Life insurance policy loan

Author: Charles Ouko

Life insurance is easy to borrow and does not require complicated procedures. There are requirements or qualifications. This is one of the cheapest routes for most people as it has no cash value and expires at the end of an agreed term, usually 30 years. A whole life policy can be converted to a whole life policy and a lifetime settlement policy can be enabled.

Insurance companies use the policy as security for the loan in case the borrower dies. Only life insurance policies can build cash value; term policies do not.

Borrowing Guidelines

A life insurance policy has two values, present value and death benefit. Once the money is in the account, it increases the amount of the death benefit, which is tax-free and can be borrowed. Insurance companies can use insurance policies as collateral for loans. Life insurance can have higher monthly premiums but create cash value because it lasts a lifetime with no expiration date.

How does this work

Insurance regulators do not recognize policy loans and remain tax-free. The loan is expected to accrue interest, but the rate is lower because you are borrowing from yourself.

This loan does not affect the borrower's credit rating, nor does it affect your credit rating. Access is easier because it's your money, no license or credit check required.

There was no indication of how the money would be used and whether it could be used to pay bills or other financial emergencies.

No cash is withdrawn from your account, which means the cash value continues to grow as dividends and can pay loan interest.

When the loan must be repaid

It is advisable to pay off the loan on time to avoid maturity. If the loan is not paid at the time of the death of the insured, the insurance company will deduct the amount paid to the beneficiary to repay the debt.

How much can you borrow from an insurance company?

You can borrow up to 90% of the cash value of your funds. Different companies have their own deadlines and policies. If you get a loan, don't deduct the funds from the cash value of your account; they only use the cash value as collateral. The cash value is in the life insurance policy and continues to earn interest.

Bottom line

Depending on how the policy is structured, you can borrow money from an insurance company as long as the cash value is sufficient. It may take some time for you to get a loan. Remember not to withdraw funds from the account as this will reduce survivor benefits upon death.

Life insurance policies are guaranteed based on certain assumptions. Please stick to your contributions. It will accumulate cash at a certain level. The borrowing has exhausted the amount required to obtain the guarantee.

If you don't pay the loan, you could lose your policy and end up with a huge tax bill.