Life Settlements

Your Life Insurance Policy
Has Hidden Value — Unlock It Today

If you own a life insurance policy you no longer need, you may be able to sell it for significantly more than the cash surrender value — often 4 to 8 times more. Don't let it lapse. Find out what it's worth.

4–8×
Cash Surrender Value Average
20–40%
Of Face Value Received
$100K+
Minimum Policy Size
65+
Typical Qualifying Age
No Medical Exam Required
The Reality Most Seniors Never Discover
⚠ The Problem

Every Year, Seniors Lose Billions by Letting Policies Lapse for Nothing

You've paid decades of premiums. But when a policy becomes unaffordable — or simply no longer needed — most people have only two choices: let it lapse, or surrender it for pennies.

"The insurance company is counting on you not knowing there's a third option."

$1T+
policies lapse annually
90%
of seniors don't know they qualify
✓ The Solution

A Life Settlement: Get 4–8× More Than the Insurance Company Would Offer

A life settlement is the legal sale of your existing life insurance policy to an institutional buyer — for a lump sum far greater than its cash surrender value.

  • 100% legal and regulated — monitored by state insurance departments
  • No medical exam required — typically age 65+ with $100K+ face value
  • Use proceeds for retirement income, medical expenses, or legacy gifts
  • Free evaluation — no obligation, no cost to find out what your policy is worth
  • We work with multiple buyers to get you the highest offer available
Get My Free Policy Evaluation →
What Is a Life Settlement?

Turn an Unwanted Policy Into Real Retirement Cash

A life settlement is the sale of an existing life insurance policy to a third-party buyer. The buyer pays you a lump sum — more than the cash surrender value but less than the face value — and then takes over premium payments and ultimately receives the death benefit.

It's a regulated, legal transaction that gives policyholders a far better exit option than simply surrendering the policy for its meager cash value or letting it lapse entirely.

Why This Matters

Many seniors let policies lapse or surrender them — receiving little or nothing. A life settlement can turn the same policy into a significant cash payment that funds retirement, medical care, or other needs.

Common Reasons People Sell

  • 💼
    Policy no longer needed
    Children are grown, mortgage is paid off, or the coverage was for a business that's been sold.
  • 💸
    Premiums have become unaffordable
    Term policies near expiration can spike in cost. Rather than let it lapse, sell it instead.
  • 🏥
    Need cash for retirement or medical expenses
    Liquidate a major asset to fund long-term care or other retirement needs.
  • Policy is about to lapse
    If you're about to lose the policy anyway, a life settlement often returns far more than walking away.
  • 🛡️
    Retain a portion of your death benefit
    In select cases, you can sell part of your policy, eliminate premium payments, and still leave a portion of the death benefit to your beneficiaries.

Who Typically Qualifies?

Life settlements are most valuable for policyholders who meet these general criteria:

  • Age 65 or older
  • Life insurance policy with a face value of $100,000 or more
  • Health has declined since the policy was originally issued
  • Policy type is eligible (see below)
  • Premiums are current or policy is still in force

Note: Even if you don't meet all criteria, it's worth a free evaluation. Younger policyowners with significant health decline may also qualify. We've seen cases that surprised everyone.

What Policy Types Qualify?

Most types of life insurance can be sold in a life settlement — including:

Term Life Insurance Must be convertible to a permanent policy
Whole Life Insurance Often has significant cash value already
Universal Life Insurance One of the most commonly settled policy types
Variable Life Insurance Subject to additional regulations
Survivorship / Joint Life Evaluated on a case-by-case basis
Group Life Insurance Convertible group policies may qualify
📄 Free Download

Is Your Life Insurance Policy Worth More Than You Think?

Most policyholders 65+ with a $100K+ policy don't realize they could sell it for 4×–8× more than the cash surrender value. This guide explains everything.

  • What life settlements are and who qualifies
  • Real payout examples: policy value vs. settlement amount
  • The 4-step process from evaluation to cash in hand
  • Tax considerations and what to expect

Get Your Free Guide

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The Process

How a Life Settlement Works

Our process is transparent, confidential, and puts you in control at every step.

💬
Step 01

Free Consultation

We review your policy details, health situation, and financial goals to determine if a life settlement makes sense for you. No obligation, no pressure.

📋
Step 02

Policy Evaluation

No medical exam required. We gather your policy documents and, where needed, medical records — then prepare your case for submission to the buyer marketplace.

🏆
Step 03

Competitive Bidding

Your policy goes to auction with multiple licensed institutional buyers competing for it. More competition means a higher offer for you.

Step 04

You Decide

You receive every offer with full transparency and zero pressure. Accept, decline, or explore a retained death benefit arrangement — the choice is entirely yours.

Representative Examples

What a Life Settlement Can Look Like

These scenarios illustrate the kind of results life settlements make possible. Actual outcomes depend on individual policy details and health status.

Robert, age 74
Universal Life — $1,100,000 face value
Cash Surrender Value
$29,000
Life Settlement
$268,000
That's 9.2× more than cash surrender value

Premiums had become unaffordable in retirement. Policy was weeks from lapsing. Rather than walk away with nothing, Robert pursued a life settlement.

Helen, age 80
Whole Life — $500,000 face value
Cash Surrender Value
$61,000
Life Settlement
$192,000
That's 3.1× more than cash surrender value

Coverage purchased decades ago for a business obligation that no longer existed. Helen used the proceeds to supplement her retirement income.

David & Susan, ages 76/74
Survivorship Policy — $2,000,000 face value
Cash Surrender Value
$88,000
Life Settlement
$498,000
That's 5.7× more than cash surrender value

Their estate planning needs had changed significantly after selling their business. The settlement funded a charitable gift and boosted their estate portfolio.

Representative scenarios for illustrative purposes. Individual results vary based on age, health status, policy type, face value, and market conditions at time of settlement.

Your Advisor

Rodney Cummings
Life Settlement Specialist

Rodney helps policyholders across Oregon and the nation navigate the life settlement process — from initial evaluation to final settlement. With access to a competitive marketplace of licensed institutional buyers, he works to maximize the value you receive for your policy.

  • Free, no-obligation policy evaluation
  • Competitive bids from multiple licensed buyers
  • Confidential process from start to finish
  • 30+ years of financial advisory experience
Get My Free Policy Evaluation
Rodney Cummings — Life Settlement Specialist
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a life settlement legal?

Yes. Life settlements are legal and regulated in most U.S. states. They're a well-established financial option that has been available since the 1990s. All transactions must be disclosed and are handled through licensed providers.

How much will I receive for my policy?

The settlement amount depends on factors including your age, health status, policy size, type, and the current market for buyers. On average, policyholders receive 20–40% of the policy's face value — and 4 to 8 times more than the cash surrender value. We'll get you real bids so you'll know exactly what your policy is worth.

Will the sale of my policy be taxable?

Life settlement proceeds may be partially taxable. Generally, the amount above your cost basis (premiums paid) may be subject to income or capital gains tax. We strongly recommend consulting with your tax advisor. We can help connect you with resources as needed.

How long does the life settlement process take?

The typical life settlement process takes 2–4 months from initial application to receiving funds. This includes gathering policy and medical information, submitting to buyers, receiving bids, completing legal paperwork, and funding the transaction.

What if my policy is about to lapse?

Time is critical if your policy is at risk of lapsing. Contact us immediately — even a policy that hasn't lapsed yet may qualify. Once a policy lapses, you lose all rights to any value. A life settlement can turn that impending loss into meaningful cash.

What is a viatical settlement — and how is it different?

A viatical settlement is similar to a life settlement but applies specifically to policyholders who are terminally ill (typically with a life expectancy of 24 months or less). Viatical settlements often yield higher proceeds because the buyer receives the death benefit sooner. They are also frequently tax-free for the seller. If you or a loved one is facing a terminal diagnosis, contact us for a confidential evaluation.

Need New Coverage?

Replacing your old policy? We can build a better one.

After your life settlement, you may want a new policy that works harder for you. IUL and Fixed Index Annuities offer tax-free growth, living benefits, and protection from market loss — with no premiums to worry about.

Legacy Wealth Services

Request Your Free Policy Evaluation

Takes less than 2 minutes. Rodney will review your policy details and reach out within one business day — no cost, no obligation.

Or call: 503-832-8555

Free evaluation · No obligation · Confidential

Have questions about selling your life insurance policy?

Read Our Complete Life Settlement FAQ →

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