7 things You Need to Know About Selling a Term Life Insurance Policy – Lighthouse Life

What is a Term Life Insurance Policy?

A term life insurance policy is a form of life insurance that offers a death benefit to the policyholder if the insured individual passes away within a specified time frame. Unlike permanent life insurance policies, which remain in effect until the insured’s death or the policy’s expiration date, term life insurance serves as a temporary solution.

Term life insurance is often referred to as “term insurance” due to its temporary nature. It is commonly utilized by primary earners in households to secure the payment of mortgages or financing their children’s education in case they pass away before retirement. Many individuals, even after retirement, choose to retain term policies for various reasons.

Reading: How can i sell my term life insurance policy

The appeal of term life insurance lies in its considerably lower premiums compared to whole life insurance policies offering the same death benefit. While whole life insurance policies accumulate cash value over time, which can be withdrawn or borrowed against, many people opt for a term life insurance policy with a higher death benefit to ensure maximum financial security for themselves and their families.

However, one significant drawback of term life insurance policies is that if the policy expires while the insured is still alive, no death benefits are paid out. The policy becomes worthless, and the premiums paid are non-refundable, leaving no death benefit for the policy beneficiaries.

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Nevertheless, there are options for policyholders who no longer wish to retain their term life policy. In many cases, they can sell their term life policy through a life settlement. However, unlike selling a whole life or universal life policy, there are specific steps to consider before selling a term life insurance policy.

Determine if Your Term Life Insurance Policy is Convertible

During the process of obtaining term life insurance, you may have been asked if you wanted to include a conversion rider. This additional feature allows you to convert your term life policy into a permanent life policy, typically whole life insurance. Generally, you must exercise your conversion privilege before the policy expires and before reaching the ages of 65 or 70.

If you opted for a conversion rider, your policy will specify the details regarding how and when you can convert from term insurance to permanent insurance. If you are unsure after reviewing your policy, you can consult with a life settlement provider who can evaluate your policy and assist in determining its convertibility.

Conversion riders may involve extra costs, but they provide the opportunity to claim some policy value through a settlement or retain the policy for your entire life.

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If your term life policy does not include a conversion rider, it is unlikely that you can sell it through a life settlement. However, one exception is if you have a severe or terminal health condition. In such cases, you may still be eligible to sell your term life insurance policy, and it is advisable to contact a life settlement provider to explore your options.

Read Your Conversion Clause Carefully

Most conversion clauses have expiration dates. If your term life insurance policy is approaching its end, it is crucial to carefully review the rider to ensure its validity.

If the conversion rider has not expired, you have the option to convert your policy from a term policy to a permanent one, either whole life or universal life. However, converting a policy is a significant decision, so it is essential to thoroughly comprehend and evaluate your conversion rider before proceeding.

If you have any doubts or queries about the convertibility status of your policy, a specialist at a life settlement provider can guide you through the policy details, provided they have access to your policy. Alternatively, you can contact your insurance company directly to obtain all the necessary information.

By understanding the ins and outs of selling a term life insurance policy, you can make informed decisions that align with your financial goals and future security. Whether you choose to convert your policy, explore a life settlement, or keep your policy until its expiration, knowing your options empowers you to navigate the process confidently.

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