Can I use my term life insurance to pay off debt?

Asked by: Prof. Ramiro Hilpert DDS  |  Last update: March 19, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (50 votes)

Like replacing your income, term life insurance can be vital in managing debt and offering financial relief. It covers outstanding debts like mortgage payments, car loans, and credit card debt, ensuring your family isn't burdened.

Can you use life insurance to pay off debt?

Because the policy's cash value acts as the loan's collateral, policyowners can only borrow from life insurance to pay off debt when their policies accrue money. Only policyowners with permanent life insurance policies, such as whole and universal life insurance, are eligible for this type of loan.

Can I borrow money against my term life insurance?

Life insurance loans are only available on permanent life insurance policies — such as whole life and universal life — that have a cash value component. You likely can't borrow against a term life insurance policy since it probably doesn't have cash value. Learn more about term vs. whole life insurance.

Can you ever cash out a term life insurance policy?

While you can't cash out term life insurance, you can sell your policy. Additionally, you may have other options if you want to change your coverage, such as lowering your premium payments or converting to a permanent policy.

What is the cash value of a $10,000 life insurance policy?

Say, for example, that you purchase an insurance policy with a face value of $10,000. Once the policy matures, the cash value of the policy should equal $10,000.

How to Use Life Insurance To Pay Off Debt! | #wealthnation

33 related questions found

How much cash is a $100 000 life insurance policy worth?

A typical life settlement is worth around 20% of your policy value, but can range from 10-25%. So for a 100,000 dollar policy, you would be looking at anywhere from 10,000 to 25,000 dollars.

Does my term life insurance have cash value?

The bad news is that term life insurance has no cash value. When your policy ends, you don't receive any money. On the bright side, it's less expensive than permanent insurance. Due to the savings on premiums, you may end up ahead financially with term coverage despite the lack of a cash value.

How much can I borrow from my life insurance policy?

You typically can't borrow more than 90% of your policy's current cash value. You typically must pay interest when paying back the loan. Repayment isn't required, but outstanding loan balances are subtracted from the death benefit payout, and may cause the policy to lapse with certain types of policies.

How to use life insurance to build wealth?

4 ways to use whole life insurance as an investment
  1. Withdraw or take a loan on the cash value. ...
  2. Create generational wealth. ...
  3. Collect dividends. ...
  4. Surrender the policy (but only if you no longer need it)

Do you get money back from term life insurance?

Under a basic term insurance plan, you do not get money-back at the end of the life insurance term. On the other hand, under a money-back term insurance plan, you get assured returns at the end of the policy term.

Can you use term life insurance as collateral?

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.

How long does it take to build cash value on life insurance?

How fast does cash value build in life insurance? Most permanent life insurance policies begin to accrue cash value in 2 to 5 years. However, it can take decades to see significant cash value accumulation. Consult a licensed insurance agent to understand the policy's cash value projections before applying.

At what point in your life do you think you should purchase term insurance?

While anyone can benefit from a term life policy, it makes the most sense to purchase one right before you have your first child, says Beloff. You may also want to consider a term life policy if you financially support a significant other or spouse, he adds.

Can you borrow against term life insurance?

You can borrow from permanent life insurance policies that build cash value. These would typically include whole life and universal life (UL) policies. You cannot borrow against a term policy since there is no cash value associated with it.

Can you use life insurance to pay bills?

Life insurance benefits can help replace your income if you pass away. This means your beneficiaries could use the money to help cover essential expenses, such as paying a mortgage or college tuition for your children. It can also be used to pay off debt, such as credit card bills or an outstanding car loan.

How can I pay off debt and still have a life?

How to manage debt (and still have fun)
  1. Set up a budget to track your expenses and spending. ...
  2. Use cash for everyday purchases like groceries and eating out. ...
  3. Carefully monitor your credit card spending each month. ...
  4. Pay more than the minimum amount due. ...
  5. Pay off the credit card with the highest interest rate first.

How do millionaires build wealth using life insurance?

Life insurance can build wealth in many ways, the primary one being the death benefit, which is passed along to your beneficiaries. This wealth transfer strategy is a way to immediately provide a cushion of wealth (depending on the death benefit amount) to surviving family members.

Is term life insurance considered an asset?

Term life policies only provide a death benefit and do not accumulate cash value. For that reason, this type of coverage is not considered an asset. The exception would be a term policy that can be converted to a permanent life policy.

How do you turn life insurance into cash?

There are three main ways to get cash out of your policy. You can borrow against your cash account typically with a low-interest life insurance loan, withdraw the cash (either as a lump sum or in regular payments), or you can surrender your policy.

What is the cash value of a $25,000 life insurance policy?

Examples of Cash Value Life Insurance

An example is a cash value life insurance policy with a $25,000 death benefit. Assuming you don't take out a loan or withdraw, the cash value accumulates to $5,000. After the policyholder's death, the insurance company would pay out the full death benefit, which would be $25,000.

What life insurance allows you to withdraw money?

You can withdraw money from a permanent life insurance policy, but not a term life insurance policy. If you're in need of quick cash, there may be better alternatives to explore that won't put your loved ones' financial health at risk once you're gone.

What is term vs whole life insurance?

Term life is often the most affordable life insurance because it's temporary and has no cash value. Whole life premiums are much higher because the coverage typically lasts your lifetime, and the policy grows cash value. Here's how annual premiums compare for term life policy vs.

What is the main disadvantage of term life insurance?

Cons: Drawbacks of Term Life Insurance Policies

Here are some of the key disadvantages: Temporary Coverage: Term life insurance covers a specific period (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years). Once the term ends, the policy expires, and coverage stops.

What happens if you outlive your term life insurance?

No, with a standard term life insurance policy, you won't be receive anything back if you outlive your life insurance. So, what happens at the end of your term life insurance? Your life insurance will simply expire and you can either take out a new policy or look into other types of financial protection.