Yes! You can use AI to fill out Beneficiary Designation/Change - Principal Life Insurance Company

Users often make mathematical errors when assigning percentages to multiple beneficiaries, resulting in totals that are not exactly 100%. Both the primary and contingent beneficiary groups must each total 100% independently. An incorrect total will cause the form to be rejected, delaying the update and leaving your old designation in effect. To avoid this, carefully double-check your math before signing; AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can automatically validate these totals to prevent submission errors.

This form has separate sections for Group, Voluntary, and Accident life insurance, and an employee may have more than one type of coverage. People frequently fill out Section I and assume it applies to all policies, ignoring the instruction to complete the other sections. If a section is left blank, the benefit for that policy will be paid according to default provisions, not your specific wishes. To prevent this, explicitly write 'Same as Section I' in Sections II and III if you want the same beneficiaries for all coverages.

When naming a minor, users check the 'minor' box but then forget to complete the mandatory 'Minor Beneficiary - UTMA' section on Page 4. This section is legally required to appoint a custodian to manage the funds until the minor reaches the age of majority. Failure to complete this section can lead to significant legal complications and delays, potentially requiring a court to appoint a guardian for the funds. Always ensure that if you check the 'minor' box for any beneficiary, you fully complete the corresponding UTMA section.

Many people only list primary beneficiaries, failing to consider what happens if their primary choice predeceases them or is unable to accept the benefit. Contingent beneficiaries are the essential backup plan in such a scenario. Without them, the insurance proceeds would go to your estate and be subject to the probate process, which can be lengthy, costly, and public, defeating a primary purpose of naming a beneficiary. Always name at least one contingent beneficiary to ensure the proceeds are distributed quickly and according to your wishes.

The form instructions specify using full, legal names (e.g., 'Mary M. Doe'), but people often use informal relations or vague titles like 'My Wife' or 'Mrs. John Doe'. This creates ambiguity that can cause significant delays and legal challenges when it's time to pay the claim, especially after life events like divorce or remarriage. To avoid disputes, always use the beneficiary's full legal name as it appears on their government-issued identification.

While a form might be processed without a beneficiary's address or Social Security Number, omitting this information creates a major hurdle for the future. The insurance company uses these details to locate the beneficiary and verify their identity when a claim is filed. Missing information can lead to extensive delays and hardship for your loved ones as they struggle to prove their identity and claim the proceeds. To ensure a smooth process, gather and include the full address and SSN for every listed beneficiary.

This form is a flat PDF, often requiring it to be printed and filled out by hand, which can lead to illegible entries. Misspelled names, transposed SSN digits, or unclear percentages can cause the form to be rejected or, worse, create an incorrect record. To prevent these critical data entry errors, write clearly in block capitals. For a more reliable solution, services like Instafill.ai can convert non-fillable PDFs into easy-to-use digital forms, ensuring all your information is typed, legible, and perfectly aligned.

When completing the UTMA section for a minor, users may fail to name a custodian, neglect to nominate substitute custodians, or forget to select which state's law should apply. Each of these details is critical for creating a valid custodianship. Without a designated custodian and backup, the court may need to intervene, and failing to specify a state defaults the choice to Iowa law, which may not be ideal. Carefully read the instructions on Page 5 and name a custodian and at least one substitute to ensure your wishes are followed.

Forgetting to sign and date the form is one of the most common yet critical mistakes. The signature is your legal authorization that makes the beneficiary designation official and binding. An unsigned or undated form is invalid and will be rejected by the insurance company. This means your designation change will not take effect, leaving your previous beneficiaries—or no beneficiaries—on record, which could lead to an outcome you did not intend.

When naming a trust as a beneficiary, simply writing the trust's common name is insufficient and will likely be rejected. The form's sample designations show that you must include the full legal name of the trust, the names of the current trustees, and the date the trust was established. Failure to provide this specific legal wording can invalidate the designation, forcing the insurance proceeds into your estate and through probate. If naming a trust, follow the provided examples precisely or consult an attorney to ensure the wording is correct.