How does an automatic premium loan differ from other policy loans?

An automatic premium loan is unique in that it operates without requiring active involvement from the policyowner. When a policyholder's premium payment is missed and the policy has an option for automatic premium loans, the insurer will automatically borrow against the cash value of the policy to cover the overdue premium. This ensures that the policy remains in force without the policyowner needing to take steps to initiate a loan or to make a payment manually.

In contrast, other types of policy loans typically require the policyowner to apply for the loan or take specific actions, such as requesting a loan amount, setting terms, or even undergoing credit assessments. Therefore, the seamless nature of an automatic premium loan stands out as a key feature, providing a safeguard for the policyholder against unintentional lapse due to missed premium payments.