Key Takeaways
- A collateral assignment of life insurance allows a lender access to the policy’s death benefit if the borrower defaults or dies.
- This arrangement can prevent the lender from being named as a beneficiary, protecting other intended beneficiaries.
- Permanent life insurance policies with a cash value are preferred for collateral, while term policies may not be accepted.
- Once the loan is repaid in full, the collateral assignment is removed, and the policy reverts to its original status.
- Using life insurance as collateral is irrevocable, meaning the policyholder cannot change the assignment until full repayment.
A collateral assignment of life insurance designates a life insurance policy as collateral for a loan, ensuring the lender is paid from the policy’s death benefit if the borrower cannot meet repayment obligations. This gives the lender a claim to part or all of the death benefit until the loan is repaid, guaranteeing that the loan will be covered in case of default or the policyholder’s death.
The advantage of using a collateral assignee over naming the lender as a beneficiary is that you can specify that the lender is entitled only to a certain amount, namely the amount of the outstanding loan. That would allow your beneficiaries to still be entitled to any remaining death benefit.
Lenders commonly require that life insurance serve as collateral for a business loan to guarantee repayment if the borrower dies or defaults. They may even require you to get a life insurance policy to be approved for a business loan.
Understanding the Mechanics of Collateral Assignment in Life Insurance
Collateral assignments make sure the lender gets paid only what they are due. The borrower must be the owner of the policy, but they do not have to be the insured person. And the policy must remain current for the life of the loan, with the policy owner continuing to pay all premiums. You can use either term or whole life insurance policy as collateral, but the death benefit must meet the lender’s terms.
A permanent life insurance policy with a cash value allows the lender access to the cash value to use as loan payment if the borrower defaults. Many lenders don’t accept term life insurance policies as collateral because they do not accumulate cash value.
Alternately, the policy owner’s access to the cash value is restricted to protect the collateral. If the loan is repaid before the borrower’s death, the assignment is removed, and the lender is no longer the beneficiary of the death benefit.
Fast Fact
Insurance companies must be notified of the collateral assignment of a policy. However, other than their obligation to meet the terms of the contract, they are not involved in the agreement.
Practical Example of Life Insurance Collateral Assignment
For example, say you have a business plan for a floral shop and need a $50,000 loan to get started. When you apply for the loan, the bank says you must have collateral in the form of a life insurance policy to back it up. You have a whole life insurance policy with a cash value of $65,000 and a death benefit of $300,000, which the bank accepts as collateral.
So, you then designate the bank as the policy’s assignee until you repay the $50,000 loan. That way, the bank can ensure it will be repaid the funds it lent you, even if you died. In this case, because the cash value and death benefit is more than what you owe the lender, your beneficiaries would still inherit money.
Exploring Alternatives to Using Life Insurance as Collateral
Using a collateral assignment to secure a business loan can help you access the funds you need to start or grow your business. However, you would be at risk of losing your life insurance policy if you defaulted on the loan, meaning your beneficiaries may not receive the money you’d planned for them to inherit.
Consult with a financial advisor to discuss whether a collateral assignment or one of these alternatives may be most appropriate for your financial situation.
Life insurance loan (policy loan): If you already have a life insurance policy with a cash value, you can likely borrow against it. Policy loans are not taxed and have less stringent requirements such as no credit or income checks. However, this option would not work if you do not already have a permanent life insurance policy because the cash value component takes time to build.
Surrendering your policy: You can also surrender your policy to access any cash value you’ve built up. However, your beneficiaries would no longer receive a death benefit.
Other loan types: Finally, you can apply for other loans, such as a personal loan, that do not require life insurance as collateral. You could use loans that rely on other types of collateral, such as a home equity loan that uses your home equity.
What Are the Benefits of Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?
A collateral assignment of a life insurance policy may be required if you need a business loan. Lenders typically require life insurance as collateral for business loans because they guarantee repayment if the borrower dies. A policy with cash value can guarantee repayment if the borrower defaults.
What Kind of Life Insurance Can Be Used for Collateral?
You can typically use any type of life insurance policy as collateral for a business loan, depending on the lender’s requirements. A permanent life insurance policy with a cash value allows the lender a source of funds to use if the borrower defaults. Some lenders may not accept term life insurance policies, which have no cash value. The lender will typically require the death benefit be a certain amount, depending on your loan size.
Is Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Irrevocable?
A collateral assignment of life insurance is irrevocable. So, the policyholder may not use the cash value of a life insurance policy dedicated toward collateral for a loan until that loan has been repaid.
What is the Difference Between an Assignment and a Collateral Assignment?
With an absolute assignment, the entire ownership of the policy would be transferred to the assignee, or the lender. Then, the lender would be entitled to the full death benefit. With a collateral assignment, the lender is only entitled to the balance of the outstanding loan.
The Bottom Line
If you are applying for life insurance to secure your own business loan, remember you do not need to make the lender the beneficiary. Instead you can use a collateral assignment. Consult a financial advisor or insurance broker who can walk you through the process and explain its pros and cons as they apply to your situation.
