How can a beneficiary change be made according to insurance policy standards?

A beneficiary change is made by filing a request with the insurer, which is the standard procedure outlined in most insurance policies. This process typically involves the policyholder completing a designated form or submitting a written request that specifies the change in the beneficiary designation. This ensures that there is formal documentation of the change, which is crucial for legal and administrative purposes.

This necessity for an official request protects both the policyholder and the insurer, as it maintains clear records of who the beneficiaries are and prevents confusion or disputes later on. It confirms that the change is intentional and authorized by the policyholder, thus upholding the integrity of the policy.

In contrast, methods such as policy cancellation or verbal agreements do not provide the necessary and traceable documentation required by insurers, while completing a new application is not typically required just for a beneficiary change.