get a secondary opinion®
The majority of Americans do not realize that they have a legal right to appraise and sell their life insurance policy, as well as certain types of annuities in the regulated Secondary Market for Life Insurance for an amount higher than the cash surrender value, but less than the death benefit. The Secondary Market is projected in the September 2014 Conning Report to be valued at $180 billion annually over the next ten years. With one-third of the population moving into this demographic, the impact to retirement, long-term care, and multi-generational planning has never been more important. It has grown exponentially over the past 10 years, generating billions to consumers over the cash surrender value of their policies. These policies can often have considerably more value in the Secondary Market at the time of lapse or surrender than the insurance carrier will provide.
So what’s driving capital to this space? The theme of “socially responsible or sustainable investing” is becoming more valued and politically correct every year. There has been an increase in domestic and global institutions that have become active in purchasing these highly rated insurance carrier products as a means to diversify their investment strategies and assist seniors in funding their caregiving and lifestyle requirements. It’s a win for all parties.
Can you imagine surrendering a life insurance policy for $5,000 that had a fair market value of $205,000? It happens every day. There’ s a market for both small face and jumbo policies. Is there liability with those advisors that fail to disclose this option to their clients? Time will tell on a larger scale; however there are court cases today that are actively pursuing that answer.
The Ashar Group serves as a strategic partner and specialist in the Secondary Market for Life Insurance settlements. For more information, please visit www.ashargroup.com.
https://ashargroup.com/policy-value-questionnaire/ to take the first steps in determining if a policy may qualify for a life settlement.
