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Life insurance is one of the best ways to leave a death benefit behind to support your loved ones. However, circumstances can change, and if you or your loved ones no longer need your policy, or you want access to the cash, you could consider a Life Settlement. Many life insurance policies lapse or are surrendered every year, most of which could qualify for a Life Settlement where the policy owner could access the money.
While there are significant benefits, getting a Life Settlement offer requires careful management to ensure a fair and accurate amount. Understanding the process and who to work with is vital to a successful transaction.
A Life Settlement involves selling your life insurance policy to a third party for a lump sum payment. The amount you receive depends on several factors, including your policy’s value, terms, and conditions, as well as your age and health. A Life Settlement payment is more than you would receive if you cancel or surrender the policy but less than the death benefit specified in your insurance policy.
The entity that purchases your life insurance policy becomes the owner and beneficiary, takes over paying the insurance premiums, and receives the death benefit when you pass away. A Life Settlement differs from a Viatical Settlement, which applies when the policy owner has a terminal illness and chooses to sell their policy to cover medical and other expenses. Viatical Settlement proceeds are often exempt from federal tax, whereas Life Settlements are taxable.
Before finding a Life Settlement offer, you must establish whether you are eligible for one. Eligibility often depends on the following:
Most older adults qualify for a Life Settlement, but depending on where you live, you may have to adhere to additional state and local laws, including a mandatory waiting period. It is always best to discuss the implications with your financial advisor and settlement company before you make your final decision.
Find Out What Your Policy is Worth
The principal advantage of a Life Settlement is getting a payout you can use however you choose — like covering medical costs, providing support to loved ones, or taking the vacation of your dreams. You might consider a Life Settlement for several reasons, including the following:
As a Life Settlement offers more value than lapsing or surrendering your policy, it could be a highly beneficial option that grants you access to your money when you need it the most so you can use it how you want.
While a Life Settlement offer can provide you and your loved ones with a much-needed financial reprieve, it’s essential to understand you will only receive a percentage of the policy’s total value when you sell. Ensuring you get the best possible offer on your policy is critical.
In general, you will progress through the following steps:
The first step to getting the best offer on your life insurance policy is to talk to a trustworthy settlement company and determine whether you qualify. They will explain your Life Settlement options to you, and together, you can examine your circumstances and determine whether a Life Settlement is a positive move. When you talk to your provider, ensure you ask the following questions:
Find Out if You Qualify for a Life Settlement
Once your life settlement company has received your initial request, they begin gathering information from you. In this review and evaluation phase, some of the steps your partner takes include:
If you decide to proceed with the transaction, you are able to complete the transaction. Once you have signed and returned them, several checks and balances ensure your sale can be completed. These include change of ownership, beneficiary forms, and collection of outstanding items.
You can receive your cash settlement once you have all agreed and signed the relevant paperwork. After receiving your money, you enter a rescission period — the period in which you can change your mind. This period varies by state but is often around 15 days.
The process of selling your life insurance policy depends on many variables, including your insurance, gathering your medical records, and the time it takes to find the right buyer. However, it takes six to eight weeks on average from start to completion, after which you can use your lump sum as you choose.
Getting a Life Settlement offer can be challenging. Settlement Benefits Association is here to help! While this may be a once-in-a-lifetime transaction for you, we have decades of experience helping our clients get the highest possible offer on their life insurance policies.
Settlement Benefits Association was founded in 2002. Use our Visual Valuator to get a general idea of what your policy is worth, or contact us to start getting a Life Settlement offer today.