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What Is a Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

protective life insurance collateral assignment form

Charlene Rhinehart is a CPA , CFE, chair of an Illinois CPA Society committee, and has a degree in accounting and finance from DePaul University.

protective life insurance collateral assignment form

A collateral assignment of life insurance is a conditional assignment appointing a lender as an assignee of a policy. Essentially, the lender has a claim to some or all of the death benefit until the loan is repaid. The death benefit is used as collateral for a loan.

The advantage to using a collateral assignee over naming the lender as a beneficiary is that you can specify that the lender is only entitled to a certain amount, namely the amount of the outstanding loan. That would allow your beneficiaries 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.

Key Takeaways

  • The borrower of a business loan using life insurance as collateral must be the policy owner, who may or may not be the insured.
  • The collateral assignment helps you avoid naming a lender as a beneficiary.
  • The collateral assignment may be against all or part of the policy's value.
  • If any amount of the death benefit remains after the lender is paid, it is distributed to beneficiaries.
  • Once the loan is fully repaid, the life insurance policy is no longer used as collateral.

How a Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Works

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.

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.

Example of Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance

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.

Alternatives to Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance

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.

Progressive. " Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance ."

Fidelity Life. " What Is a Collateral Assignment of a Life Insurance Policy? "

Kansas Legislative Research Department. " Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Proceeds ."

protective life insurance collateral assignment form

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What Is Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

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Collateral assignment of life insurance

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Using your life insurance policy as collateral is one way of securing a loan without the risk of using your home or car. Most loans are either secured or unsecured, and while an unsecured loan does not require collateral, they are not always the most affordable or available option to many loan seekers. Bankrate breaks down the collateral assignment of life insurance process along with alternative options to help you decide what type of loan may be best for you.

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Whole life insurance combines life insurance with an investment component.

  • Coverage for life
  • Tax-deferred savings benefit if premiums are paid
  • 3 variations of permanent insurance: whole life, universal life and variable life include investment component

Term life insurance is precisely what the name implies: an insurance policy that is good for a specific term of time.

  • Fixed premium over term
  • No savings benefits
  • Outliving policy or policy cancellation results in no money back

This advertising widget is powered by HomeInsurance.com, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 8781838) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. HomeInsurance.com LLC services are only available in states where it is licensed and insurance coverage through HomeInsurance.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

What is collateral assignment of life insurance?

A collateral assignment of life insurance is a method of securing a loan by using a life insurance policy as collateral . If you pass away before the loan is repaid, the lender can collect the outstanding loan balance from the death benefit of your life insurance policy. Any remaining funds from the death benefit would then be disbursed to the policy’s designated beneficiary(ies).

Why use life insurance as collateral?

There are several reasons why you might want to use life insurance as collateral for a loan. Among them:

  • It can be affordable. Depending on your age, health, the type and value of policy, life insurance costs vary. However, life insurance premiums may be less than what you would pay for an unsecured loan with higher interest rates.
  • You are not jeopardizing your personal property. By using life insurance as collateral, you might be able to take out a secured loan without putting your home or vehicle at risk. If you pass away before the loan is repaid, the lender will use funds available from your life insurance policy’s death benefit to pay off the loan.
  • It may be attractive to lenders. Many financial institutions view life insurance as a good option for collateral, knowing that they will very likely have the money to pay off your loan in the event of your death.

Of course, there are also some situations in which a collateral assignment of life insurance is not the best option. Some people are unable to obtain affordable life insurance due to their age or health complications. It can also be difficult to use an existing life insurance policy as collateral for a loan; a lender may require you to take out a new policy, specifically for the purpose of the collateral assignment.

How do I take out a loan using a collateral assignment of life insurance?

If you would like to take out a loan using life insurance as collateral, your first step should be to find a lender willing to issue this type of loan. After you confirm the lender’s requirements, you may be able to use your existing life insurance policy (if the lender will allow it) or you might need to purchase a new policy for a collateral assignment.

If you take out a new policy, the application process is the same as applying for any other type of life insurance and may require extensive underwriting, including a medical exam. After you have purchased the new policy, you will need to ask the insurance company for a collateral assignment form that you will need to complete, noting your lender as an assignee. Generally, a lender will not be listed as a beneficiary. The beneficiary(ies)will be the person you would like to receive any leftover benefits not claimed by the lender.

What types of life insurance can I use as collateral for a loan?

Both main types of life insurance, term life insurance and permanent life insurance , can be used to secure a loan. If you have a policy that falls into a subcategory of permanent life insurance, such as whole life, universal life, variable life or variable-universal life, these too are eligible to be used as collateral. However, each financial institution will likely have different requirements. Make sure to discuss these requirements with your lender before purchasing life insurance with the specific intention to use it as collateral. If more than one option is available, you may want to compare the cost of premiums for each type of policy.

Alternatives to life insurance as collateral

If you are considering a collateral assignment of life insurance, there are a few alternative funding options that might be worth exploring. Since many factors determine each option, working with a financial advisor may be the best way to find the ideal solution for your situation.

Unsecured loan

Depending on your situation, an unsecured loan may be more affordable than a secured loan with life insurance as collateral. This is more likely to be the case if you have good enough credit to qualify for a low interest rate without having to offer any type of collateral. There are many different types of unsecured loans, including credit cards and personal loans.

Cash value life insurance

Some permanent life insurance policies accumulate cash value over time that you can use in different ways. If you have such a policy, you may be able to partially withdraw the cash value or take a loan against your cash value. However, there are implications to using the cash value in your life insurance policy, so be sure to discuss this solution with a life insurance agent or your financial advisor before making a decision.

Home equity line of credit (HELOC)

A home equity line of credit (HELOC), is a more flexible way to access funds than a standard secured loan. While HELOCs carry the downside of risking your home as collateral, you retain more control over the amount you borrow. Instead of receiving one lump sum, you will have access to a line of credit that you can withdraw from as needed. You will only have to pay interest on the actual amount borrowed.

Frequently asked questions

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IMAGES

  1. ASSIGNMENT OF LIFE INSURANCE POLICY AS COLLATERAL SECURITY

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  2. Assignment Of Life Insurance Policy As Collateral For Loan

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COMMENTS

  1. PDF Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company Life and Health Insurance

    In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this assignment and the evidence or documentation of any indebtedness to the Assignee, with respect to the policy or rights of collateral security under the policy, this assignment shall prevail. G. Each of the undersigned declares that no proceedings in bankruptcy are pending against him. H.

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    IDI is located in Birmingham, Alabama. Insurance and Annuities are: Not a Deposit | Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency | Have no Bank or Credit Union Guarantee | Not FDIC/NCUA Insured | May Lose Value

  3. PDF PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY Birmingham, Alabama PARTIAL

    This partial assignment is made and the policy is to be held as collateral security for all indebtedness of the undersigned Insured to the Assignee due under the Loan Agreement referenced above and any balance that may remain with the Assignee after payment of such indebtedness shall be paid to the persons entitled thereto under the terms of the...

  4. ASSIGNMENT OF COMMISSIONS

    PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY assumes no responsibility for the validity or legality of the foregoing assignment. PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY By: _____ Title: _____ INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING FORMS ASSIGNMENT OF COMMISSIONS 1. The contract which is to be assigned should be noted in the space provided. Separate forms must be completed ...

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    paperwork and assignment forms (if applicable). Mailing Addresses: Home Office - Regular Mail Home Office - Overnight Mail Protective Life Insurance Company Protective Life Insurance Company ATTN: New Business ATTN: New Business P.O. Box 830619 2801 Highway 280 South Birmingham, Alabama 35283-0619 Birmingham, Alabama 35223

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    Assignment of Life Insurance Policy or Annuity Contract as Collateral Security Life and Annuity Operations: PO Box 21008, Greensboro, NC 27420-1008 Phone: 800-487-1485 Fax: 800-819-1987 Email: [email protected] Annuity Service Ofice: PO Box 2348, Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2348 LincolnFinancial.com Policy / Contract No.:

  7. PDF Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company Life and Health Insurance

    This partial assignment is made and the policy is to be held as collateral security for all indebtedness of the undersigned Insured to the Assignee due under the Loan Agreement referenced above and any balance that may remain with the Assignee after payment of such indebtedness shall be paid to the persons entitled thereto under the terms of the...

  8. PDF Collateral Assignment Form

    Collateral Assignment Form For use with Life products Use this form to collaterally assign the policy(ies) referenced below. This form must be completed and signed by the Owner. A Policy Information

  9. A Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance

    Katharine Beer. A collateral assignment of life insurance is a conditional assignment appointing a lender as an assignee of a policy. Essentially, the lender has a claim to some or all of the ...

  10. What Is Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

    What is collateral assignment of life insurance? Life insurance can act as collateral for you to secure a loan. With a collateral assignment, the payout from your insurance goes to pay your loan balance first, and your loved ones will get to keep any remaining money.

  11. Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance

    Collateral assignment of life insurance leverages your life insurance as loan collateral. Find out how it works and what's required.

  12. PDF Prote Life and Health Insurance Administration Birmingham, AL 35202-6687

    SVC-130-PL Assignment of Policy as Collateral Security - page 1 of 3 08/2016 ... The Protective Life Insurance Company shall not be deemed to have knowledge of this assignment until it has ... this form should be signed by an officer other than the insured. The title(s) of the officer(s) signing the form should also be included. If there is ...

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    assignment for the benefit of creditors. Both the original and duplicate of this agreement must be sent to the Home Office of Banner Life Insurance Company, one copy being retained by the Company and the other returned. Banner Life Insurance Company has returned the original of this agreement, but assumes no responsibility for its validity ...

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  15. PDF Protective Life Insurance Company Assignment/Transfer of Ownership

    For value received, I hereby assign and transfer to Protective Life Insurance Company ("Protective Life") all right, title, and interest to the above listed policy(ies) in an exchange intended to qualify under Section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code. However, this assignment and all other terms and agreements set forth below are ...

  16. What Is Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

    Quality Verified. Collateral assignment of life insurance is an arrangement where a policyholder uses the face value of their life insurance policy, which can be a term or permanent life insurance policy, as collateral to secure a loan. If the policyholder dies before the loan is paid off, the lender is prioritized to receive a portion of the ...

  17. Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance

    A collateral assignment of life insurance is a method of securing a loan by using a life insurance policy as collateral. If you pass away before the loan is repaid, the lender can collect the ...