feature in a life insurance policy allowing a policyowner to freely assign (give, sell) a policy to another or institution. For example, in order to secure a loan, a bank asks to be assigned the policy. If the insured dies before repayment of the loan, the bank would receive a portion of the death benefit that equals the outstanding loan, the remainder of the death benefit being payable to the insured's beneficiary. The fact that life insurance is freely assignable makes it a useful financial instrument through which to secure a loan. The insurance company does not guarantee the validity of the assignment.