It’s wise to review the policy terms and your designated beneficiaries from time to time.
You need to change your beneficiary as circumstances change. Use the proper insurance company forms to make the changes, not your will. The Policy overrides your Will. Generally, whoever is listed in the insurance documents will get the money regardless of what your will or any other document says. The same with retirement plans: IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, pensions etc.; plan document override the Will.
Use contingent beneficiaries in case the named beneficiary dies before you do.
Tell your beneficiaries about the policy. Some insurance money is never claimed because the person who dies is the only one who had any information on the policy.
