A life settlement is a financial transaction in which a policy owner possessing an unneeded or unwanted
life insurance policy sells the policy to a third party for more than the
cash surrender value (cash value offered by the life insurance company). The purchaser becomes the new beneficiary of the policy at maturation and is responsible for all subsequent premium payments.
Life settlements are an important development in that they have opened a secondary market for life insurance in which policy owners can access fair
market value for their policies, rather than accepting the lower cash surrender value from the issuing life insurance company.
Generally speaking, life settlements are an option for high-net-worth policy owners age 65 or older. Independent estimates report that among this group, 20% of policies have a market value that exceeds the cash value offered by the carrier. And while many policyowners are unfamiliar with life settlements until a financial professional mentions the option to them, the concept has gained attention from high-profile proponents such as
Warren Buffett, former U.S. Representative
Bill Gradison, and numerous media sources including
The Wall Street Journal,
Time Magazine,
Business Week and
The Economist. A growing number of experts now believe that informing clients about offering life settlements should fall under the fiduciary duty of a financial adviser.
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Life Insurance Settlements, Inc. (LIS) is one of the largest and most experienced brokers in the life settlement industry, as well as the number one choice for financial professionals seeking solutions for their Senior client life settlement needs. Our accomplished knowledge of life settlements, combined with solid relationships with multiple funders is used as an advantage; one that virtually offers your client one of the largest market values for their life insurance policy. We will negotiate the highest settlement offer on behalf of you and your client.
The senior management team at our home office has been involved in the life insurance secondary market since 1993. This experienced team of experts understands the needs and expectations of the financial planning and life insurance industries as they apply to our core competency—life settlements. LIS provides the tools, support and education necessary for the financial or insurance professional to offer these as a complimentary service. This formula has helped our partners build a significant profit center without changing their current business plan.