Life Settlement Basics
Are Life Settlement Companies Legitimate?
Life settlements are a legitimate, state-regulated transaction — but not every company is equal. Here is how the industry is regulated and how to vet a buyer before you sell.
Plain language. No jargon. Just the information you need to make the best decision for your family.
Life settlements are a legitimate, state-regulated transaction — but not every company is equal. Here is how the industry is regulated and how to vet a buyer before you sell.
There is an established market of institutional buyers who purchase life insurance policies — including some term policies. Here is who they are, why they want them, and what they look for.
A term life policy has no cash value to withdraw — but a convertible term policy may have something else entirely: market value. Here is what that means and what your real options are.
An illustrative advisor case study: a client about to surrender a $500,000 policy for $18,000 — and how the secondary market valued the same policy at roughly $140,000.
Viatical settlement proceeds are often tax-free under federal law when the insured is terminally or chronically ill. Here is how the IRS treats them, and how that differs from a life settlement.
What do life settlements actually pay? Industry data from LISA and Conning shows the typical range, what drives it, and why averages can be misleading for any single policy.
Cash surrender value is the amount the insurance carrier pays to take your policy back. Here is how it is calculated, why it is often lower than expected, and what to know before surrendering.
Most disqualifications come down to four factors — but 'no' today is rarely 'no' forever. Here is what actually keeps a policy from qualifying, and what to do if yours falls outside the lines.
How life settlement proceeds may be taxed, broken into the three commonly-discussed buckets — basis recovery, ordinary income, and capital gains. Educational only — consult your tax professional.
A practical walkthrough for financial advisors and insurance agents — what your role actually looks like when you refer a client to a life settlement broker, from first conversation to closing.
It is not based on face value. It is not the surrender value. It is not what you have paid in premiums. Here is what actually drives a life settlement offer — and why two similar policies can produce different numbers.
Convertible term policies have a quiet conversion deadline — and once it passes, your client's options narrow sharply. Here's why advisors miss it and how a life settlement may still help.
A life settlement broker shops your policy to multiple buyers to get you the best offer. Here's how brokers work and why most seniors choose them over going direct.
Both let you sell your life insurance for cash — but they work differently. Here's a plain-language breakdown of which option applies to your situation.
Most life settlements close in 60 to 120 days. Here's a plain-language guide to every step of the process — so you know exactly what to expect.
Learn what a life settlement is, how it works, and whether selling your policy could put real money in your pocket.
Before you surrender your policy back to the insurance company, read this. You may be leaving tens of thousands on the table.
These 5 factors determine what you could receive in a life settlement — and one of them might surprise you.
Not sure if a life settlement is right for you? These 5 signs suggest it might be time to explore your options.
Struggling with life insurance premiums? Before you let your policy lapse, you may have a valuable alternative.
Term life insurance can sometimes be sold — but the rules are different. Here's when it's possible and what to expect.
A lapsed policy means losing years of premiums with nothing to show for it. Here's what happens — and what you can do before it's too late.
When a client calls about a lapse notice, a life settlement may be the best option. Learn how to guide the conversation.
Everything agents need to know about adding life settlements to their practice, from compliance to compensation.
Practical scripts and conversation starters for introducing life settlements to senior clients naturally.
Learn the key criteria for life settlement eligibility so you can identify opportunities across your book of business.
Understanding the root causes of policy lapses helps advisors identify and act on life settlement opportunities before it's too late.