The business typically owns the policy, pays the premiums, and is the beneficiary. Most businesses purchase key-person insurance as a permanent life insurance policy; however, term life insurance may be less expensive and can be bought to cover the key person until he or she retires. The policy can be then transferred to the departing employee as a retirement benefit or to a different key person, upon the retirement of the original key person.
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.
Delaware Checklist — Key Employee Life Insurance Introduction: Key employees play a crucial role in the success and stability of a business. In order to protect your Delaware-based business and ensure its smooth functioning, it is essential to consider key employee life insurance. This type of insurance provides financial security and support in the event of the untimely death of a key employee. In Delaware, there are different types of key employee life insurance options available, each catering to specific needs and requirements. Types of Delaware Checklist — Key Employee Life Insurance: 1. Key Person Life Insurance: Key Person Life Insurance is a policy that aims to protect a business from potential financial losses that may occur due to the death of a key employee. This type of insurance offers coverage in the form of a death benefit paid to the company, allowing it to mitigate the impact caused by the loss of a valuable employee. It helps businesses navigate through challenging times, bridging the gap left by the absence of a key employee. 2. Business Overhead Expense Insurance: Business Overhead Expense Insurance is designed to cover the ongoing expenses of a business in the absence of a key employee. This coverage ensures that the business operations can continue smoothly during the disability or illness of a key employee. It includes expenses such as rent, utilities, employee salaries, and other fixed costs. This insurance relieves the burden on a business and prevents financial strain during a challenging period. 3. Executive Bonus Plan: The Executive Bonus Plan, often referred to as "Section 162 Bonus Plan," is a type of life insurance that aims to attract and retain key employees. With this plan, a business agrees to pay the premium for a life insurance policy owned by the employee. The employee becomes the recipient of the death benefit, providing financial security for their loved ones, while the business benefits by retaining valuable talent. 4. Split Dollar Life Insurance: Split Dollar Life Insurance is a type of arrangement where the premiums and benefits of the insurance policy are shared between the business and the key employee. The business pays a portion of the premium, and the employee pays the remainder. Upon the employee's death, the death benefit is typically split between the employee's beneficiaries and the business. This type of insurance is an attractive incentive for key employees, as it allows them to obtain life insurance coverage with a reduced financial burden. Conclusion: Key employee life insurance plays a vital role in protecting Delaware businesses from unexpected events and financial challenges. Whether through Key Person Life Insurance, Business Overhead Expense Insurance, Executive Bonus Plans, or Split Dollar Life Insurance, it is crucial to assess your business's specific needs and implement a policy that best suits your requirements. By securing your key employees' lives, you safeguard your business's future and ensure its resilience in the face of uncertainties.
Delaware Checklist — Key Employee Life Insurance Introduction: Key employees play a crucial role in the success and stability of a business. In order to protect your Delaware-based business and ensure its smooth functioning, it is essential to consider key employee life insurance. This type of insurance provides financial security and support in the event of the untimely death of a key employee. In Delaware, there are different types of key employee life insurance options available, each catering to specific needs and requirements. Types of Delaware Checklist — Key Employee Life Insurance: 1. Key Person Life Insurance: Key Person Life Insurance is a policy that aims to protect a business from potential financial losses that may occur due to the death of a key employee. This type of insurance offers coverage in the form of a death benefit paid to the company, allowing it to mitigate the impact caused by the loss of a valuable employee. It helps businesses navigate through challenging times, bridging the gap left by the absence of a key employee. 2. Business Overhead Expense Insurance: Business Overhead Expense Insurance is designed to cover the ongoing expenses of a business in the absence of a key employee. This coverage ensures that the business operations can continue smoothly during the disability or illness of a key employee. It includes expenses such as rent, utilities, employee salaries, and other fixed costs. This insurance relieves the burden on a business and prevents financial strain during a challenging period. 3. Executive Bonus Plan: The Executive Bonus Plan, often referred to as "Section 162 Bonus Plan," is a type of life insurance that aims to attract and retain key employees. With this plan, a business agrees to pay the premium for a life insurance policy owned by the employee. The employee becomes the recipient of the death benefit, providing financial security for their loved ones, while the business benefits by retaining valuable talent. 4. Split Dollar Life Insurance: Split Dollar Life Insurance is a type of arrangement where the premiums and benefits of the insurance policy are shared between the business and the key employee. The business pays a portion of the premium, and the employee pays the remainder. Upon the employee's death, the death benefit is typically split between the employee's beneficiaries and the business. This type of insurance is an attractive incentive for key employees, as it allows them to obtain life insurance coverage with a reduced financial burden. Conclusion: Key employee life insurance plays a vital role in protecting Delaware businesses from unexpected events and financial challenges. Whether through Key Person Life Insurance, Business Overhead Expense Insurance, Executive Bonus Plans, or Split Dollar Life Insurance, it is crucial to assess your business's specific needs and implement a policy that best suits your requirements. By securing your key employees' lives, you safeguard your business's future and ensure its resilience in the face of uncertainties.