Can you borrow money from your term life insurance?

Asked by: Prof. Aniyah Wiza  |  Last update: June 22, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (5 votes)

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 borrow money out of a term life insurance policy?

Which Types of Life Insurance Policies Can You Borrow Against? 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 I withdraw money from my term life insurance?

Since a term life insurance policy doesn't come with a cash value component, it's not possible to cash it out. This policy solely includes a death benefit that your beneficiaries may receive if you die before the end of the policy's term.

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

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 a term life insurance policy have cash value?

While term life insurance can be a useful policy for many people, it doesn't build cash value. With this type of policy, you pay for a potential death benefit payout that your beneficiaries will receive if you pass away before the end of its term.

When Can You Borrow Against Your Life Insurance Policy?

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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 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.

Can you back out of term life insurance?

By law, if you cancel a term life insurance policy within 30 days of purchasing it, the company must refund any money you paid. In addition, if you pay some of your premiums ahead of schedule and then cancel your policy, the company should return those early pre-payments.

Can you borrow against life insurance while alive?

If you don't want to outright surrender your policy you may be able to take out a loan on the existing cash amount. Just understand, if you go this route, that the amount you ultimately owe on the policy's outstanding principal (and interest) will be taken from the death benefit before your beneficiaries receive it.

What happens if you can't pay your term life insurance?

Term life insurance lapse

If a payment isn't received by the end of the grace period, the policy lapses. Your beneficiaries will likely not be able to claim your death benefit, and you'll lose the premiums you've already paid.

Can I get money back from term life insurance?

Yes; you get the entire premium amount you pay for this policy when the policy matures. A policyholder can choose the structure of the policy payout. You may get a lump sum at the end of the policy term. Another option is to get regular payouts at fixed intervals based on the policy structure.

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.

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)

Can you withdraw money from a term life insurance policy?

Term life is designed to cover you for a specified period (say 10, 15 or 20 years) and then end. Because the number of years it covers are limited, it generally costs less than whole life policies. But term life policies typically don't build cash value. So, you can't cash out term life insurance.

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.

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.

Can you borrow money from a term life insurance policy?

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 take money out of your life insurance while alive?

Access Cash Value: You can use the money from your policy while you're alive, which otherwise will likely go back to the insurer upon your passing. Low Interest Rate Loan: The interest rate on a loan from your cash value is typically 6-8%, much lower than the 12.38% average rate for a personal loan from the bank.

How many years before you can borrow from life insurance?

While cash value starts accumulating right away, Whole Life Insurance is structured to gradually build that value over time. Typically, you may not have access to a substantial loan until 2-3 years into the policy.

Does a term life policy 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.

What voids term life insurance?

Life insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company. Misrepresenting yourself or providing inaccurate information on your insurance application can cause a breach and void the contract, ending with the claim denied.

At what age does term life insurance end?

You've officially outlived your term policy when you reach the age that your life insurance policy expires. For most policies, this age is in the 80s or 90s, but some policies without a medical exam expire at a much younger age.

How much tax will I pay if I cash out my life insurance?

Is life insurance cash value taxable? Fortunately, the cash value of life insurance grows tax-free. This means that, in many cases, you won't have to worry about paying taxes on it.

What is the difference between whole life and term life insurance?

The pros and cons of term and whole life insurance are clear: Term life insurance is simpler and more affordable but has an expiration date and doesn't include a cash value feature. Whole life insurance is more expensive and complex, but it provides lifelong coverage and builds cash value over time.

Can nursing homes take your life insurance from your beneficiary?

A nursing home cannot take your life insurance policy if you have one or more named beneficiaries. If you pass away, the nursing home that was responsible for your care cannot attempt to claim any of the death benefits from your policy as long as you named a beneficiary to receive it.