The smallest form on your policy causes the biggest problems when it is wrong.
Primary and contingent
A primary beneficiary receives the benefit. A contingent beneficiary receives it if the primary cannot. Naming both prevents the benefit from defaulting to your estate.
Designations usually override a will
For most policies, the beneficiary named on the policy controls where the benefit goes, even if a will says something different. That is why an outdated designation is such a common and costly mistake.
When to review
After a marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, death, or any change in who depends on you. A five-minute review is one of the highest-value things you can do with a policy you already own.
If you are considering naming a minor or a trust, talk with a qualified attorney about how the benefit should be received.
This article is general education, not insurance, tax or legal advice. Policy features, riders and availability vary by state and insurance company, and the actual policy documents govern all coverage.