Recently ULIPs were in the news when SEBI had directed 14 insurance companies not to issue any new ULIPs. SEBI contended that despite being an insurance product, ULIP had a high proportion of investment and thus should be regulated by SEBI. However in reality IRDA regulates the insurance products including ULIPs.

The case went to the court and the government had to step in and hand over the jurisdiction of ULIPs to IRDA. But in this war, it is ultimately you the customer has lost. Wondering why? Here is why.

This is because mutual funds and ULIPs do not have level playing field. While mutual funds are not allowed o pay upfront commission to its agents, ULIP agents can pay commission as high as 40% to its agents. As a result, many financial advisors tend to push ULIPs on their unsuspecting clients. Now remember, this commission comes from your investment.

The drawback of ULIP is that you need to keep your investment for at least 10 years to recover this upfront commission. This despite what many insurance agents tell you that you can keep on investing only for 3 years. Also the insurance cover is very low than what you would get for half the investment had you opted for term plan.

Moreover returns from ULIPs are not guaranteed as it is a market-linked product. Thus looking at drawbacks of ULIPs it is advisable to stay away from ULIPs. But with IRDA winning the battle against SEBI, it is the customer who has lost.