{"id":37551,"date":"2026-05-14T15:15:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T19:15:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/?p=37551"},"modified":"2026-05-14T15:15:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-14T19:15:24","slug":"common-mistakes-to-avoid-choosing-life-insurance-beneficiary-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/advice-learning\/life-insurance\/common-mistakes-to-avoid-choosing-life-insurance-beneficiary-canada","title":{"rendered":"Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Life Insurance Beneficiary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-template-selector templateSelector template__article articleSingle\" data-template=\"article\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group articleSingle__container tabListStickyWrapper is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group articleSingle__container__hero is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group articleSingle__container__hero__inner is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<span class=\"rbc-yoast-breadcrum-span\"><span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/\">Home<\/a><\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group articleSingle__featuredImage__group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group articleSingle__title__group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h1 class=\"wp-block-post-title\">Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Life Insurance Beneficiary<\/h1>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group articleSingle__date__group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-05-14T15:15:19-04:00\">May 14, 2026<\/time><\/div>\n\n\n<span class=\"wp-block-rbc-html-element articleSingle__readTime\">11 Min Read<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group articleSingle__author__group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/06\/Lisa-Jackson.webp?quality=80&w=1024\" alt=\"Lisa Jackson\">\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group articleSingle__author__details is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<span class=\"wp-block-rbc-html-element articleSingle__author__name\">Lisa Jackson<\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"wp-block-rbc-html-element articleSingle__author__designation\">Insurance Writer<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"articleSingle__featuredImage wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/06\/Common-mistakes-choosing-life-insurance-beneficiary.webp?quality=80&amp;w=1024\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" 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class=\"social-button-wrapper sharing-custom sharing-email\" href=\"mailto:?subject=Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Life Insurance Beneficiary &#038;body=Hi, I thought you might be interested in this article from RBC Insurance: https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/advice-learning\/life-insurance\/common-mistakes-to-avoid-choosing-life-insurance-beneficiary-canada\" aria-label=\"Email\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/plugins\/rbc-blocks\/assets\/img\/icons\/icon-email.svg\"\n\t\t\t\talt=\"envelope icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<span>\n\t\t\t\tEmail\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<div class=\"social-button-wrapper sharing-copy-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<button class=\"sharing-custom sharing-copy\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/advice-learning\/life-insurance\/common-mistakes-to-avoid-choosing-life-insurance-beneficiary-canada\" aria-label=\"Copy URL\">\n\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/wp-content\/plugins\/rbc-blocks\/assets\/img\/icons\/icon-related.svg\"\n\t\t\t\talt=\"copy icon\">\n\t\t\t<span id=\"sharing-copyUrl-Label\">\n\t\t\t\tCopy URL\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" class=\"sharing-copy-text\" aria-labelledby=\"sharing-copyUrl-Label\">\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n  \t\t<\/div>\t\n\t\t\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-tabs-list tabsList\" data-switch=\"lgBp\" data-target-heading=\"h2\"><p class=\"tabsList__heading\">On this page<\/p><div class=\"tabsList__wrapper\"><button class=\"selectDropdown__button\" aria-haspopup=\"listbox\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><span class=\"selectDropdown__title\">Understanding life insurance beneficiaries in Canada<\/span><span class=\"selectDropdown__chevron\"><\/span><\/button><ul class=\"tabsList__items selectDropdown__list\"><li class=\"selectDropdown__list__item tabsList__item selected\"><a href=\"#h-understanding-life-insurance-beneficiaries-in-canada\">Understanding life insurance beneficiaries in Canada<\/a><\/li><li class=\"selectDropdown__list__item tabsList__item \"><a href=\"#h-1-not-naming-a-beneficiary\">1. Not naming a beneficiary<\/a><\/li><li class=\"selectDropdown__list__item tabsList__item \"><a href=\"#h-2-not-having-a-backup-beneficiary\">2. Not having a backup beneficiary<\/a><\/li><li class=\"selectDropdown__list__item tabsList__item \"><a href=\"#h-3-naming-a-child-as-direct-beneficiary\">3. Naming a child as direct beneficiary<\/a><\/li><li class=\"selectDropdown__list__item tabsList__item \"><a href=\"#h-4-not-updating-beneficiaries-after-major-life-events\">4. Not updating beneficiaries after major life events<\/a><\/li><li class=\"selectDropdown__list__item tabsList__item \"><a href=\"#h-5-not-understanding-revocable-vs-irrevocable-beneficiaries\">5. Not understanding revocable vs. irrevocable beneficiaries<\/a><\/li><li class=\"selectDropdown__list__item tabsList__item \"><a href=\"#h-6-vague-descriptions\">6. Vague descriptions<\/a><\/li><li class=\"selectDropdown__list__item tabsList__item \"><a href=\"#h-7-not-considering-special-circumstances\">7. Not considering special circumstances<\/a><\/li><li class=\"selectDropdown__list__item tabsList__item \"><a href=\"#h-best-practices-for-choosing-a-life-insurance-beneficiary\">Best practices for choosing a life insurance beneficiary<\/a><\/li><li class=\"selectDropdown__list__item tabsList__item \"><a href=\"#h-helping-protect-what-matters-most\">Helping protect what matters most<\/a><\/li><li class=\"selectDropdown__list__item tabsList__item \"><a href=\"#h-rbc-life-insurance\">RBC Life Insurance<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group articleSingle__content__main tabListHeadings is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-block  pos-rel\" style=\"border-radius:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<p>You\u2019re filling out your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/life-insurance\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-LifeInsurance-37551-b1f122db\" data-dig-category=\"LP-LifeInsurance\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"life insurance\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">life insurance<\/a> application online, clicking through each step, when you hit the question about naming a beneficiary. It may seem obvious \u2014 of course you know who you\u2019d want to support. But then you pause. Should it just be your spouse, or should your kids be named too? Do you need a backup? What if you want to split the payout? It\u2019s a small field on the screen, but suddenly, it feels a lot bigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This decision carries more weight than it might seem at first glance. The way you name your beneficiary can affect how quickly funds are paid out, whether your loved ones face delays, and even who receives the money. Small oversights can lead to complications that add stress during an already difficult time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news is that many of these issues can be avoided with the right information and a bit of planning. In this article, we\u2019ll walk through common mistakes to watch for when choosing a life insurance beneficiary \u2014 and how to make informed decisions that help protect the people you care about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-callout-card calloutCard calloutCard__article\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading calloutCard__article__heading\" id=\"h-key-takeaways\">Key takeaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group calloutCard__article__content is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Leaving your beneficiary blank or not including a backup could send the payout to your estate \u2014 leading to delays, added costs, and more stress for your loved ones.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Naming a minor directly without a plan can create added complexity \u2014 like court involvement or delays \u2014 unless funds are managed through a trust.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Outdated designations could lead to unintended outcomes, like an ex-spouse still being named on your policy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Vague wording or not understanding how your beneficiary is set up may lead to confusion, disputes, or limited flexibility later.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p>Taking time to review your policy regularly, be specific, and plan for your full situation can help ensure everything works the way you expect.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-life-insurance-beneficiaries-in-canada\">Understanding life insurance beneficiaries in Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/advice-learning\/life-insurance\/what-is-a-life-insurance-beneficiary\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-LifeInsurance-37551-80b4aca7\" data-dig-category=\"LP-LifeInsurance\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"life insurance beneficiary\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">life insurance beneficiary<\/a> is the person, people, or entity you name to receive the payout from your policy after you pass away. That could be a spouse, child, friend, business, trust, charity, or in some cases, your estate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Canadian families, that decision can directly affect financial security. A clearly named beneficiary helps ensure the payout goes where it\u2019s intended, and in many cases, can help avoid probate delays so funds are available sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can also give peace of mind. When your beneficiary designation is evident and up to date, you can feel more confident your wishes will be carried out, and your loved ones may face fewer complications during an already difficult time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there are some common mistakes that could affect how this plays out in practice, and they\u2019re worth understanding before you make a final decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-not-naming-a-beneficiary\">1. Not naming a beneficiary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not naming a life insurance beneficiary can change how your policy works in a meaningful way. If no beneficiary is listed, the death benefit is typically paid to your estate and goes through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/advice-learning\/life-insurance\/what-is-probate-how-does-it-work\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-LifeInsurance-37551-2b46e01d\" data-dig-category=\"LP-LifeInsurance\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"probate\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">probate<\/a> \u2014 the legal process of validating your will and settling your affairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There can be financial consequences in this scenario. Because the payout becomes part of your estate, it may be exposed to creditor claims, subject to probate fees, and take longer to distribute. And because probate is a public process, some details of your estate may become public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-not-having-a-backup-beneficiary\">2. Not having a backup beneficiary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A contingent beneficiary steps in if your primary beneficiary can\u2019t receive the payout. For example, if you name your spouse but they pass away before you, the benefit doesn\u2019t automatically go to your next intended person unless you\u2019ve named one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without a backup, the payout may end up going to your estate \u2014 which can mean probate, delays, and added costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adding a contingent beneficiary creates an extra layer of protection. It helps ensure your life insurance payout still goes directly to the people or causes you care about, even if circumstances change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-naming-a-child-as-direct-beneficiary\">3. Naming a child as direct beneficiary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It might feel natural to name a child as a beneficiary, but if they\u2019re a minor, it can create complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Canada, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/advice-learning\/life-insurance\/life-insurance-for-children-guide-for-parents\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-LifeInsurance-37551-17b494ad\" data-dig-category=\"LP-LifeInsurance\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"minors\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">minors<\/a> can\u2019t receive a life insurance payout directly. Each province has an age of majority (e.g., 18 or 19), and until your child reaches that age, the funds need to be managed on their behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you haven\u2019t named a trustee, someone may need to apply to the court to take on that role (again, more time and money). In some cases, the funds may be held and managed by a provincial authority until your child reaches the age of majority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on how things are set up, there may also be less flexibility in how the money is used, and your child may receive full access to the funds at the age of majority \u2014 whether they\u2019re ready or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A more structured approach, like setting up a trust and naming a trustee, can help ensure the funds are managed according to your wishes and are available when your child needs them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-not-updating-beneficiaries-after-major-life-events\">4. Not updating beneficiaries after major life events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Life changes \u2014 and your life insurance should keep up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Major milestones are prime time to review your beneficiary designations. That includes getting married or entering a common-law relationship, going through a divorce or separation, welcoming a child, changes in your financial situation, or even moving to a different province, where family laws can vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is especially important after a divorce or separation. In Canada, the name listed on your policy is what counts, and overrides what\u2019s written in your will. That means an ex-spouse could still receive the payout if they\u2019re listed, even if that\u2019s no longer your intention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An outdated designation can lead to outcomes that don\u2019t reflect what you\u2019d want \u2014 like money going to the wrong person, or someone you care about being left out. In some cases, it can also create confusion or tension among family members and even lead to legal disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If there\u2019s no valid beneficiary in place at the time, the payout may go to your estate, bringing probate, delays, and additional costs into play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking a few minutes to review and update your beneficiaries after major life events can help ensure your policy reflects your current wishes \u2014 and helps spare your loved ones from dealing with problems later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-not-understanding-revocable-vs-irrevocable-beneficiaries\">5. Not understanding revocable vs. irrevocable beneficiaries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t fully understand how your beneficiary is set up, you might assume you can make changes later \u2014 only to find out you can\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A revocable beneficiary<\/strong> can be changed at any time. <strong>An irrevocable beneficiary<\/strong> is locked-in \u2014 and usually requires the beneficiary\u2019s consent to make changes. This can create issues if your situation changes and your policy no longer reflect your intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also a few important nuances to keep in mind. If a minor is named as an irrevocable beneficiary, making changes later may not be possible. And in Quebec, naming a spouse as a beneficiary may automatically be considered irrevocable unless you specify otherwise, with different rules for common-law relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because irrevocable designations can limit your ability to make changes, they can have long-term implications if your situation shifts. Taking a moment to understand the difference can help you feel more confident your choice will still make sense years from now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-vague-descriptions\">6. Vague descriptions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It might feel natural to write something like \u201cmy children\u201d or \u201cmy family,\u201d but those kinds of descriptions can leave too much room for interpretation, especially as families grow and change. Without clear details, it may not be obvious who you meant, or how the benefit should be divided, triggering disagreements, stress, and even legal challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same goes for how the money is split. If you name more than one beneficiary, but don\u2019t clearly outline percentages, it could create confusion and delays while things are sorted out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being crystal clear and specific \u2014 using full legal names and date of birth and outlining exactly how you want the benefit divided \u2014 can help make things simpler and faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-not-considering-special-circumstances\">7. Not considering special circumstances<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every situation is a little different, and in some cases, choosing a beneficiary isn\u2019t as simple as naming a single person. Here are a few scenarios worth thinking through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beneficiaries with disabilities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your beneficiary has a disability, receiving a lump-sum death benefit could affect their eligibility for certain provincial support programs, such as the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH). In some cases, a trust may help protect access to those benefits while still providing financial support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Blended families<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a current spouse and children from a previous relationship, things can get tricky. Without a clear plan, it can lead to misunderstandings or conflict \u2014 especially if people have different ideas about what you meant. In some cases, how your beneficiary is set up can also play a role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Business partners<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you own a business, life insurance is often part of a larger plan for what happens if something unexpected occurs. For example, it may be used in a buy-sell agreement \u2014 where the insurance payout helps remaining partners buy out your share of the business. This can make the transition smoother and help keep the business financially stable during a difficult time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/advice-learning\/life-insurance\/life-insurance-for-small-business-owners\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-LifeInsurance-37551-a2295b63\" data-dig-category=\"LP-LifeInsurance\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Life Insurance for Small Business Owners: Why it Matters\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Life Insurance for Small Business Owners: Why it Matters<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-best-practices-for-choosing-a-life-insurance-beneficiary\">Best practices for choosing a life insurance beneficiary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a life insurance beneficiary isn\u2019t something you set once and forget. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-callout-card calloutCard calloutCard__article  is-style-list list\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group calloutCard__article__content is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-rbc-list is-style-blue-disc\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Review your beneficiary designations<\/strong> at least once a year. That helps make sure everything still reflects your current situation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Update after major life events. <\/strong>Big moments like marriage, divorce, buying a house, or a new baby are all good reminders to revisit your policy and keep everything aligned.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Name both a primary and a contingent beneficiary.<\/strong> Having a backup helps ensure your benefit still goes where you intend, even if life doesn\u2019t go exactly as planned.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Think through your full family picture. <\/strong>If you have a blended family or more complex relationships, it\u2019s worth taking a closer look to make sure your choices reflect what matters most to you.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Plan carefully if naming children. <\/strong>If you\u2019re naming a minor, consider setting up a trust and choosing someone you trust to manage the funds on their behalf.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Be specific.<\/strong> Using full legal names and key details, like date of birth, can help avoid confusion or snags later.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Let your beneficiaries know.<\/strong> You don\u2019t need to share every detail, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/advice-learning\/life-insurance\/how-to-talk-about-life-insurance-with-your-family\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-LifeInsurance-37551-1f3c0602\" data-dig-label=\"a conversation about life insurance\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP-LifeInsurance\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">a conversation about life insurance<\/a> can go a long way in helping your loved ones feel more prepared and supported.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Get guidance for more complex situations.<\/strong> If your estate or family situation is more involved, working with an estate lawyer can help ensure everything is set up properly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-rbc-list-item\">\n<p><strong>Work with a qualified advisor. <\/strong>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/request-a-call\/personal-insurance\/contact-us\/index.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-LifeInsurance-37551-f6e92a9c\" data-dig-label=\"licensed RBC Insurance advisor\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-category=\"LP-LifeInsurance\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">licensed RBC Insurance advisor<\/a> can help you understand your options and feel confident in the choices you\u2019re making.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking a bit of time to get these details right can go a long way \u2014 helping ensure your life insurance supports the people and priorities that matter most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/advice-learning\/life-insurance\/what-are-the-benefits-of-life-insurance\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-LifeInsurance-37551-fb6c1f8e\" data-dig-category=\"LP-LifeInsurance\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"What are the Benefits of Life Insurance?\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">What are the Benefits of Life Insurance?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-helping-protect-what-matters-most\">Helping protect what matters most<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a life insurance beneficiary might not feel like a big decision in the moment, but it can make a real difference down the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not about getting everything perfect. It\u2019s about taking a bit of time to think it through and making choices that reflect your life today. A few small tweaks now can help make sure everything works the way you expect it to later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re not sure where to start, you\u2019re not alone \u2014 and you don\u2019t have to figure it out on your own. RBC Insurance is here to help you understand your options and feel confident in the choices you\u2019re making, whether you\u2019re reviewing an existing policy or setting one up for the first time. Learn more about your options by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/request-a-call\/personal-insurance\/contact-us\/index.html\" data-dig-id=\"LP-LifeInsurance-37551-1c3b4e44\" data-dig-category=\"LP-LifeInsurance\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"booking a call today\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">booking a call today<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of the day, it\u2019s about making sure your plan supports the people who matter most \u2014 in the way you intended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-section-inner-block  section-inner block-wpr bg-light-blue rounded-corners pos-rel pad-l pad-r mob-pad-r centered-block mob-pad-l pad-t mob-pad-t pad-b mob-pad-b\" style=\"border-radius:0x\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center mar-t mar-b-hlf mob-mar-b-hlf mob-mar-t\" id=\"h-rbc-life-insurance\">RBC Life Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center mar-b-hlf mob-mar-b-hlf pad-r mob-pad-r pad-l mob-pad-l has-text-reg-font-size\">Protect Your Loved Ones With Dependable Life Insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter btn is-style-primary primary\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-lg-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/life-insurance\/life-insurance-quote\/index.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" data-dig-id=\"LP-283-476a44f4\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"button click\" data-dig-label=\"Get a quote-https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/life-insurance\/life-insurance-quote\/index.html \">Get a quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center mar-t-hlf mob-mar-t-hlf pad-b mob-pad-b has-text-reg-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbcinsurance.com\/en-ca\/life-insurance\/\" data-dig-id=\"LP-273-18de2c2e\" data-dig-category=\"LP\" data-dig-action=\"link click\" data-dig-label=\"Learn More\" class=\"rbc-link-format\">Learn More<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t.wp-block-tk-spacer.id-eeff6997-4307-42e1-991e-76a6ac4c5fea {\n\t\theight: 30px;\n\t}\n\n\t@media ( max-width: 480px ) {\n\t\t.wp-block-tk-spacer.id-eeff6997-4307-42e1-991e-76a6ac4c5fea {\n\t\t\theight: 15px;\n\t\t}\n\t}\t<\/style>\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-tk-spacer id-eeff6997-4307-42e1-991e-76a6ac4c5fea\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n\t\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-rbc-default-collapsible\"><p><button class=\"collapse-toggle collapsed\" data-target=\"#collapse2de7ba0a\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse2de7ba0a\" data-dig-id=\"LP-HomeInsurance-14506-2de7ba0a\" data-dig-category=\"LP-HomeInsurance\" data-dig-action=\"accordion closed\" action-closed=\"accordion closed\" action-opened=\"accordion open\" data-dig-label=\"Things Our Lawyers Want You to Know\"><div>Things Our Lawyers Want You to Know<\/div><\/button><\/p><div class=\"collapse-content collapse\" id=\"collapse2de7ba0a\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbc-collapsible-inner-block collapse-inner\">\n<p class=\"has-text-sm-font-size\">*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-sm-font-size\">This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getting life insurance also means naming a beneficiary. Here\u2019s some of the common mistakes Canadians should avoid when choosing a life insurance beneficiary and help protect the people you care about. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":208,"featured_media":37553,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"templates\/new-rbci-design.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[54],"tags":[4],"article-type":[80],"ppma_author":[188],"class_list":["post-37551","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-life-insurance","tag-life-insurance","article-type-advice-learning"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Life Insurance Beneficiary RBC Insurance<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Getting life insurance also means naming a beneficiary. 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