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How to Sell a Life Insurance Policy
by
JG Wentworth
•
November 15, 2024
•
7 min
If you have a life insurance policy that you no longer need or want, you might consider selling it. This process, known as a life settlement, involves selling your policy to a third-party company for a lump sum cash payment. This guide will walk you through the steps of selling a life insurance policy, ensuring you understand the process, potential benefits, and important considerations.
Understanding Life Settlements
A life settlement involves selling your life insurance policy to a third-party investor for more than its cash surrender value but less than its death benefit. The buyer takes over paying the premiums and receives the death benefit when the insured person passes away. This option can be appealing if you no longer need the policy, can no longer afford the premiums, or want to access cash for other needs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Selling Your Life Insurance Policy
1. Evaluate Your Policy
Before considering a life settlement, determine if your policy is eligible. Most life settlement companies prefer policies with the following characteristics:
- Type of Policy: Universal life and whole life policies are commonly accepted, while term policies may be eligible if they can be converted to permanent insurance.
- Face Value: Policies with a death benefit of at least $100,000 are typically considered.
- Insured’s Age and Health: Policies held by individuals aged 65 or older, or those with serious health conditions, are more attractive to buyers.
2. Understand the Value of Your Policy
The value of your policy in a life settlement depends on several factors, including the policy’s death benefit, the premiums, the insured’s life expectancy, and market conditions. You can get an estimate by using online life settlement calculators or consulting with a life settlement broker.
3. Choose a Life Settlement Broker or Provider
A life settlement broker represents you and shops your policy around to multiple providers to get the best offer. A provider is the company that buys your policy directly. Working with a broker can help you get competitive offers, but brokers charge a commission for their services.
4. Gather Necessary Documentation
To sell your policy, you’ll need to provide various documents, including:
- Policy documents: The original life insurance policy and any amendments.
- Medical records: Recent medical records of the insured.
- Premium statements: Documentation of the current premium payments.
Identification: Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license or passport.
5. Submit Your Policy for Evaluation
Once you have all the necessary documentation, submit your policy to a life settlement broker or provider for evaluation. They will assess your policy and make an offer based on their analysis.
6. Review Offers
If you work with a broker, they will present you with multiple offers from different providers. Compare these offers carefully, considering not only the cash payout but also any fees or commissions involved.
7. Accept an Offer and Complete the Transaction
Once you accept an offer, you’ll need to sign a contract transferring ownership of the policy to the buyer. This process includes:
- Signing the purchase agreement: A legally binding contract that outlines the terms of the sale.
- Transferring ownership: Completing the necessary paperwork to change the beneficiary and ownership details of the policy.
- Receiving payment: You will receive the agreed-upon cash payment once the transaction is finalized.
Get Cash From Your Life Insurance Policy
Get Cash From Your Life Insurance Policy
Important Considerations
Tax Implications
The proceeds from a life settlement may be subject to federal and state taxes. Consult with a tax advisor to understand the potential tax implications of selling your policy.
Impact on Estate Planning
Selling your life insurance policy may affect your overall estate plan. Consider how this decision impacts your beneficiaries and other aspects of your financial planning.
Alternatives to Life Settlements
Before proceeding with a life settlement, explore other options such as:
- Accelerated death benefits: Some policies allow you to access a portion of the death benefit if you have a terminal illness.
- Policy loans: You can borrow against the cash value of a permanent life insurance policy.
- Surrendering the policy: If you no longer want the policy, you can surrender it to the insurance company for its cash surrender value.
Choosing the Right Broker or Provider
Research and Reviews
Not all brokers and providers are created equal. Research and read reviews to find reputable companies with a track record of fair dealings. Look for companies that are licensed and have good standings with regulatory agencies.
Questions to Ask
When evaluating brokers or providers, consider asking the following questions:
- What is your commission structure?
- How do you determine the value of my policy?
- How long will the process take?
- What are the tax implications of selling my policy?
Steps After Selling Your Policy
Financial Planning
After receiving the lump sum payment from the sale, consider working with a financial advisor to plan how to best use or invest the funds. Whether you need the money for healthcare expenses, retirement, or other purposes, a professional can help you make informed decisions.
Updating Your Estate Plan
If you have sold your life insurance policy, update your estate plan to reflect this change. This may involve updating your will, trusts, and other estate planning documents to ensure your wishes are accurately represented.
Case Studies and Examples
Case Study 1: Retirement Needs
John, aged 70, had a $500,000 whole life insurance policy he no longer needed because his children were financially independent. He sold his policy for $250,000 through a life settlement, which he used to supplement his retirement income.
Case Study 2: Medical Expenses
Mary, aged 68, faced high medical bills due to a chronic illness. She sold her $300,000 universal life insurance policy for $150,000. This money helped her cover her medical expenses and improved her quality of life.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception 1: Only Terminally Ill Individuals Qualify
While individuals with serious health conditions may receive higher offers, many healthy seniors can also qualify for life settlements.
Misconception 2: The Process is Complicated and Time-Consuming
With the right broker or provider, the life settlement process can be straightforward and relatively quick, often completed within a few months.
Misconception 3: You Have to Accept the First Offer
You are under no obligation to accept the first offer you receive. It’s important to shop around and compare offers to ensure you get the best value for your policy.
Conclusion
Selling a life insurance policy can provide significant financial benefits if you no longer need or can afford the policy. By understanding the process, evaluating your options, and working with reputable brokers or providers, you can ensure a successful life settlement transaction. Always seek professional advice to make the best decision for your financial situation.
Additional Resources
Life Insurance Settlement Association (LISA): Provides resources and information about life settlements.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC): Offers consumer information about life insurance and life settlements.
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA): Provides guidance on the sale of life insurance policies and related investment decisions.
By carefully considering your options and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the process of selling your life insurance policy and make informed decisions that align with your financial goals.
About the author
The information is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Such information or materials do not constitute and are not intended to provide legal, accounting, or tax advice and should not be relied on in that respect. We suggest that You consult an attorney, accountant, and/or financial advisor to answer any financial or legal questions.
