Surrenders
Whilst a surrender is not a claim, it must be treated in the same way when considering proof of legal title. Money is going to be paid out and if it is paid out to the wrong person, and someone else has legal interest to the policy, then the life office may be required to make a second settlement of the money due.
The life office will require the normal proof of title and discharge from the policyholder so that the life office is released from any further obligation under the life policy. The documents will be signed by the policyholder and if the policy is mortgaged, then the mortgagee will also sign. The mortgagee may sign if they are selling under a power of sale. If trustees are surrendering then they will sign and the proceeds from the policy must be used for the benefit of the beneficiaries.
Bonus surrenders
Some life offices allow for whole or partial surrender of the reversionary bonus under the life policy. In these cases the normal proof of title is required together with the life policy which will be endorsed to show that amount of bonus surrendered and the cash value.