What To Know Selling a term life insurance policy isn’t as straightforward as selling a...
Most people assume a term life insurance policy expires without value — but under the right circumstances, a term policy can be sold for cash through what’s known as a life settlement. The key is whether that policy is convertible to a permanent form of coverage.
A term life insurance policy is designed to provide protection for a fixed number of years — typically 10, 20, or 30. Once the term expires, so does the coverage, unless you renew or convert it. A permanent policy, on the other hand, builds cash value and remains in force for life as long as premiums are paid. Because of that permanence, investors can purchase it and keep paying the premiums themselves.
That’s why a term policy’s conversion privilege is the deciding factor in whether it can be sold.
Most major insurers include a conversion option that lets you exchange your term coverage for a universal or whole life policy without new underwriting. This is often allowed until a certain age — usually 70 or 75 — or within the first 10 to 15 years of the policy.
Once converted, the new permanent policy can be appraised and sold through a life settlement broker to qualified investors. The proceeds go directly to you, the policyholder — typically much more than the cash surrender value and, of course, more than simply letting the policy lapse.
What To Know Selling a term life insurance policy isn’t as straightforward as selling a...
If your term policy has no conversion privilege or you’ve already passed the conversion deadline, it generally cannot be sold. The only exception is when you are in the middle of the conversion window, and your health has declined since the policy was issued. In that case, buyers may fund the conversion themselves as part of the purchase.
The value of any policy — term or permanent — depends primarily on:
A broker can help you evaluate whether converting and selling your policy makes sense or if it’s better to explore other options.
Selling any life insurance policy involves negotiation and regulatory steps. A licensed life settlement broker works on your behalf to present your case to multiple buyers and secure the best offer available — not just one company’s price.
Windsor Life Settlements acts as a fiduciary-minded, independent broker, ensuring policyholders never face “take-it-or-leave-it” offers or high-pressure sales tactics.
Yes, you can sell a term life policy — but only if it’s convertible, and only while that conversion window is open. If you’re unsure, review your policy now or contact Windsor Life Settlements to find out whether your coverage qualifies.
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