A contingent beneficiary is the person designated to receive life insurance proceeds only if the primary beneficiary is unable to do so, usually because the primary beneficiary has died before the insured. This designation ensures that benefits are still directed to another party without passing through the estate.

Exact Extract (Virginia Life & Annuities Study Guide): “Contingent beneficiary—person designated to receive policy proceeds if the primary beneficiary dies before the insured.”

References (Virginia Documents / Study Guide):

— Virginia Life & Annuities Insurance Examination Outline, Section 5.2 Beneficiaries

— Virginia Consumer’s Guide to Life Insurance, Beneficiary Designation Section