Seniors Flocking To Sell Their Life Insurance

Seniors are becoming more interested in non traditional sources of retirement income during these unstable economic times. One new strategy for seniors seeking cash are life settlements. Seniors with unwanted life insurance policies are now selling them for instant cash in life settlements.

Life insurance policies are usually purchased to provide much needed financial security in the event of someone's death. When a life insurance policy is no longer needed many people mistakenly assume the policy has little or no value. In years past policy owners had two options for their unwanted life insurance. First, they could stop paying premiums, which then allowed the policy to lapse. In this scenario, the policy owner gets nothing. Secondly, some life insurance allows for the policy to be returned to the insurance carrier for the "cash surrender value". Unfortunately, the cash surrender value is often only a nominal amount of the policy's death benefit.

Life settlements offer a third and more attractive option. A life settlement occurs when someone sells their existing life insurance policy for an immediate lump sum payment. The seller benefits by getting instant money which is often 200%-500% more than the cash surrender value offered by the insurance carrier. While the buyer, often a financial institution such as a bank or investment fund, pays the ongoing premiums and receives the death benefit when the policy matures.

Unfortunately, many seniors don't realize that life insurance policies can be bought and sold by their owner, like any other asset. The right to sell a life insurance policy has even been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. In fact, life insurance policies have been sold in the USA dating back to the 1800's.

The first step in selling a life insurance policy is to contact a life settlement broker. During an initial consultation, they can provide free estimates of your policy's life settlement value. Once an application is submitted, life settlement brokers will solicit buyers for your policy. Then a policy holder can choose the best offer and receive their payment.

Looking to find the best deal for your life insurance policy in a life settlement, then visit www.amritafinancial.com to find the best advice on working with a life settlement broker.