Annuity Free Look Period

The free look period gives annuity purchasers at least 10 days to reconsider their decision and cancel an annuity contract without penalty. The free look period varies from state to state and is designed to give consumers time to thoroughly review their annuity contracts and determine whether the complex financial product suits their needs.

Headshot of Jennifer Schell, writer for Annuity.org
  • Written By
    Jennifer Schell

    Jennifer Schell

    Financial Writer, Certified Annuity Specialist®

    Jennifer Schell is a professional writer focused on demystifying annuities and other financial topics including banking, financial advising and insurance. She is proud to be a member of the National Association for Fixed Annuities (NAFA) as well as the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA).

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  • Edited By
    Savannah Pittle
    Headshot of Savannah Pittle, senior editor for Annuity.org

    Savannah Pittle

    Senior Financial Editor

    Savannah Pittle is an accomplished writer, editor and content marketer. She joined Annuity.org as a financial editor in 2021 and uses her passion for educating readers on complex topics to guide visitors toward the path of financial literacy.

    Read More
  • Financially Reviewed By
    Rubina K. Hossain, CFP®
    Rubina K. Hossain

    Rubina K. Hossain, CFP®

    Client Advisor for MEIRA

    Certified Financial Planner Rubina K. Hossain is chair of the CFP Board's Council of Examinations and past president of the Financial Planning Association. She specializes in preparing and presenting sound holistic financial plans to ensure her clients achieve their goals.

    Read More
  • Updated: March 7, 2024
  • 6 min read time
  • This page features 37 Cited Research Articles

Key Takeaways

  • The free look period is an opportunity to carefully consider your new contract and how it aligns with your needs. 
  • Free look periods vary by the annuity provider. Most states require a minimum length for the free look period, usually between 10 and 30 days.
  • It may be wise to consult your financial advisor during this time.

What Is the Annuity Free Look Period?

States regulate annuities, and most states require a free look period. During this time, which should be clearly indicated in the contract, the buyer can cancel the contract and receive a full refund of their premium without paying fees or surrender charges. 

While most states require a minimum of 10 to 30 days for free look provisions, insurance companies may provide longer free look periods than are required by law.

Pro Tip

The free look period is sometimes referred to as a grace period. However, the term grace period usually relates to the amount of time you have to make payments past their due date.

Protections for Annuity Holders

The free look period is designed to help consumers make decisions without being pressured or badgered. It gives people a chance to further review their financial decision and ensure it’s the best option for them.

During the free look period, you can still research your annuity and see if others have a better deal. You can make sure you understand how your annuity works. You can read your contract and ask questions. 

You may even seek the advice of a lawyer, financial advisor or trusted family member to review the policy for you. As Tim Melia, Certified Financial PlannerTM professional at Embolden Financial Planning, told Annuity.org, “A wise use of the free-look period may include seeking professional advice on the contract. Have someone familiar with annuities review it — an acquaintance or a paid advisor — and consider their opinion.”

Melia also recommended giving thought to annuity alternatives. “Consider if there are better or less expensive alternatives; can the same annuity benefit be replicated with other investment opportunities that are more liquid or less expensive?” Melia asked. “Consider if an annuity is actually the right investment in the context of your overall financial goals.”

If you decide you don’t want the annuity after all, you can cancel your contract without having to explain why as long as you’re still within the specified free look period. Just remember, the clock starts ticking when your annuity contract is delivered to you.

A wise use of the free-look period may include seeking professional advice on the contract. Have someone familiar with annuities review it — an acquaintance or a paid advisor — and consider their opinion.

— Tim Melia, Certified Financial PlannerTM professional

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State Regulation of Free Look Periods

The duration of the free look period depends on the state in which you purchase your annuity. The regulations vary widely.

A few states require longer free look periods for older adults, including Arizona, California and Florida. Virginia requires a 10-day free look period for replacement contracts, but the state has no legal requirement for new annuities.

Other states, like Colorado and Vermont, have no legally required free look periods. Meanwhile, states like Maine and New Mexico require free look periods only if the annuity company failed to provide the purchaser with the required consumer guide information.

Regardless of the individual state’s requirement, annuity providers everywhere are allowed and encouraged to include free look periods in their contracts. Even in states where no free look period is required by law, officials say free look periods are standard practice with little or no deviation.

Brenda Clark, a consumer services administrator with the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, told Annuity.org that “no company has ever pushed back” on providing consumers with contracts that abide by this standard.

If your contract doesn’t include a free look period provision, you should ask why it doesn’t.

State Requirements for Free Look Periods

State Free Look Period Minimum Requirements
Alabama 15 days when the buyer’s guide and disclosure document are not provided at or before the time of application
Alaska 10 days
Arizona 10 days, or 30 days if the purchaser is 65 years old or older
Arkansas 10 days when the buyer’s guide and disclosure document are not provided at or before the time of application
California 30 days
Colorado No legal requirement
Connecticut 10 days
Delaware 10 to 15 days
Florida 21 days
Georgia 10 days
Hawaii 15 days when the buyer’s guide and disclosure document are not provided at or before the time of application
Idaho 20 days when the buyer’s guide and disclosure document are not provided at or before the time of application
Illinois 10 days
Indiana 10 days
Iowa 10 days
Kansas 10 days
Kentucky 10 days
Louisiana 10 days
Maine 15 days 
Maryland 10 days
Massachusetts 20 days
Michigan 10 days
Minnesota 10 days for a new policy30 days for a replacement policy
Mississippi No legal requirement
Missouri 10 days
Montana 15 days when the buyer’s guide and disclosure document are not provided at or before the time of application
Nebraska 10 days for a new policy30 days for a replacement policy
Nevada 10 days for a new policy30 days for a replacement policy
New Hampshire 15 days when the buyer’s guide and disclosure document are not provided at or before the time of application
New Jersey 10 days
New Mexico 15 days when the buyer’s guide and disclosure document are not provided at or before the time of application
New York 10 to 30 days
North Carolina 10 days for a new contract30 days for a replacement contract
North Dakota 10 days
Ohio 15 days when the buyer’s guide and disclosure document are not provided at or before the time of application
Oklahoma 15 days when the buyer’s guide and disclosure document are not provided at or before the time of application
Oregon 10 days for a new contract30 days for a replacement contract
Pennsylvania 10 days for a new contract20 days for a replacement contract
Rhode Island 20 days
South Carolina 10 days, or 30 days if sold by mail order
South Dakota 10 days
Tennessee 10 days
Texas 20 days for a new contract30 days for a replacement contract
Utah 10 days
Vermont 10 days
Virginia 10 days for a replacement contractNo legal requirement for a new contract
Washington 10 days
West Virginia 15 days
Wisconsin 30 days for a replacement contractNo legal requirement for new contracts
Wyoming 30 days for a replacement contractNo legal requirement for a new contract

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Annuity Free Look Period

When does the free look period begin?

The free look period for an annuity usually begins on the day you receive your annuity contract.

Do fixed annuities have a free look period?

Fixed annuities, like all types of annuities, have a free look period of 10 to 30 days during which you can cancel your contract with no surrender charges in most states.

Will you get all your money back if you cancel during the free look period?

Yes, during the free look period, you should receive a full refund of your premium without any deductions or penalties.

Can the free look period be extended?

The free look period is set by state regulations and the insurance company’s policies. It is typically not extendable. However, always check with your insurance provider or agent for specific details.

What happens if an issue is discovered after the free look period has ended?

Once the free look period ends, the terms and conditions of the annuity contract apply. If you wish to cancel or withdraw from the annuity after this period, you might face surrender charges or other penalties based on the contract’s terms.

Please seek the advice of a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
Last Modified: March 7, 2024
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