ICICI Pru Signature Assure: A Unit Linked Insurance Plan for Secure Wealth and Future
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Key Features
- Benefits of ICICI Pru Signature Assure
- Investment Strategies and Portfolio Options
- Premium and Return Illustration
- Tax Benefits and Additional Advantages
- How to Invest and Eligibility Criteria
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
ICICI Pru Signature Assure is a dynamic Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) designed to help you build wealth while ensuring robust financial protection for your family. As highlighted in the brochure, this plan combines market‐linked investment opportunities with a life cover that safeguards your loved ones in case of any unforeseen events. Targeted specifically at the Indian audience, the plan is developed with simplicity in mind so that it is easily understood and even convertible into Hindi.
In today’s unpredictable world, securing your future is not just about savings—it’s about smart investments that grow with you. With ICICI Pru Signature Assure, you have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of funds and portfolio strategies to match your risk appetite and financial goals.
Key Features
- Dual Benefit – Protection & Investment: As a ULIP, ICICI Pru Signature Assure provides life cover while enabling you to invest in various funds such as equity, debt, and balanced options. The policyholder bears the investment risk, ensuring that your savings work for you in the market.
- 4 Layers of Protection: The plan is designed to secure your family’s future through multiple protection layers. In addition to the basic life cover, features such as waiver of future premiums on demise and guaranteed income payouts provide extra security.
- Flexible Premium Payment Options: Whether you choose to pay premiums annually, half-yearly, or monthly, the plan offers flexibility in premium payment terms. For instance, you can opt for a premium payment term of 10 years while enjoying the benefits for an overall policy term of 30 years.
- Choice of Funds and Portfolio Strategies: With a variety of fund options available—ranging from aggressive equity funds like Maximiser V to conservative debt funds—the plan allows you to customize your investment mix. Moreover, several portfolio strategies (Fixed Portfolio, Target Asset Allocation, Trigger Portfolio, and Lifecycle based Portfolio Strategy) let you tailor your investment journey.
- Loyalty Additions and Top-Up Facility: To boost your fund value, loyalty additions are allocated at specified intervals. Additionally, you can infuse extra money through the top-up feature, ensuring that your investments keep pace with your growing financial aspirations.
- Systematic Withdrawal Option: If you need regular income during the policy term, the systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) feature allows you to set up periodic withdrawals from your fund value without disrupting your long-term investment goals.
Benefits of ICICI Pru Signature Assure
- Wealth Creation: The plan provides a structured way to invest, allowing your savings to grow through market-linked returns. With an array of fund options, you can diversify your portfolio and aim for higher returns over time.
- Financial Security for Your Family: In addition to the investment component, the plan offers a robust life cover. Should anything happen to you, your family will receive a lump sum or ongoing income benefits—ensuring that their financial needs are met.
- Flexibility to Adapt to Changing Needs: Whether you want to switch between funds as per your market outlook or adjust your premium payment frequency, the plan offers several features that adapt to your evolving financial circumstances.
- Tax Benefits: Premiums paid under this plan are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Moreover, the maturity benefits are generally tax-free under Section 10(10D), subject to applicable conditions.
- Low-Cost Structure: With a competitive charge structure that includes minimal premium allocation charges, your investments are more efficiently channeled into building your corpus.
Investment Strategies and Portfolio Options
ICICI Pru Signature Assure gives you the freedom to choose a portfolio strategy that fits your risk tolerance and financial goals:
- Fixed Portfolio Strategy: You can determine the allocation between various funds (for example, between equity and debt) and even make free switches between these funds as your market outlook changes.
- Target Asset Allocation Strategy: This strategy allows you to set a predetermined allocation between funds. The portfolio is rebalanced every quarter to maintain the desired mix, offering consistency in your investment plan.
- Trigger Portfolio Strategy 2: Designed to capture market movements, this strategy automatically rebalances your portfolio when a predefined trigger—such as a 10% movement in NAV—is reached. This helps in capitalizing on market upsides while controlling risks.
- Lifecycle Based Portfolio Strategy 2: As you age, your risk appetite may change. Under this strategy, your investments are automatically reallocated between aggressive and conservative funds based on your age bands. In the final quarters of the policy, the strategy gradually shifts your savings into safer debt funds to protect your corpus as you near maturity.
Premium and Return Illustration
One of the key decisions in your ULIP journey is choosing the right premium amount that aligns with your financial objectives. According to the brochure, ICICI Pru Signature Assure allows you to select your premium payment term and frequency based on your financial capacity and goals.
Choosing a Premium for a 12% Annual Return
If your objective is to accumulate a corpus of Rs. 1 crore at maturity with an assumed 12% annual return, a carefully calibrated premium is required. For a policy term of 30 years with premiums paid for the first 10 years, an annual premium of approximately Rs. 60,000 is recommended. Over the 10-year premium payment term, you would pay a total of roughly Rs. 6 lakhs.
Under these assumptions, the projected maturity benefits at different annual return rates are estimated as follows:
ROI Illustration Table
Assumed Annual Return | Estimated Maturity Benefit (for Rs. 60,000 annual premium for 10 years, 30-year policy) |
---|---|
4% ARR | Approximately Rs. 15.78 lakhs |
8% ARR | Approximately Rs. 40.49 lakhs |
12% ARR | Approximately Rs. 1.02 crore |
Note: These figures are purely illustrative and actual returns will depend on market performance, fund selection, and applicable charges as detailed in the ICICI Pru Signature Assure brochure.
Tax Benefits and Additional Advantages
- Premium Tax Deductions: The premiums you pay can be claimed as deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, reducing your taxable income.
- Tax-Free Maturity Benefits: The corpus received at maturity is generally tax-exempt under Section 10(10D), provided that the conditions (such as the premium cap) are met.
- Legacy Planning: In the event of an untimely demise, your nominee receives a death benefit that not only includes the sum assured but also any additional bonuses or income benefits, ensuring that your family’s financial future is secure.
- Low-Cost Investment: The plan features competitive charges such as minimal premium allocation charges and no cost for fund switches (subject to conditions), thereby preserving more of your investment.
How to Invest and Eligibility Criteria
Steps to Invest
- Decide on Your Premium and Policy Term: Based on your financial goals and affordability, decide whether you prefer a moderate premium or an enhanced premium like the suggested Rs. 60,000 annually for a target corpus of Rs. 1 crore at 12% ARR.
- Select Your Investment Strategy: Choose a fund allocation strategy that suits your risk appetite—be it a fixed portfolio for consistency or a dynamic trigger strategy to leverage market opportunities.
- Complete the Application: Fill in the application form with the necessary personal, financial, and medical details.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide all supporting documents as required. The process is straightforward and guided by the insurer.
- Start Paying Premiums: Once your application is approved, begin your premium payments and start your journey towards a secure financial future.
Eligibility Criteria
- Entry Age: Typically, the policy is available for entry from as young as 0 years up to 60 years, depending on the premium option chosen.
- Policy Term Options: You can select a policy term ranging from 10 to 30 years. For long-term goals such as building a corpus for retirement or children’s education, a 30-year term is common.
- Premium Payment Frequency: You have the flexibility to pay premiums annually, half-yearly, or monthly according to your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a ULIP?
A: A Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) is a product that combines investment and insurance. A part of your premium is used to purchase units in investment funds, while the rest provides life cover.
Q2: How does ICICI Pru Signature Assure work?
A: The plan allows you to invest in multiple funds based on your risk profile. You can switch between funds and benefit from loyalty additions and top-ups. In case of demise, your nominee is provided with a death benefit, and if you survive, you receive a maturity benefit.
Q3: How can I achieve a corpus of over Rs. 1 crore at maturity?
A: By choosing a carefully calibrated premium—approximately Rs. 60,000 per annum for a 10-year premium payment term with a 30-year policy—and assuming an annual return of 12%, the projected maturity benefit could reach around Rs. 1 crore.
Q4: Are there any tax benefits?
A: Yes, premiums are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C, and the maturity benefits are generally tax-free under Section 10(10D), subject to conditions.
Q5: Can I adjust my fund allocation during the policy term?
A: Absolutely. Depending on your chosen portfolio strategy, you can switch funds or adjust the allocation to better match market conditions and your risk appetite.
ICICI Pru Signature Assure is more than just an insurance policy—it’s a comprehensive financial solution designed to help you secure your family’s future while building a significant corpus over the long term. By opting for a premium strategy that targets a maturity benefit of around Rs. 1 crore at a 12% annual return, you set yourself on a path of disciplined saving, smart investing, and enhanced financial security.
Before making any investment decisions, it is advisable to review the detailed brochure and consult with an insurance advisor to ensure the plan aligns with your financial goals and risk profile.
For more details, please refer to the official brochure of ICICI Pru Signature Assure. (Reference: https://www.iciciprulife.com/content/dam/icicipru/brochures/ICICI_Pru_Signature_Assure_Brochure.pdf)
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