NU Online News Service, Nov. 1, 2004, 4:18 p.m. EST
Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., Hartford, is adding an income-protection rider for variable annuity holders.[@@]
The new Hartford Principal First Preferred rider lets VA holders withdraw up to 5% of their premium payments each year, even if their account values have declined. The annual cost of that rider amounts to 0.2% of the account value. Customers who buy the preferred rider can cancel it after 5 years if they decide they no longer need it.