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Quick citation guide Select a citation to automatically copy to clipboard.APA: Brooks, A. (2024, September 03). How to sell your life insurance policy. Bankrate. Retrieved September 08, 2024, from https://www.bankrate.com/insurance/life-insurance/selling-your-life-insurance/
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Written by
Ashlyn Brooks
Ashlyn Brooks is a finance writer with more than half a decade of experience, known for her knowledge in areas such as taxes, insurance, investing, retirement, finance news, and banking products.
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Natasha Cornelius, CLU
Natasha Cornelius, CLU, is an insurance editor for Bankrate, specializing in auto, home and life insurance.
Reviewed by
Tony Steuer
Tony Steuer, CLU, LA, CPFFE is an internationally recognized financial preparedness advocate, podcaster, and award-winning author. Tony developed the Get Ready Movement to empower and educate people on all areas of personal finance.
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Selling your life insurance policy might not be something you’ve considered before or even known about, but doing so could be a smart way to unlock value from an asset you no longer need. Whether you’re looking to cover unexpected expenses, fund a new chapter in life or simply make the most of what you have, it’s important to know your options. In this article, we’ll walk you through practical tips to help you navigate the process and get the highest possible payout — because when it comes to selling your life insurance, making informed decisions can truly pay off.
If your life insurance policy no longer serves its original purpose, selling it might be a practical way to free up funds. While many policies can be sold, permanent life insurance, such as whole or universal life, is usually more sought after in the secondary market. These types of policies are often more attractive to buyers because they build cash value over time, offer a longer coverage duration and guaranteed benefits.
That said, if you have a term life policy, don’t rule out the possibility of selling it. In some cases, term policies can be sold if they include a conversion feature that allows them to be converted to permanent coverage. Additionally, term policies may be marketable if the insured is terminally ill, as the policy’s payout could be more immediate.
According to Harbor Life Settlements, many states require you to own the policy for a set number of years — usually between two and five — before you can legally sell it. However, these waiting periods are regulated by each state and can vary based on where you live. Knowing these requirements ahead of time can help you better plan and assess whether selling your policy aligns with your needs.
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Why Lemonade? It's a fresh twist on life insurance: easy, accessible and affordable. See more providers in Choose from insurers inSelling your life insurance policy can be a strategic way to unlock financial value, but it’s important to understand your options. There are two primary paths: a life settlement and a viatical settlement. Both allow you to sell your policy, but they’re designed for different situations and offer varying payout amounts depending on your policy type and health condition. Here is a breakdown of each option:
When it comes to viatical settlements, most states follow specific guidelines that determine how much you can receive based on your life expectancy. Below is an example of how Minnesota handles viatical settlements:
| Life expectancy | Minimum payout as % of face value (minus outstanding loans) |
|---|---|
| Less than 6 months | 80% |
| 6 months to less than 12 months | 70% |
| 12 months to less than 18 months | 65% |
| 18 months to less than 24 months | 60% |
| 24 months or more | 50% |
Selling your life insurance policy is a big decision, and getting the most value out of it requires careful planning. Before diving into the process, it can be helpful to understand how it works and what you can expect. Start by reviewing the type of policy you have because, as we mentioned, permanent policies are more commonly sold. Take note of your coverage amount, the policy’s cash value and any other details that could impact its marketability. Additionally, familiarize yourself with your state’s regulations regarding life settlements, including any waiting periods or restrictions.
While all this can feel overwhelming, following the right steps can help you secure the best possible deal. Here are four tips to guide you through the process and maximize your payout.
If you’re unsure about what your policy is worth or the tax implications involved in selling it, hiring an independent advisor could be a smart move. An advisor with expertise in life settlements can provide an accurate appraisal of your policy’s value, help you understand potential tax consequences and offer guidance throughout the process. Their objective insights can be especially valuable if you’re new to life settlements and want to make sure you’re starting the process on solid ground.
While a life settlement broker may charge a fee, they can often help you get the best possible offer by finding the highest bidder. Brokers typically operate in an auction-style environment, where they seek out multiple buyers and negotiate on your behalf. Their commission is often tied to the sale price, and they have a fiduciary duty to work in your best interests, meaning they’re legally required to put your needs ahead of their own when advising you.
By comparing several brokers, you can find one who is licensed in your state, offers fair commission rates and is transparent about fees. Once the broker finds an offer, you’ll have the option to accept or decline it based on your comfort level.
If you’d rather not use a broker, you can go directly to life settlement providers — companies that purchase policies without a middleman. While this might save you from paying broker fees, it could also mean receiving a lower offer since there’s no competitive bidding process. To make sure you’re getting a fair deal, it’s important to reach out to multiple providers and compare their offers. By doing this, you can increase your chances of securing a better price and avoid settling for less than your policy is worth.
The selling process involves more than just your life insurance policy; your medical history plays a key role, too. Potential buyers will require access to your medical records to accurately assess your policy’s value. Be prepared to sign a release granting the broker or provider permission to obtain these records. This step can be time-consuming and may involve some out-of-pocket costs, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Having all your paperwork organized in advance can help things move more smoothly and prevent delays.
Selling your life insurance policy can give you access to extra cash, but it’s important to understand the tax implications. Depending on the type of settlement you choose, whether a viatical settlement or a life settlement, the tax treatment differs and can affect how much money you actually take home.
If you’re terminally ill and qualify for a viatical settlement, there’s good news: the money you receive is usually tax-free. This benefit, provided by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), ensures that people facing serious health issues can use their funds for important needs without worrying about taxes.
Life settlements, however, come with different tax rules. When you sell a life insurance policy, the money you receive can be taxed in three different ways: as ordinary income, as long-term capital gains or as tax-free income. Here’s a simplified explanation of how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 affects the taxation of life insurance policy sales:
But what about your estate? Here’s where it gets interesting. If you own your life insurance policy when you die, it’s included in your taxable estate. Therefore, if you’re someone with a larger estate, meaning your total assets are significant enough to potentially be subject to estate taxes, selling your life insurance policy could actually help lower the taxes your heirs might have to pay. Here’s how it works: when you sell your policy, you transfer ownership rights. As long as the transfer is completed at least three years prior to your death, the policy isn’t included in your estate. Additionally, the cash you receive for the sale could be spent or gifted to reduce the overall value of your estate. A smaller estate means there’s less to tax when it’s passed down to your beneficiaries, possibly lowering the tax bill.
Here’s a quick recap to help summarize these tax considerations:
Given the complexities, it’s always a good idea to talk to a tax professional who can help you navigate these considerations and determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Deciding whether to sell your life insurance policy is a big decision, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before taking the leap. While it might make sense in certain situations, selling your policy isn’t the right choice for everyone. Here’s a closer look at the benefits and potential downsides to help you determine if selling your policy aligns with your needs.
Pros of selling your life insurance policy
Cons of selling your life insurance policy
Selling your life insurance policy can be a smart financial move if the payout or relief from premium payments brings you immediate benefits that outweigh the need to keep your coverage. However, remember to carefully consider the long-term impact, especially if your loved ones rely on the death benefit your policy provides.
If you’re in need of funds or struggling to keep up with premium payments, selling your life insurance policy might seem like the only option. However, there are several alternatives that can provide quick access to cash while allowing you to keep your coverage or at least explore other solutions before selling. Here are some options to consider:
The amount you can receive from selling your life insurance policy varies based on factors like your age, health, the type and value of your policy and even the insurer’s financial stability. Permanent policies, such as whole or universal life, usually offer higher payouts because they accumulate cash value over time. Term policies can be sold as well, but typically only if they’re convertible or if the insured’s health has significantly declined. Generally, the older you are and the more severe your health condition, the more attractive your policy is to buyers since they expect to collect the death benefit sooner. For a quick estimate, some life settlement providers offer online calculators, but a precise payout depends on a full evaluation by a broker or provider who considers all relevant factors.
The time it takes to sell a life insurance policy can range from just a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of settlement and the approach you take. If you’re working with a broker who’s gathering multiple offers, the process may take longer as they search for the best deal on your behalf. On the other hand, if you work directly with a life settlement provider and accept an early offer, the timeline could be shorter. Factors like the complexity of your policy, the required documentation and even how quickly medical records are obtained can all influence the timeline. Whether you’re looking for a quick sale or want to wait for the highest bid, it’s helpful to be patient and prepared for the process to take some time.
You can do some research online to find a good broker. If you consult an independent advisor, they can also give you some recommendations. Before you hire a broker, read their reviews and set up a short interview with each. Ask about their experience, their process and fees.
Most types of life insurance that an individual purchases directly can be sold once they are no longer needed. Term, whole life, and universal policies can all be sold on the secondary market. However, you will likely not be able to sell any life insurance policy provided by your employer or issued by the government. Group life policies also cannot be sold by an individual to another investor.
Ashlyn Brooks is a finance writer with more than half a decade of experience, known for her knowledge in areas such as taxes, insurance, investing, retirement, finance news, and banking products.
