See how a life settlement broker helped a NYC man secure his dream car.
Most policyholders will experience an “illusion of choice” in today’s life settlement market. That’s because not every life settlement company is as it appears. Some of these life settlement companies actually own other life settlement companies, and some actually own life settlement “marketing companies” that all funnel your data back to the same desk. So behind the curtain it’s all the same buyer, the same agenda, and the same outcome: less money in your pocket. Other companies will give you an offer and claim that offer “expires” in a few days, as if their offer “expiring” means the value of your policy suddenly goes to zero.
Introduce a life settlement broker to the equation and suddenly the whole process changes. This most-often results in a much-improved life settlement experience for policyholders. Windsor is independent. We don’t buy policies. If we did our goal would be like everyone else: to get your policy for the lowest amount possible.
Instead we represent the policyholder. We take your policy beyond the life settlement companies to a broader marketplace of institutional investors and private funds that have all been buying policies from us since 2012. Policyholders benefit from having professional representation, more competition, more leverage, better offers and ultimately, a better life settlement experience for all involved.
This is merely one advantage of working with a top life settlement broker: independence.
If after reading this you still plan to sell your policy directly, we understand and wish you the best. For your benefit, we suggest that you ask your life settlement company these three questions. Their answers could prove helpful. Lastly, if at any time you would like to discuss your case, please feel free to reach out.
See how a life settlement broker helped a NYC man secure his dream car.
Windsor Life Settlements plays a crucial role in facilitating the sale of a life insurance policy in the secondary market
While the immediate appeal of a direct sale might seem enticing, a deeper understanding of the process reveals why hiring a life settlement broker can...
Life Settlement Brokers by State Every state has its own regulations, licensing requirements, and market dynamics for life settlements — but one thing remains the...
When a life insurance policy becomes unnecessary or unaffordable, selling it through a life settlement broker can unlock far more value than simply surrendering it. A broker’s role is to represent the policyholder’s interests, not the buyer’s — ensuring that the sale of a policy happens through a fair, competitive marketplace that delivers the highest possible offer.
At Windsor Life Settlements, we believe policyholders deserve representation equal to the institutional investors on the other side of the table. That’s what a broker provides: advocacy, transparency, and leverage.
A life settlement broker acts much like a real estate agent — but instead of selling property, they sell life insurance policies. Their duty is to the policyholder. They gather documentation, prepare the case for market, invite multiple licensed buyers to compete, and help the client evaluate every offer objectively.
Unlike marketing companies or direct buyers that make only one offer, a broker’s job is to create a bidding environment. The broker’s allegiance is to the client, and their compensation is based on successfully securing the best price, not simply closing the fastest deal.
The process begins with a conversation. The broker reviews your policy type, face value, premium obligations, and health information to determine whether your policy qualifies for the life settlement market.
Even though most policyholders won’t qualify, understanding your eligibility is the first step toward exploring your policy’s true value — as we explain in “You Probably Don’t Qualify for a Life Settlement. Here’s Why.”
With your consent, the broker collects key documents such as an in-force illustration and recent medical records. These materials are used to produce a life expectancy report and financial profile — the same data institutional buyers rely on to determine your policy’s market worth.
Your broker presents the case file to multiple licensed life settlement providers, inviting them to submit offers. This step creates competition and transparency, preventing the “one-offer trap” common among marketing companies that act as middlemen.
Once bids are received, the broker compares each offer side by side, outlining the net proceeds, retained death benefits, and any closing costs. Their duty is fiduciary: to explain every term and ensure that the policyholder makes an informed, confident decision.
After an offer is accepted, closing documents are drafted and funds are placed in a licensed escrow account. Ownership of the policy transfers to the buyer, and the policyholder receives full payment once the transfer is complete. A reputable broker ensures that the process is smooth, secure, and fully compliant with state regulations.
Life settlement brokers are independent. They do not buy policies themselves, and therefore have no financial incentive to underpay.
Direct-buy companies, on the other hand, represent investors — not you. Their goal is to buy low and sell high, and they typically rely on heavy advertising and “expiring offer” tactics to push policyholders into fast decisions.
A broker levels the playing field. With access to multiple licensed buyers, a broker can drive offers up — sometimes dramatically — while protecting the client from unnecessary risk or pressure.
Most brokers earn a commission that is a percentage of the final settlement amount. This fee is fully disclosed before closing and paid from the sale proceeds, not out-of-pocket.
Because the broker’s compensation rises when your offer does, both parties are aligned toward the same goal: maximizing your return.
At Windsor Life Settlements, independence is the cornerstone of our process. We are not owned by any life settlement provider, fund, or investor. We exist solely to represent policyholders — to act as their fiduciary advocates in a complex financial market that most consumers will only experience once.
Our independence means we can approach multiple buyers across the market, structure creative settlement options, and negotiate from a position of strength. That’s what makes the difference between an offer and the best offer.
Yes. Most states require life settlement brokers to hold a specific license, often separate from a traditional life insurance license. This regulation ensures that brokers meet ethical and financial standards before representing policyholders.
Each transaction must also comply with the individual state’s life settlement laws, which govern disclosures, escrow requirements, and privacy protections. Windsor operates under these regulations nationwide, coordinating closely with attorneys, providers, and escrow agents to maintain full compliance.
Typically, qualifying policyholders are at least 70–75 years old, or younger if they have experienced significant health changes since the policy was issued. Policies must usually have a face value of at least $100,000, and premiums should be affordable enough for buyers to sustain after purchase.
Even with these criteria, not everyone will qualify. Health, policy structure, and loan amounts can all impact eligibility — but it’s worth exploring, because every situation is unique.
Throughout the process, you have a single advocate — Windsor — ensuring your interests are never overshadowed by those of an investor or marketing firm.
When evaluating brokers, look for:
Policyholders should always ask whether a broker is independent or affiliated with a buyer — because that single distinction determines whose side they’re truly on.
Selling a life insurance policy is a major financial decision. A life settlement broker ensures it’s an informed one. By creating a competitive market for your policy, negotiating transparently, and protecting your data and dignity throughout the process, a broker helps you convert an unwanted policy into meaningful value.
Windsor Life Settlements represents policyholders, not providers. Our mission is simple: to make sure you never leave money on the table.
| Life Settlement Company / Provider | Independent Broker |
|---|---|
|
Represents the buyer’s interest in ‘buying low’ |
Represents your interest in ‘selling high’ |
|
Pressure tactics: expiring offers, relentless phone calls, distressing emails. |
Manages the process on your terms. |
|
May own “marketing companies” that funnel your data |
Your data stays with us until you say otherwise. |
|
Single offer |
Multiple offers |