Any minor of the age of sixteen years or over may, notwithstanding his minority, contract for insurance upon his own property or liabilities. Such a minor shall, notwithstanding such minority, be deemed competent to exercise all rights and powers with respect to or under any such contract as might be exercised by a person of full legal age and may at any time surrender his interest in any such contracts and give valid discharge for any benefits accruing or money payable thereunder. Such a minor shall not, by reason of his minority, be entitled to rescind, avoid, or repudiate the contract nor to rescind, avoid, or repudiate any exercise of a right or privilege thereunder.