Simple Life Settlement Definition
The definition of a life settlement is the selling of an existing life assurance to an interested person in exchange for an upfront agreed amount. The policy owner is provided with an amount that is more than the cash worth, but still less than the death benefit. Once the life insurance plan is transferred, the purchasing party becomes the beneficiary on the plan and also will assume all obligations for future premiums. The seller receives the agreed amount of money for the policy, and the person buying the policy takes possession of the death benefit when the insured party does pass away.
In the state of MI., life settlements are administered through the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, and we think it’s a good idea to check the site to assure that you are dealing with a licensed firm. No license is required for life settlement providers in Michigan.
Briefly, How It Works
Once the policyholder decides that they are ready to move on from their current insurance policy, a life settlement becomes an option to ending the life insurance policy and relinquishing it back to the insuring company. Many times, the insurance policy value is higher than the amount that would be received if it were simply lapsed back to the insurer. Working with an approved firm, the policyholder can take the policy to a interested marketplace where established investors can bid on policies. At which point the licensed life settlement provider can guide the entire sales process, from soliciting bids from various investors, to collaborating with the owner to finalize the policy-sale closing procedure. And lastly, all policy sales are finalized with an escrow agent, providing an added layer of protection for the life insurance policy seller. More often than not, the sale of a policy can be completed in 30 to 60 days from the initial inquiry.