Key person insurance is life insurance purchased by a business on the life of an employee, owner, executive, or specialist whose death would create a significant financial loss for the business. The business is generally the owner, premium payer, and beneficiary. If the key person dies, the death proceeds can help the business offset lost revenue, recruit and train a replacement, protect credit relationships, reassure customers, or meet other financial obligations during the transition.
The key person must consent to the insurance, and the business must have a legitimate insurable interest at the time coverage is issued. Key person insurance is not designed to provide personal family protection to the employee. It protects the business against the financial consequences of losing an important contributor.
Credit life insurance is designed to help pay an outstanding debt upon the debtor’s death. Family maintenance insurance is generally personal coverage intended to replace income or support dependents. A viatical settlement involves the sale of an existing life insurance policy to a third party, typically when the insured has a serious illness.
The producer should conduct a financial-needs analysis and coordinate with legal and tax advisers because ownership, consent, accounting treatment, and tax consequences require careful planning.
References/topics from the Study Guide: Key Person Insurance; Business Uses of Life Insurance; Insurable Interest; Business Continuation Planning; Executive Protection.
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