diff --git a/libbeat/_meta/config.reference.yml.tmpl b/libbeat/_meta/config.reference.yml.tmpl
index 79a093f3bd52..e46100f4d4b4 100644
--- a/libbeat/_meta/config.reference.yml.tmpl
+++ b/libbeat/_meta/config.reference.yml.tmpl
@@ -975,10 +975,10 @@ setup.template.settings:
 # to load your own lifecycle policy.
 #setup.ilm.policy_file:
 
-# Disable the check for an existing lifecycle policy. The default is false. If
+# Disable the check for an existing lifecycle policy. The default is true. If
 # you disable this check, set setup.ilm.overwrite: true so the lifecycle policy
 # can be installed.
-#setup.ilm.check_exists: false
+#setup.ilm.check_exists: true
 
 # Overwrite the lifecycle policy at startup. The default is false.
 #setup.ilm.overwrite: false