Key-person insurance benefits are often used to buy out the insured person's shares or interest in the company. Buy-sell agreements, which require the deceased executive's estate to sell its stock to the remaining shareholders, legally facilitate this process. Proceeds from key-person insurance can also be used to recruit replacement management.
The following form contains some critical questions you should ask your agent or broker when considering this type of insurance.
Maryland Checklist — Key Employee Life Insurance refers to a comprehensive list of considerations and requirements specific to the state of Maryland when it comes to acquiring life insurance policies for key employees within a company. This type of policy is designed to financially protect a business in the event of the untimely death of a key employee who plays a crucial role in the success and continuity of the business operations. Key employees are individuals who possess unique skills, extensive experience, or hold important leadership positions within an organization. They are pivotal to the company's growth, profitability, and overall functioning. Losing such a key employee without any preparation can significantly impact the business's stability and growth prospects. Key Employee Life Insurance aims to mitigate this risk by providing financial security to the enterprise during difficult times. In Maryland, there are various types of Key Employee Life Insurance policies available for businesses, each catering to specific needs and circumstances. These policies typically include: 1. Key Person Insurance: This policy focuses on providing coverage for individuals who are the driving force behind a company's success. It compensates the business for financial losses incurred due to the death or disability of the key person. 2. Buy-Sell Agreement Insurance: This type of insurance helps fund buy-sell agreements in Maryland. It ensures that if a key employee, who is also a business owner or partner, passes away, the policy proceeds can be used to buy out their shares from their estate or designated beneficiaries. 3. Executive Bonus Plan: This policy involves the business providing a life insurance policy to a key employee as an additional benefit. The premiums are paid by the employer, and in return, the employee's beneficiaries receive the death benefit. 4. Split-Dollar Life Insurance: This approach is a mutually beneficial arrangement where the employer and key employee share the cost, ownership, and benefits of the life insurance policy. It allows the employee to maintain coverage even after leaving the company. When considering Key Employee Life Insurance in Maryland, there are several important factors to consider. These include the determination of the key employees, assessment of the relevant insurance coverage amount, identification of beneficiaries, policy ownership, premium payment options, tax implications, and compliance with Maryland state regulations. It is crucial for businesses operating in Maryland to work with a reputable insurance provider who understands the local regulations and can guide them through the process of acquiring the appropriate Key Employee Life Insurance policy. By doing so, businesses can safeguard their financial stability and ensure the continuity of operations in challenging times.
