received your refund and ask for a status update and expected delivery date.
Will I get back everything I paid?
No. You receive only the unearned premium — the portion covering months after your cancellation date. If you cancel after using half your coverage period, you get back roughly half your payment. Primerica may also deduct unpaid claims, fees, or loan balances from your refund.
What if I financed my Primerica policy?
Cancellation ends the insurance policy but not the loan. You still owe the loan balance. Primerica may deduct the loan amount from your refund, or you may need to pay it separately. Ask about this when you cancel so you understand your total obligation.
Do I need to cancel in writing, or is a phone call enough?
A phone call is enough to cancel, but always request written confirmation by email or mail. Written confirmation protects you by proving the cancellation date and prevents disputes later. Keep the confirmation letter until you receive your refund.