Life
Settlements: What Seniors Should Know.
Statistics
show that most life insurance policies either lapse or are surrendered –
which means a large sum of money is left uncollected.
But
now, seniors have an option to leverage this assignable asset through a
“Life Settlement.”
A
Life Settlement is the sale of a life insurance policy in the secondary
market – normally through a broker or financial planner – to a life
settlement provider for a cash payment less than the full amount of the
death benefit – but for substantially more than the policy surrender
value. The transaction involves the policy owner’s transfer of ownership
rights to the provider for an agreed amount. The settlement provider then
becomes the policy owner, beneficiary, and is responsible for future
premium payments.
The
Life Settlement gives seniors an exit strategy for life insurance policies
they view as too expensive, poor performing, or because it no longer meets
their original needs.
Selling
one’s life insurance policy as part of a broader financial planning
strategy is often a prudent financial decision for high net worth seniors
facing changing life circumstances. Proceeds are often used by the seller
to buy a more cost effective life insurance policy or annuity, purchase
long term care insurance, provide cash gifts to family members, invest in
a new business, etc.
When
to consider a Life Settlement
•
When the insured is 70 years of age or older
• When a policy is lapsing or being surrendered
• When the current life policy is too expensive
• When there is a need for new life insurance, annuities, or long term
care
• When the insured has outlived the beneficiaries
• When there is an estate tax change
• When policy premiums are no longer affordable
• When there is a change in the health status of the insured.
• When there is a retiring key-man or a company / partnership selling
• When there is a liquidation of assets due to bankruptcy
A life settlement also
presents insured individuals with a more desirable alternative to:
- A 1035 exchange
- Surrendering a
life policy
- Letting a life
policy lapse
Life settlements are the
opportunity to provide a highly profitable alternative to those who are
over age 65, or any age living with a serious illness. Financial
professionals all across the country are building a significant profit
center by offering their clients life settlements. This can be done
without altering your focus or changing your current business plan.
Financial and estate
planning needs are constantly changing and the demand for more flexible
financial tools is evident and quickly increasing. A life settlement can
help you meet these challenges with great monetary benefits to you.
How is a Life Settlement "found money?"
Most seniors are unaware that their existing life insurance may possibly be
liquidated for 10-60% of the current coverage amount now, regardless of cash
value.
How is a Life Settlement used for financial planning?
While the proceeds are unrestricted and can be used in any way you choose, most
Life Settlements are utilized as a funding tool to purchase other needed
financial products, such as Annuities, Life Insurance, Investments and Long-Term
Care.
What if I still need life insurance coverage?
In many cases, using part or all of the Life Settlement proceeds to fund a new
policy can be a very popular way to reduce or even eliminate future life
insurance premiums.
What are the benefits of the Life Settlement option?
- Fund a single premium Annuity/Life
- Fund new needed Annuities, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care or Investments
- Create more comfortable retirement years
- Fund the purchase of a needed survivorship policy
- Settle personal or business debts proactively
- Bestow cash gifts to family members or charities
- Reduce or eliminate future Life Insurance premiums
- Maintain a lifestyle despite changes in finances or health
- Activate income from an inactive asset
- A more profitable alternative than surrender or lapse
Who qualifies for a Life Settlement quote?
Any senior who is age 65+ with a life insurance policy that is more than two
years old with a coverage amount exceeding $100,000.
What types of policies qualify?
Almost any type of life insurance…
- term
- universal life
- whole life
- survivorship
- or key-man…
owned by…
- an individual
- trust
- corporation
- group
- charitable organization
How do I get a Life Settlement quote?
Obtaining a quote is even easier than buying a Life Insurance Policy! Interested
policy owners fill out our simple 1st Life Settlement Quote Form. In
approximately two weeks, the highest bidding institution presents a lump sum
offer for your consideration. There is no fee or obligation to accept the Life
Settlement at any time.
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