Universal Life Insurance
What is Universal Life Insurance?
Universal life insurance is an alternative to explore if you’re searching for a plan that will give you flexible lifetime coverage. Universal life is a form of permanent insurance that includes an investment savings component and has a low cost similar to term life insurance.
How do I utilize the benefits of Universal Life Insurance?
Withdrawals or policy loans are two ways to get money out of the cash value component. If you die, the company will deduct the amount of any withdrawals or outstanding debts from the payout to your beneficiaries. You can add a number of riders to your universal life plan.
Riders are a technique to provide extra coverage and benefits at a reduced additional expense. Riders may include critical illness, disability, term insurance, accidental death, premium waiver, and others as the insurance company may provide.
You can get lifelong protection with universal life insurance and accumulate cash value. Universal life insurance policies include a cash value component that can be used to accumulate savings. You have the option to adjust your premium payments and death benefit.
Benefits of Universal Life Insurance
- Protection for the rest of your life
Universal life insurance does not have a set term and offers your beneficiaries perpetual, life-long financial security. Your coverage cannot be canceled as long as the account is in good standing (premiums are paid) and has a positive cash value. You’re insured for life with universal life insurance, whether your health declines or not, and the tax-free death benefit given to your family is assured. - Remittance can be made through the payment schedule
Unlike a whole life policy that has a set premium payment that never varies, A universal life insurance policy allows you to adjust your payments as needed within the policy’s limits. Paying less now may force you to pay a higher cost in the future to keep your coverage, but having more flexibility can make keeping your insurance in force easier over time. - Universal Life has an income tax advantage
This is because interest money accumulated in the account is tax-deferred. Tax implications will occur when money is withdrawn from the policy. It’s a good idea to consult your tax and financial associates when making changes to the values in your Universal Life policy. - Money can be taken
Generally, you can borrow from the cash value of your insurance tax-free. If you die before the loan is repaid, the outstanding amount will be deducted from your death benefit. If you wish to surrender the policy you will get a cash surrender value after any surrender charges are deducted. You must remember that there might be tax implications.