Collateral assignment of life insurance

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Secured loans are often used by individuals needing financial resources for any reason, whether it’s to fund a business, remodel a home or pay medical bills. One asset that may be used for a secured loan is life insurance. Although there are pros and cons to this type of financial transaction, it can be an excellent way to access needed funding. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team discusses what a collateral assignment of life insurance is and when it might—or might not—be the best loan option for you.

What is collateral assignment of life insurance?

A collateral assignment of life insurance is a method of securing a loan by using a life insurance policy as collateral . If you pass away before the loan is repaid, the lender can collect the outstanding loan balance from the death benefit of your life insurance policy . Any remaining funds from the death benefit would then be disbursed to the policy’s designated beneficiary(ies).

Why use life insurance as collateral?

Collateral assignment of life insurance may be a useful option if you want to access funds without placing any of your assets, such as a car or house, at risk. If you already have a life insurance policy, it can be a simple process to assign it as collateral. You may even be able to use your policy as collateral for more than one loan, which is called cross-collateralization, if there is enough value in the policy.

Collateral assignment may also be a credible choice if your credit rating is not high, which can make it difficult to find attractive loan terms. Since your lender can rely on your policy’s death benefit to pay off the loan if necessary, they are more likely to give you favorable terms despite a low credit score.

Pros and cons of using life insurance as collateral

If you are considering collateral assignment, here are some pros and cons of this type of financial arrangement.

  • It may be an affordable option, especially if your life insurance premiums are less than your payments would be for an unsecured loan with a higher interest rate.
  • You will not need to place personal property, such as your home, as collateral, which you would need to do if you take out a secured loan. Instead, if you pass away before the loan is repaid, lenders will be paid from the policy’s death benefit. Any remaining payout goes to your named beneficiaries.
  • You may find lenders who are eager to work with you since life insurance is generally considered a good choice for collateral.
  • The amount that your beneficiaries would have received will be reduced if you pass away before the loan is paid off since the lender has first rights to death benefits.
  • You may not be able to successfully purchase life insurance if you are older or in poor health.
  • If you are using a permanent form of life insurance as collateral, there may be an impact on your ability to use the policy's cash value during the life of the loan. If the loan balance and interest payments exceed the cash value, it can erode the policy's value over time.

What types of life insurance can I use as collateral for a loan?

You may use either of the main types of life insurance— term and permanent —for collateral assignment. If you are using term life insurance, you will need a policy with a term length that is at least as long as the term of the loan. In other words, if you have 20 years to pay off the loan, the term insurance you need must have a term of at least 20 years.

Subcategories of permanent life insurance, such as whole life , universal life and variable life, may also be used. Depending on lender requirements, you may be able to use an existing policy or could purchase a new one for the loan. A permanent policy with cash value may be especially appealing to a lender, considering the added benefit of the cash reserves they could access if necessary.

How do I take out a loan using a collateral assignment of life insurance?

If you already have enough life insurance to use for collateral assignment, your next step is to find a lender who is willing to work with you. If you don’t yet have life insurance, or you don’t have enough, consider the amount of coverage you need and apply for a policy . You may need to undergo a medical exam and fill out an application .

Once your policy has been approved, ask your insurance company or agent for a collateral assignment form, which you will complete and submit with your loan application papers. The form names your lender as an assignee of the policy—meaning that they have a stake in its benefits for as long as the loan exists. You will also name beneficiaries or a single beneficiary, who will receive whatever is left over from the death benefits after the loan is repaid.

Note that you will need to stay current on your life insurance premium payments while the collateral assignment is active. This will be stated in the loan agreement, and failure to do so could have serious repercussions.

Alternatives to life insurance as collateral

If you are considering a collateral assignment of life insurance, there are a few alternative funding options that might be worth exploring. Since many factors determine each option, working with a financial advisor may be the best way to find the ideal solution for your situation.

Unsecured loan

Depending on your situation, an unsecured loan may be more affordable than a secured loan with life insurance as collateral. This is more likely to be the case if you have good enough credit to qualify for a low-interest rate without having to offer any type of collateral. There are many different types of unsecured loans, including credit cards and personal loans.

Secured loan

In addition to life insurance, there are other items you can use as collateral for a secured loan . Your home, a car or a boat, for example, could be used if you have enough equity in them. Typically, secured loans are easier to qualify for than unsecured, since they are not as risky for the lender, and you are likely to find a lower interest rate than you would with an unsecured loan. The flip side, of course, is that if you default on the loan, the lender can take the asset that you used to secure it and sell it to recoup their losses.

Life insurance loan

Some permanent life insurance policies accumulate cash value over time that you can use in different ways. If you have such a policy, you may be able to partially withdraw the cash value or take a loan against your cash value. However, there are implications to using the cash value in your life insurance policy, so be sure to discuss this solution with a life insurance agent or your financial advisor before making a decision.

Home equity line of credit (HELOC)

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a more flexible way to access funds than a standard secured loan. While HELOCs carry the downside of risking your home as collateral, you retain more control over the amount you borrow. Instead of receiving one lump sum, you will have access to a line of credit that you can withdraw from as needed. You will only have to pay interest on the actual amount borrowed.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best life insurance company, what type of loans are collateral assignments usually associated with, what are other common forms of collateral, what are the two types of life insurance assignments, related articles.

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What Is Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

Collateral assignment of life insurance designates a lender as the assignee of a policy, granting them the right to part or all of the death benefit until the loan is repaid.

northwestern mutual life insurance collateral assignment form

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Director of Content Marketing, MoneyGeek

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy. Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.

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Updated: June 5, 2024

  • How It Works
  • Overview of Application Process

Pros and Cons

  • Impact on Beneficiaries
  • Alternatives

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Collateral assignment of life insurance is an arrangement where a policyholder uses the face value of their life insurance policy, which can be a term or permanent life insurance policy, as collateral to secure a loan. If the policyholder dies before they pay off the loan, the lender is prioritized to receive a portion of the death benefit equivalent to the outstanding loan balance. The remaining benefit then goes to the policy's beneficiaries. This agreement ensures that life insurance collateral assignment acts as a safety net for both the lender and the beneficiaries.

  • Collateral assignment involves using a life insurance policy as security for a loan, where the lender has a claim on the death benefit if the borrower defaults or passes away before repaying the loan.
  • The lender receives priority over the death benefit, which means they are paid first from the policy's payout before any beneficiaries if the loan remains unpaid.
  • Various life insurance policies, including term, whole and universal, can be used for collateral assignment, depending on the insurance company's policies and the policy's value.
  • If a life insurance policy lapses or is canceled during a collateral assignment, it can breach the loan agreement, potentially resulting in immediate repayment demands.

How Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Works

The collateral assignment allows you to use your life insurance policy as security for a loan. The process involves legally designating your policy as collateral, which means if you pass away before fully repaying the loan, the lender can claim the death benefit to cover the remaining balance. You start by choosing either a term policy or whole life insurance and then complete a collateral assignment agreement. This agreement is legally binding and sets the terms for the lender to access the death benefit .

For your beneficiaries, the assignment of your life insurance policy as collateral could reduce the death benefit they receive. If you die with an outstanding loan balance, the lender is paid first from the policy's proceeds. Any remaining amount goes to your beneficiaries only after the loan is settled.

For example, a policyholder with a $500,000 policy uses their life insurance as collateral for a $200,000 loan. If the policyholder dies before settling the loan, the lender will receive $200,000 from the policy's death benefit. Meanwhile, the remaining $300,000 gets disbursed to the policy's beneficiaries.

Roles of the Policyholder, Lender and Insurance Provider

Role of the Policyholder

  • Ensure consistent premium payments to keep the policy active and in force.
  • Inform the lender of any policy changes, such as lapses or surrenders.
  • Understand that active management upholds the collateral agreement's integrity.

Role of the Lender

  • Accept the life insurance policy as collateral.
  • Right to recover owed amounts from the policy's death benefit if the policyholder dies before loan repayment.
  • Priority claim on the death benefit, with remaining funds disbursed to beneficiaries.
  • Responsible for releasing the assignment after full loan repayment.

Role of the Insurance Provider

  • Approve or reject the collateral assignment of the policy.
  • Evaluate and ensure compliance with policy terms.
  • Officially record the assignment as part of the policy.

Applying for Collateral Assignment

Applying for collateral assignment is a process moderated by your life insurance company designed to secure loans using your life insurance policy as collateral. It involves a series of steps:

Obtain a Collateral Assignment Form

Request a collateral assignment form from your life insurance provider. This form is vital for designating the lender as a collateral beneficiary for the loan amount. Ensure you obtain the correct form, as forms vary based on policy type and insurer.

Fill Out the Form Correctly

Complete the form with accurate details, including policy number, loan amount and lender information. Pay close attention to all sections to avoid errors that could delay or invalidate the assignment. Incomplete or incorrect information can lead to processing delays or rejection.

Sign the Paperwork

Ensure both the policyholder and lender sign the form, confirming the agreement. This dual signature legally binds both parties to the terms of the collateral assignment. Any discrepancy in signatures may question the form's validity.

Submit the Completed Form

Submit the signed form back to the insurance company for processing. Consider using a traceable delivery method for submission to confirm receipt. Delays in submission can impact the timeline of the loan approval process.

Await Approval or Rejection From the Insurance Company

Wait for the insurer to review and approve or reject the collateral assignment. The insurer may request additional information or clarification, which can extend the approval timeline.

Receive a Letter of Acknowledgment

You and your lender will receive a letter of acknowledgment from the insurer if your collateral assignment application is approved.

Obtaining Required Documentation

The required documentation for collateral assignment of life insurance is straightforward. Typically, you'll need to provide two main types of documents for the assignment of a life insurance policy as collateral:

  • Collateral Assignment Form: This form is critical because it officially transfers a portion of your life insurance policy benefits to the lender as collateral. It demonstrates to the lender that you have taken the steps to secure your loan against your life insurance policy.
  • Original Life Insurance Policy and Proof of Loan: Lenders may require your original life insurance policy to ensure it is valid and enforceable. Proof of the loan agreement or obligation, such as a mortgage note or other loan document, is also commonly required. This establishes the legitimacy of your loan and substantiates the life insurance collateral assignment.

If you need more clarification about documentation requirements, contact your lender to confirm the necessary details to avoid process delays.

Pros and Cons of Collateral Assignment

Using life insurance as collateral can offer a range of benefits and potential drawbacks. Collateral assignment of a policy allows you to secure loans and is often safer than using physical assets as collateral. However, you should also note the inherent risks, primarily that the lender retains the first right to your policy’s death benefit upon your death.

  • Lower interest rates on loans.
  • Allows you to use the policy and not physical assets as collateral.
  • The cash value of your insurance policy continues to grow.
  • The lender has the first right to the death benefit.
  • Failure to repay the loan can reduce or even eliminate the death benefit.
  • Any lapse or cancellation of the policy may lead to violating the loan terms.

Impact of Collateral Assignment on Beneficiaries

While the collateral assignment of life insurance has its benefits, it’s important to remember that it can impact the amount your beneficiaries receive. If you pass away with an outstanding balance on your loan:

Your Lender Will Be Paid First

In the collateral assignment arrangement, the lender is designated as the collateral beneficiary holding the primary claim to the death benefit for the outstanding loan amount. This means if you pass away before fully repaying the loan, the lender is entitled to receive payment from the death benefit first. The amount collected by the lender is limited to the remaining loan balance.

Any Remaining Death Benefit Will Be Disbursed to Your Beneficiaries

After the lender's claim is satisfied, the remaining death benefit is disbursed to your policy’s designated beneficiaries. The amount they receive depends on the loan balance at the time of your death. If the loan balance is substantial, your beneficiaries will receive significantly less than the policy's total death benefit.

This structure underscores the importance of carefully considering life insurance collateral loans and their impact on future financial planning. Policyholders using life insurance as collateral need to understand the terms set forth by loan companies that accept it.

Alternatives to Collateral Assignment

Alternatives to collateral assignment include personal loans , home equity loans or surrendering the life insurance policy for its cash value. None of these options require using life insurance as collateral, and each offers different benefits and risks compared to using life insurance as collateral.

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FAQ About Collateral Assignment

These questions cover various topics related to collateral assignments, including their requirements, implications for beneficiaries and what happens in different scenarios.

A collateral assignment is a contractual arrangement in which a borrower uses their life insurance policy as collateral for a loan. This agreement grants the lender rights to the policy’s death benefit. The lender is prioritized over other beneficiaries until the loan is repaid in full.

In the context of a life insurance collateral assignment, the collateral is the policy's death benefit. This setup allows lenders to be listed as collateral beneficiaries, guaranteeing that they can recover the outstanding loan balance from the death benefit in the event of the borrower’s death before the debt is fully paid.

In a life insurance contract, a collateral assignment allocates the policy's death benefit as security for a loan. This means that if the borrower dies before repaying the loan, the lender, as the collateral assignee of the life insurance, can claim the owed amount from the death benefit. The remaining balance, if any, goes to the designated beneficiaries, ensuring the loan is covered without affecting other assets.

Collateral assignment allows a lender to claim the life insurance death benefit for an outstanding loan amount while naming a life insurance beneficiary designated who receives the death benefit. The lender's claim is prioritized over the beneficiaries' in collateral assignment.

Most types of life insurance policies , including term, whole and universal life, can be used for collateral assignment, provided the insurance company allows it and the policy has sufficient value.

Yes, the policyholder can change beneficiaries after a collateral assignment, but the lender's right to the death benefit amount remains until the loan is repaid. This ensures the lender's position as a collateral beneficiary.

Canceling your life insurance policy before repaying the debt can lead to a breach of the collateral assignment loan agreement. This action may prompt the lender to increase your interest rate or demand immediate repayment of the outstanding loan balance.

These related sections offer additional insights into concepts and alternatives connected to collateral assignments and life insurance:

Using Collateral for a Personal Loan — This link explains how to use various types of collateral for securing a personal loan, providing a broader context to the specific use of life insurance as collateral.

Term vs. Permanent Life Insurance — This resource compares term and permanent life insurance, helping to understand which policies can be used for collateral assignments.

Permanent Life Insurance — This page details permanent life insurance, a type commonly used in collateral assignments due to its cash value component.

Life Insurance Calculator — This page helps you calculate the appropriate amount of life insurance coverage needed, which is crucial when considering using a policy for collateral.

About Nathan Paulus

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Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.

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What Is a Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

northwestern mutual life insurance collateral assignment form

Charlene Rhinehart is a CPA , CFE, chair of an Illinois CPA Society committee, and has a degree in accounting and finance from DePaul University.

northwestern mutual life insurance collateral assignment form

A collateral assignment of life insurance is a conditional assignment appointing a lender as an assignee of a policy. Essentially, the lender has a claim to some or all of the death benefit until the loan is repaid. The death benefit is used as collateral for a loan.

The advantage to using a collateral assignee over naming the lender as a beneficiary is that you can specify that the lender is only entitled to a certain amount, namely the amount of the outstanding loan. That would allow your beneficiaries still be entitled to any remaining death benefit.

Lenders commonly require that life insurance serve as collateral for a business loan to guarantee repayment if the borrower dies or defaults. They may even require you to get a life insurance policy to be approved for a business loan.

Key Takeaways

  • The borrower of a business loan using life insurance as collateral must be the policy owner, who may or may not be the insured.
  • The collateral assignment helps you avoid naming a lender as a beneficiary.
  • The collateral assignment may be against all or part of the policy's value.
  • If any amount of the death benefit remains after the lender is paid, it is distributed to beneficiaries.
  • Once the loan is fully repaid, the life insurance policy is no longer used as collateral.

How a Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Works

Collateral assignments make sure the lender gets paid only what they are due. The borrower must be the owner of the policy, but they do not have to be the insured person. And the policy must remain current for the life of the loan, with the policy owner continuing to pay all premiums . You can use either term or whole life insurance policy as collateral, but the death benefit must meet the lender's terms.

A permanent life insurance policy with a cash value allows the lender access to the cash value to use as loan payment if the borrower defaults. Many lenders don't accept term life insurance policies as collateral because they do not accumulate cash value.

Alternately, the policy owner's access to the cash value is restricted to protect the collateral. If the loan is repaid before the borrower's death, the assignment is removed, and the lender is no longer the beneficiary of the death benefit.

Insurance companies must be notified of the collateral assignment of a policy. However, other than their obligation to meet the terms of the contract, they are not involved in the agreement.

Example of Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance

For example, say you have a business plan for a floral shop and need a $50,000 loan to get started. When you apply for the loan, the bank says you must have collateral in the form of a life insurance policy to back it up. You have a whole life insurance policy with a cash value of $65,000 and a death benefit of $300,000, which the bank accepts as collateral.

So, you then designate the bank as the policy's assignee until you repay the $50,000 loan. That way, the bank can ensure it will be repaid the funds it lent you, even if you died. In this case, because the cash value and death benefit is more than what you owe the lender, your beneficiaries would still inherit money.

Alternatives to Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance

Using a collateral assignment to secure a business loan can help you access the funds you need to start or grow your business. However, you would be at risk of losing your life insurance policy if you defaulted on the loan, meaning your beneficiaries may not receive the money you'd planned for them to inherit.

Consult with a financial advisor to discuss whether a collateral assignment or one of these alternatives may be most appropriate for your financial situation.

Life insurance loan (policy loan) : If you already have a life insurance policy with a cash value, you can likely borrow against it. Policy loans are not taxed and have less stringent requirements such as no credit or income checks. However, this option would not work if you do not already have a permanent life insurance policy because the cash value component takes time to build.

Surrendering your policy : You can also surrender your policy to access any cash value you've built up. However, your beneficiaries would no longer receive a death benefit.

Other loan types : Finally, you can apply for other loans, such as a personal loan, that do not require life insurance as collateral. You could use loans that rely on other types of collateral, such as a home equity loan that uses your home equity.

What Are the Benefits of Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

A collateral assignment of a life insurance policy may be required if you need a business loan. Lenders typically require life insurance as collateral for business loans because they guarantee repayment if the borrower dies. A policy with cash value can guarantee repayment if the borrower defaults.

What Kind of Life Insurance Can Be Used for Collateral?

You can typically use any type of life insurance policy as collateral for a business loan, depending on the lender's requirements. A permanent life insurance policy with a cash value allows the lender a source of funds to use if the borrower defaults. Some lenders may not accept term life insurance policies, which have no cash value. The lender will typically require the death benefit be a certain amount, depending on your loan size.

Is Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Irrevocable?

A collateral assignment of life insurance is irrevocable. So, the policyholder may not use the cash value of a life insurance policy dedicated toward collateral for a loan until that loan has been repaid.

What is the Difference Between an Assignment and a Collateral Assignment?

With an absolute assignment , the entire ownership of the policy would be transferred to the assignee, or the lender. Then, the lender would be entitled to the full death benefit. With a collateral assignment, the lender is only entitled to the balance of the outstanding loan.

The Bottom Line

If you are applying for life insurance to secure your own business loan, remember you do not need to make the lender the beneficiary. Instead you can use a collateral assignment. Consult a financial advisor or insurance broker who can walk you through the process and explain its pros and cons as they apply to your situation.

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Fidelity Life. " What Is a Collateral Assignment of a Life Insurance Policy? "

Kansas Legislative Research Department. " Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Proceeds ."

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A collateral assignment is sometimes a necessity if you’re applying for larger financing amounts such as a mortgage or business loan.

But what is a collateral assignment and how do you go about getting it on your life insurance policy? 

In this article, we’ll cover what collateral assignment is, how you can add it to your life insurance, and what alternatives there are out there. 

What Is Collateral Assignment? 

A collateral assignment is a process by which a person uses their life insurance policy as collateral for a secured loan.

In simple terms, collateral assignment is reassigning priorities for who gets paid the death benefit of your life insurance policy.

What Is a death benefit?

A death benefit or face value of a life insurance contract is the amount of money that your beneficiaries will receive from your policy when you die.

Once you apply for collateral assignment and it’s approved, your specified debtor (the loan provider) will be paid first and then your beneficiaries will receive what is left over in your life insurance policy.

This is different from using your cash value to loan money as you are taking out a loan from another financial institution and using your policy as a guarantee that you’ll cover any debt when you die. 

For example, let’s say you want to take out a secured loan from your local bank and want to use your life insurance policy as a collateral assignment.

In this situation, you’d still have to pay back any debt you have with interest during the loan period. 

However, the life insurance policy would be used if the borrower dies and there was an outstanding loan balance remaining. 

Secured Loans vs. Unsecured Loans

Secured loans are debts that are backed by assets that a lender can claim if the debt isn’t repaid. These types of loans often offer better interest rates and more generous payment terms.

Unsecured loans are debts that don’t have collateral. These types of loans are more expensive to repay and considered riskier than secured loans.

A woman signing up for Collateral Assignment.

Source: Pexels

How Does Applying for Collateral Assignment Work?

The process for getting collateral assignments for life insurance is the same as when you apply for new life insurance coverage. 

All you’ll be doing is indicating to your life insurance provider that your lender will be given priority for the amount of money you have borrowed through them.

There is an:

Application process.

Underwriting process.

Offer that you’ll receive.

You’ll be required to name beneficiaries as well as indicate ownership of the life insurance policy in the collateral assignment form which will be provided by your life insurance company.

This is because you’re changing the terms of your payout and your life insurance provider will need to follow these instructions once you die.

NB Some insurance companies don’t offer collateral assignment on new loans and generally only provide this feature to an existing life insurance policy.

You should check beforehand to see what will be required to apply for a collateral assignment. If you need help finding plans that offer this, send an email to a licensed insurance agent today.

Once you’ve assigned a new collateral assignee to your life insurance policy, they will be entitled to lay a claim on your death benefit for any debt you have with them.

For example, let’s say you take out a collateral assignment life insurance policy worth $200,000 for a loan of $75,000 over 7 years at an interest rate of 18%.

If you die after five years, based on these figures, you’ll still have $41,231.02 owed on your loan.

Your $200,000 life insurance plan will be used to cover this and your beneficiaries will receive the remaining $158 768.98 from your life insurance policy.

Your lender is only allowed to take the amount outstanding on the debt owed and cannot take more. 

What about Missed Payments and Cash Value Life Insurance?

If you have a permanent life policy with a cash value account, sometimes called cash value life insurance, your lender will have access to it to cover missed payments on your loan.

For example, let’s say you miss a payment on your loan and have a collateral assignment. Your lender will be able to access your cash value account and withdraw that month’s payment to cover your debt.

Who Can You Add as a Collateral Assignee?

You can add any person or institution as a collateral assignee to your life insurance policy if you owe them money.

This can include banks, lenders, private individuals, businesses, or credit card companies. 

The most common collateral assignments are for business loans and mortgages. This is because they are loans for high amounts that are paid off over several years. 

In fact, some banks and financial lenders may require that you add them as collateral assignees when you apply for any of the financing options mentioned below.

Common Collateral Assignees Include:

💵 Bank loans

💳 Credit cards

🏡 Mortgages

💼 Business loans

What Do I Do If I’ve Paid Off My Debt?

If you’ve managed to pay off your debt - firstly, congratulations! Secondly, you’ll want to notify your life insurance company that you’ll be changing your collateral assignments on your life policy.

While there is no legal claim that a company can make to debts that aren’t owed anymore, there may be a hold up in paying out the death benefit to your beneficiaries and other collateral assignees.

Life insurance companies will have to figure out who must be paid first, according to the order stated in your collateral assignment terms.

In general, life insurance policies will settle claims within 24 hours of being notified of a policyholder’s death.

The process can be delayed if you do not release your collateral assignees from your life insurance contract. 

Tips to Make Sure Your Life Policy Is Paid Out Quickly

Here are some tips if you want your beneficiary claims to be handled as fast as possible:

1) Keep a copy of your life insurance policy and policy number in a safe place or with your lawyer, financial advisor, or estate planner.

2) Speak to your beneficiaries about your policies and give them the contact details of the relevant life insurance company.

3) Make sure your life insurance contract is updated to reflect your latest list of beneficiaries.

4) Make sure you have your beneficiaries' details listed in the contract or with your lawyer.

The Benefits of Using Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance

While adding a collateral assignment to your current life insurance policy may require an application, paperwork, and time, there are benefits:

Many lenders like it: Banks and financial institutions sometimes prefer it when applicants use their life insurance policy as collateral for a loan. This is because they know that their debt will be serviced long-term by your insurance company which makes their loan to you a lower risk.

Your private property won’t be jeopardized: The last thing you want when you go into debt is to put your personal items, such as your car, investments, or home on the line as collateral. Using collateral assignment is an alternative to this and can protect you in the event that you can’t service your debt.

It can be affordable for some people: If you’re in good health and young, you may be paying affordable rates for permanent life cover. In situations like this, it can make sense to use your life cover as collateral for debts you’ve incurred.

A form to sign up for Collateral Assignment.

What Are Some Alternatives to Collateral Assignment?

Term Life Insurance: Getting a term life insurance contract to cover specific debts is one way of ensuring your estate and family are protected when you die.

There are multiple types of term life insurance plans and they are more affordable than permanent life insurance. This makes options like level term life insurance and decreasing term life insurance ideal for different types of debts you may have over your lifetime.

What Is Term Life?

Term life is a temporary life coverage option that lasts for a specific period of time. It is different from permanent life insurance which lasts until you die or you stop paying premiums.

Term life contracts are typically between 5 to 20 years, however, you can get renewable term life plans and even a forty-year term life plan .

Borrow from your life insurance: If you have a permanent life insurance policy, such as universal, whole, or indexed life cover, you can borrow money from your cash value account. 

However, keep in mind that you’ll be required to pay interest on any amount that you borrow and any amount of debt incurred will be deducted from your policy’s death benefit when you die.

What Is Cash Value?

Cash value is a feature of permanent life insurance plans that policyholders can contribute additional money toward while they have a policy in force.

This money is set aside in a cash value account which is tax-deferred and can be used in a number of ways.

In some cases, if your policy allows it, you can end your contract and get the cash surrender value of it. This amount is usually much less than the value of your total life insurance contract. 

Our Verdict on Collateral Assignment

Many banks, lenders, and financial institutions want long-term guarantees that you’ll be able to service your debt if anything happens to you.

In some situations, getting collateral assignments on your life insurance to cover these debts is a good option for people who are trying to access finance from these institutions. 

However, there is a risk that your death benefit payout may be delayed for your beneficiaries if you don’t keep your different collateral assignees up to date.

If you already have a life insurance policy, you should contact your provider to find out what the process is and what you’ll need to do to change the collateral assignees on your policy.

If you don’t have a policy yet, our advice is to look at all of your options before you decide to take a permanent life insurance contract with a collateral assignment.

There are alternatives out there that are more affordable if you’re looking to protect your family and estate from debt.

Term life is one such option that is adaptable to your life and easy to get. 

For example, a decreasing term life insurance policy might be the right choice for someone who has recently bought a home and wants to cover their mortgage while they pay it back.

Another option is final expense insurance, which is a permanent life policy for smaller amounts, usually under $50,000.

With final expense insurance, your beneficiaries can pay for anything they want, including any debts you may have had in your life.

The process for applying is simple and you won't have to go through a medical exam or intensive underwriting as you would with traditional permanent life insurance. 

If you need any assistance with finding, comparing, or learning about the different life insurance options to cover your debts, speak to one of our expert advisors today at 1-888-912-2132 or [email protected] .

Where Can I Learn More about Life Insurance?

If you’re looking to learn more about life insurance, different kinds of coverage, or costs, visit our life insurance hub to find our latest articles.

We do the research so that you don’t have to and our articles cover complicated topics like what is a cash value account, what is key person insurance, or how long life insurance takes to pay out a death benefit.  

If you need help with quotes, try out a life insurance quote finder or reach out to us via email at [email protected] to get in touch with a licensed life insurance agent for your state.

Using Life Insurance For Collateral Assignment

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Fact Checker - Licensed Life Insurance Agent

The most common way that life insurance policy protects you and your loved ones is by providing financial support to your family in the event of your untimely death.

In some situations, life insurance serves to replace lost income with death benefits, in others, life insurance can be used to pay off remaining debts and death expenses. 

Life insurance can also be used as a very helpful tool in order to obtain financing for a loan .

This process of using a life insurance policy to take out a loan is called “ collateral assignment ” of life insurance.

Before we discuss everything you need to know about the collateral assignment of life insurance, let’s take a quick peek at what we will be covering in this article:

What you will learn in this article (click to go to section):

  • What is Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

How Does Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Work?

  • Can I Apply for Multiple Loans With Life Insurance as Collateral?
  • How to Apply for Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance
  • Requirements, Limitations, and Restrictions 
  • What Happens in the Event of Default or Death?
  • What if I Pay Off my Loan While Using Life Insurance as Collateral?
  • Who Qualifies for Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?
  • Choosing a Beneficiary for Your Policy
  • Best Life Insurance Companies for Collateral Assignment
  • Finding a Life Insurance Policy to Use for Collateral Assignment

What is a Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

The collateral assignment of life insurance is a legal way for you to assign your life insurance policy as a form of collateral for a loan to banks.

With this, you can be far more likely to receive financing for loans you may not otherwise be able to secure because the bank knows they will get their money back no matter what.

The way collateral assignment of life insurance works is like this:

  • You have a life insurance policy that is in your name. This coverage is paid for by you just like any regular life insurance policy.
  • Once you have this coverage, you must apply for a collateral assignment of life insurance with both your life insurance company and the bank. (Below we describe how to apply for a collateral assignment of life insurance in detail.)
  • Once the life insurance company clears you to use the policy as collateral for the loan, you must then specify to your lender that this is what you intend to do.
  • From there, you simply wait for the bank to get back to you on your application, and if they approve, you have successfully used life insurance as collateral assignment on a loan from the bank!

Can I Apply For Multiple Loans With Life Insurance As Collateral?

You can apply to as many loans as you please using your life insurance policy as collateral, as long as the policy has a large enough death benefit to cover the total amount owed on the loans you are applying for.

How to Apply For Collateral Assignment Of Life Insurance

Applying through your bank.

There are some lenders who will consider using your existing life insurance policy for collateral assignment if you request it, but others might require you to take out a brand new policy specific for that purpose.

In either case, using life insurance for collateral assignment when applying for loans is a fairly common practice that almost every life insurance company and the bank is equipped to handle.

You start off the application for assignment by securing the loan with the bank in question. This is where you will discover the limitations and regulations the bank has regarding the collateral assignment of life insurance. Each lender has different policies.

Applying Through Your Insurer

Once you have found the right loan, you must fill out the collateral assignment form . Your insurer will be able to provide you with this form easily.

The form has to be filled out by every party involved, including yourself, the lender, and the insurance company. You can sign the forms at the time of your loan application or you can sign them after your policy has been issued.

If you are taking out a brand new life insurance policy, you are better off signing all of the documents for this at the beginning of the application. The time frame to request a collateral assignment and be accepted for it ranges between 24 hours and 48 hours.

Some banks might require that you notarize the form, which can add some time to the application and acceptance process.

Collateral Assignment Of Life Insurance Requirements, Limitations, & Restrictions

When it comes to applying for and using life insurance as collateral assignment for a loan, there are a few common requirements to keep in mind to make sure that you get the most out of your policy, and also to make sure that you can be accepted quickly and easily .

1. Beneficiary and Policyowner Requirements

Policyowners of a life insurance policy that qualifies for collateral assignment must be the owner of the policy . They do not necessarily need to be the insured or the beneficiary, but they must be the owner of the policy.

The policy owner must maintain payment of all premiums in order for this policy to remain in place as collateral.

2. Types of Life insurance policies that qualify for collateral assignment

Any type of life insurance policy is capable of being used as collateral assignment for loans, as long as the company that issues it does not have any rules against it being used as such.

Term Life Insurance

Term life insurance policies used as a collateral assignment for loans must have terms longer than the length of the loan . Additionally, if the loan is paid off prior to the expiration of the policy, the policy is no longer payable to the bank.

Be sure to notify your insurer in the event that you pay off a loan which used your life insurance policy as the collateral assignment. You can then assign a new beneficiary to the life insurance policy with their help.

Permanent Life Insurance

Permanent life insurance policies  can also be used as collateral assignment for loans from banks. In this case, any cash value accumulated by the policy is only accessible by the bank in order to maintain collateral in the case of a loan default.

3. Lender Rights

If you default on your loan , the bank reserves all rights to utilize your life insurance policy’s death benefit as a form of repayment for your defaulted payments.

On top of this, they reserve the right to take from your cash value on permanent life insurance policies, as mentioned above.

What Happens If You Die Or Default With Your Life Insurance Policy Being Used As Collateral Assignment?

A collateral assignment is a form of limited transfer, unlike an absolute assignment which gives over all of your policy with no chance of reversing it.

If you were to pass away before your loan is repaid the lender will receive whatever amount is still owed from your death benefit. The remaining balance will be given to your beneficiaries .

As long as you pay your premiums on time and your policy is current you can use this to secure any type of loan with any bank that will accept it.

The same goes for defaulting on your loan.  If you default, the bank only has access to the amount of death benefit that is owed to them. The rest is secure and still under your policy, to be paid out to beneficiaries in the event of your death.

What If I Pay Off My Loan While Using My Life Insurance Policy As Collateral?

If you pay off the loan entirely before you pass away, or before the end of your policy, then the lender is no longer entitled to any of your death benefit and the full death benefit continues into the hands of your beneficiary.

At this point with permanent life insurance policies, your access to cash value is reinstated as well.

Who Qualifies For Collateral Assignment Of Life Insurance?

Any policyholder that has a permanent or term life insurance policy can qualify for collateral assignment.

Not every company allows collateral assignment of life insurance policies, and therefore it is best that you speak with your life insurance provider to see what their limits are with regard to Collateral Assignment.

However, most life insurance companies are equipped to handle this easily.

Many life insurance providers do not care how you use the policy, as long as it is in a legal fashion, and they will likely sign your application for collateral assignment quickly and with minimal friction.

Choosing A Beneficiary For Your Life Insurance Policy With Collateral Assignment

If you are attempting a collateral assignment, your bank might ask you to assign them as the beneficiary.

DO NOT ASSIGN YOUR BANK AS THE BENEFICIARY OF YOUR LIFE INSURANCE POLICY! 

If you die and you only paid off half of your loan and you made the bank your beneficiary, the bank will receive the remaining balance of your entire death benefit.

If you were to take out a $100,000 loan and you assigned the bank as your beneficiary they would receive the entire amount even if the amount owed to the bank at the time of your passing was only $20,000.

You do not want this to happen.

Banks only require a collateral assignment and that means they are only entitled to the amount owed on your loan, an amount which theoretically decreases with time.

If you have no beneficiaries listed, the remaining amount will theoretically go to your estate. But there may not be anyone around to enforce this. 

You can choose whomever you please as your beneficiary on your life insurance policy, as long as it is not yourself. Just be sure the beneficiary you choose is not your bank, regardless of what they tell you .

Best Life Insurance Companies For Collateral Assignment Of Life Insurance 

SBLI Life Insurance is also known as Mutual insurance company and they provide affordable policies to smokers and non-smokers.  They were founded in 1907 and since they are a mutual company they are owned by the policyholders and not by the stockholders.

As such their primary objective is to show allegiance to the clients rather than to their investors. This particular company is popular because they help customers blend different term life insurance policies with whole life insurance policies.

They have an A , excellent, rating from A.M. Best. They have an A+ rating from the BBB. Their financial history has remained level and strong since their inception.

Sagicor is rated A- by A.M. Best with a financial rating of A- . They have been in business for over 60 years offering products across 45 states. Without undergoing a medical exam you can still qualify for coverage up to $500,000 .

If you don’t want to answer any medical questions you can still get covered under $250,000 with this particular company.

They are not favorable toward individuals with diabetes or people who want a 30-year term plan but they are perfectly suited for individuals who are looking for whole life insurance policies that offer collateral assignment options.

North American Company

The North American company has a solid financial strength rating. They are given a superior rating which is the second highest rating you can get, from A.M. Best.

They also have an A+ from the S&P rating and Fitch rating.  This company is also privately owned so they are able to invest in Secure assets rather than things like government bonds.

North American has an array of whole life insurance policies that are offered it to anyone 85 or younger and they have favorable terms for collateral assignment options.

Banner Life

Banner Life Insurance Company Offers an array of inexpensive universal life insurance products. However, they do not have a whole life insurance policy.

They are licensed to conduct business in every state but New York. If you are a New York resident you can still get coverage but you have to go through William Penn. They have a financial strength rating of excellent.

Finding A Life Insurance Policy To Use For Collateral Assignment

If you are looking for life insurance coverage which you can also use as collateral on a loan, then you want to take some time to make sure that you understand the stipulations of your bank and insurance provider.

On top of this, you want to be sure that the policy you choose offers great rates and is offered by a company with a history of paying out claims on time and when needed.

The easiest way to find the best life insurance coverage to use for collateral assignment is to speak with an independent life insurance agent who can help you compare life insurance policies and rates from dozens of the best life insurance companies on the market.

We are very experienced in this area and have the knowledge necessary about life insurance providers and collateral assignment with banks to ensure that you find the best coverage for your situation.

Give us a call today to speak with a professional, or get started online using our quoting tool for quick and easy life insurance quotes.

Ty Stewart

Ty Stewart is a founder and contributor of SimpleLifeInsure.com. He started researching and studying about life insurance when he got his first policy for his own family. He has been featured as a life insurance expert speaker at agent conventions and in top publications. As an independent licensed life insurance agent he has helped clients nationwide to secure affordable coverage while making the process simple.

Bennett Bier

I’m Bennett Bier , owner, author and fact checker of Simple Life Insure. I believe working with a small independent broker offers consumers more personal attention and superior customer service. As an independent agent licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia I have access to many of the top A+ rated life insurance carriers. This lets me locate a plan that you will qualify for while saving you money at the same time. Over the years I have mastered the art of underwriting, getting approvals even for my highest risk clients. I’m also likely the person that will answer the phone when you call.

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  1. Our Forms

    Northwestern Mutual General Disclaimer. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries. Life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits are issued by The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM).

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  3. PDF Collateral Assignment Form

    Collateral Assignment Form. Use this form to collaterally assign the policy(ies) referenced below. This form must be completed and signed by the Owner. MI Last Sufix. "Company" as referred to herein, is Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, and/or MML Bay State Life Insurance Com-pany and/or C.M. Life Insurance Company.

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  6. Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance

    A collateral assignment of life insurance is a method of securing a loan by using a life insurance policy as collateral. If you pass away before the loan is repaid, the lender can collect the ...

  7. What Is Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

    Collateral assignment of life insurance is an arrangement where a policyholder uses the face value of their life insurance policy, which can be a term or permanent life insurance policy, as collateral to secure a loan. If the policyholder dies before they pay off the loan, the lender is prioritized to receive a portion of the death benefit ...

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  11. What is a Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance?

    With collateral assignment of life insurance, ownership of an asset transfers from the borrower to the lender. This transfer only remains in place until the loan is paid in full. In this situation, the transferred asset is your life insurance policy. The goal is only to satisfy your loan obligation. Once that debt is repaid, you'll end the ...

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    INSTRUCTIONS. Please print the owner designation form. Once completed, the policyowner must date and sign the form using the appropriate signature block. All pages of the form can be mailed to Northwestern Mutual, P.O. Box 2914, Milwaukee, WI 53201-9834. If you prefer, the form can be faxed to our Home Office in Milwaukee at 414-625-1215.

  13. PDF Collateral Assignment of Life Insurance Policy

    agree and the Assignee by the acceptance of this assignment agrees to the conditions and provisions of this assignment. B. The rights transferred by this Assignment include, without limitation, the following specific rights. 1. The sole right to collect from United of Omaha the net proceeds of the Policy when it becomes a claim by death or ...

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    Individual Insurance Division. M. Minnesota Life Insurance Company - A Securian Company Individual Policyowner Services • 400 Robert Street North • St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2098. Contact us by phone: 1-800-643-5728 or by fax: 651-665-6955.

  16. What Is A Collateral Assignment Of Life Insurance?

    Once you've assigned a new collateral assignee to your life insurance policy, they will be entitled to lay a claim on your death benefit for any debt you have with them. For example, let's say you take out a collateral assignment life insurance policy worth $200,000 for a loan of $75,000 over 7 years at an interest rate of 18%.

  17. PDF Assignment Collateral Form

    assignment agrees to the conditions and provisions herein set forth. B. It is expressly agreed that, without detracting from the generality of the foregoing, the following specific rights are included in this assignment and pass by virtue hereof: 1.

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    2 Ranking for Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC. Measured by 2022 revenue. Sources: Financial Advisor and InvestmentNews , May 2023, Financial Planning , May 2023.

  23. St. Petersburg, FL Financial Advisor Office

    Third‐party ratings are subject to change. Ratings are for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company. 4. Loyalty is based on Northwestern Mutual client data. | St. Petersburg. Our location. 700 Central Ave Ste 300 St Petersburg, FL 33701 ... (Form CRS) which provide brief ...