If you would like to save money in your cash value account, which is linked to a market index, an indexed universal life insurance policy is the perfect way to do so. But remember that this quote pays interest based on the performance of the bond indexes and basic stock. Moreover, if you need coverage with flexible terms and payments, universal life insurance, and a cash value account, this type of insurance can be considered.
However, this insurance type is more complicated and complex, unlike other types of life insurance. This is why you must understand how it works first before considering a purchase. Plus, there are a lot of good sides and downsides to this type of insurance, but it all depends on what you want. For instance, if you want flexibility or permanent coverage, IUL insurance will be a good choice. If you seek more details and a better understanding of indexed universal life insurance, keep reading.
What is Indexed Universal Life Insurance?
Indexed universal life insurance, also known as IUL insurance, is permanent life insurance that comes with a death benefit as well as cash value. What’s more, the money in your cash value account will receive interest by keeping track of a stock market index chosen by the insurer. In addition to this, the policyholder also gets a fixed-rate account where you can select how much you want to be sent into every account.
How Does it Work?
To begin with, indexed universal life insurance has an adjustable or changeable premium. You can also choose to change your death benefits or skip or underpay these premiums. What makes IUL insurance different from other insurance types is the amount of cash value you invest.
When you apply for a quote, the insurer or insurance company will assist you in choosing the index to use for part or all of your cash value and death benefit. Moreover, when premiums are made to your account, a part of it covers the cost of insurance based on the policyholder’s life.
Any other fee you pay will be added to your cash value. If you have an IUL insurance policy, you can borrow against the cash value of your policy. However, if you default and fail to pay them back, they will be removed from your death benefits.
What Does Indexed Universal Life Insurance Cover?
When you have an IUL insurance policy, there is a part that is joined to a stock market index and a death benefit. However, cash value growth is based on the performance and product of the market index. These quotes come with additional fees, higher risks, and higher potential returns, unlike other types of life insurance. With indexed universal life insurance, you get permanent coverage, but make sure that your premiums are paid for.
How Much Does It Cost?
The major factor that affects the cost of an IUL insurance policy is age. Other elements include the type of policy you want and your preferred coverage amount. To sum up, there is no fixed cost for IUL insurance, and the amount varies due to geographic location, health, and coverage needs.
Why Choose Indexed Universal Life Insurance?
Although IUL insurance can be very complicated, you need to understand how it works before purchasing a policy. So, if you are curious, here are some of the reasons why you should choose IUL insurance:
- Investment flexibility.
- Endless contributions.
- Flexible premium payments.
- Death benefit.
- Stock market-driven returns.
- Easy distribution.
- Cash value buildup.
- Low risk.
- Tax benefits.
- Unlimited access to cash value.
Cons of This Policy Type
Here are some of the downsides or disadvantages of indexed universal life insurance:
- Management fees.
- Limits on accumulation percentage.
- Risk of premium calls.
- There is no growth in stock dividends.
- Suitable for larger face amounts.
- Centered and controlled by a variable equity index.
- High fees.
- Constant attention to avoid lapses.
And so on. So, once you put together the pros and cons of indexed universal life insurance, you will be able to decide whether or not you want it.
Best Indexed Universal Life Insurance Companies
Without a doubt, there are many available choices to select from when shopping for IUL insurance. So, if you need help choosing the best company, here are a few suggestions to check out:
- Lincoln Financial.
- RiverSource.
- Mass Mutual.
- AIG.
- Penn Mutual.
- Prudential.
- Guardian.
- Pacific Life.
- John Hancock.
- Mutual of Omaha.
- Symetra.
- Corebridge Financial.
- Midland National.
- Protective.
- Mass Mutual.
- Nationwide.
- State Farm.
- Northwestern Mutual.
- USAA.
You can check out the reviews of these companies online to find out if their services are worth trying out or not.