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Let us know about your business, its structure and expected turnover, and what type of business life insurance you are interested in.
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Business life insurance is a collective term for different types of life insurance policies that can be used by businesses to provide financial payout if a business owner, shareholder or work colleague were to die, or suffer from a serious illness.
Typically, the insurance payouts can be used to help fund the purchasing of business shares, cover a gap in trading profits, help with replacement costs, or pay off business debt, as well as provide benefits for employees and directors.
Business insurance works differently to individual life insurance, as the policy pays out a lump sum to the business and any remaining key employees in the event of the stakeholder passing away. This can protect the business from any losses and help them pay off any remaining debts.
Once the claim has been approved and the payout has been made, the policy will automatically end.
The types of policy available and how they are set up will depend on the structure of your business; whether you are a sole trader, partnership or limited company.
Usually for a limited company and limited partnership, a business life insurance policy is owned and paid for by the business (not the individual ‘covered’) and can have tax advantages.
On a fee-free basis, LifeSearch will consult with you to assess and explore your individual business requirements, which might include:
Key person cover pays out a lump sum of money if a key person dies, or is diagnosed with a serious illness. This can help pay business debts, help with recruitment costs, or plug gaps in revenue and profit.
The insurance provides a lump sum to help you repay business loans, if a person key to the business dies, or is diagnosed with a serious illness.
Pays out a monthly income to the employer if an employee (including an employed director) is unable to work because of illness or injury. This can help pay towards the employee’s salary, and National Insurance and pension contributions.
Pays out a tax-free lump sum to the beneficiaries when an employee dies during the term of the policy. This can provide ‘death in service’ benefits to employees, and premiums are usually treated by HMRC as a tax-deductible expense.
Provides financial protection for the business in the event of the death of a key employee or owner, helping to cover debts and ongoing expenses
Protects against the loss of a vital team member, ensuring the business can continue operating smoothly
Facilitates the seamless transfer of ownership in case of an owner's death, helping the business continue as normal
Can be an attractive benefit that helps retain talented employees
Premiums for certain types of policies may be tax-deductible, and death benefits are usually paid out tax-free
Can provide assurance to lenders that debts will be repaid, making it easier to secure loans
Premiums can be expensive, particularly for small businesses or for policies with substantial cover
Policies can be complicated and may require careful consideration and planning, which can be time-consuming
There may be specific exclusions, such as for pre-existing conditions or risky activities, which could limit coverage
Some policies may not provide enough coverage to fully protect the business against significant losses
Businesses might overly depend on life insurance for financial security, neglecting other essential risk management strategies
As a business evolves, its insurance needs may change, requiring regular reviews and potential adjustments to each policy
The level and type of cover will affect the cost of your business life insurance. The higher the cover limit, the more you'll pay.
Businesses in industries or professions that are considered higher risk may have to pay more. For example, those who work in construction, the armed forces, or the emergency services may face higher premiums.
Larger businesses with more employees are usually considered riskier and charged higher premiums.
Businesses with a history of frequent claims are typically charged more.
A policy's excess is the amount you pay each time you make a claim. Lower excesses result in higher premiums.
Each person will need to be medically underwritten, which will consider factors like age, health, and lifestyle.
Business life insurance is not a legal requirement but is an important consideration for businesses for a variety of important reasons:
If your business relies on the skill leadership reputation or client book of a key person or people, the P&L sheet will certainly feel it if that person is not around.
If a business owner dies, or become seriously ill, it may have a detrimental impact on the business’s ability to keep up with loan repayments, which in turn could impact future growth, business profits and solvency.
If a business owner dies, their share of the business and the control that comes with it usually passes to their loved ones. Their dependents may not want, or be able to cope with this new responsibility. Fellow owners may struggle to buy back control of their business potentially unsettling the company, its future plans and employee job security.
If a director or employee is unable to work for some time, they may struggle to keep up with their bills and, everyday living expenses, the business might need to cover their National Insurance and pension contributions too. If an employee were to die, what death-in-service benefits would be available to their dependants?
Business owners often overlook the importance of life insurance, yet it's a crucial component of a comprehensive business strategy. By securing a life insurance policy, you can protect the future of your business, ensuring continuity in case of unexpected circumstances. This cover can safeguard against significant financial losses, such as covering business debts, maintaining operations, and providing a smooth transition for the business, whether through a sale or succession planning.
MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
We give you access to business life insurance deals from leading UK providers getting the right cover for you and helping you save money on your premiums.
Whatever your line of work, we can find relevant business life insurance policies that work for you.
Business life insurance can be complex, but just answer a few simple questions and we can match to available policy options.
MoneySuperMarket and LifeSearch never charge you for our services. LifeSearch find their most appropriate cover, at their most competitive prices.
Let us know about your business, its structure and expected turnover, and what type of business life insurance you are interested in.
We will talk with you to learn more about your individual business and then explore the market for appropriate policies and prices.
We will show you the options and prices and, when you’re happy, we can put cover in place for your business protection.
If you’re not sure what life insurance cover you need or have questions that we haven’t answered in our life insurance guides, there is help for you. We have partnered up with LifeSearch to provide our customers with life insurance guidance and advice to help them find the right cover.
It’s free of charge. You can get in touch by calling 0800 197 3178.
Their opening hours are:
Monday to Friday: 8am – 8pm
Saturday: 9am-2pm
Sunday: 10am – 3.30pm
The cost of business life insurance varies a lot, as it’s based on the products you want to explore, the people you wish to protect and the level of financial protection you require.
We’ll do all the hard work for you and explain your options, what’s included (and what isn’t) and the costs. With our access to leading providers, we can find the best arrangements for your business.
Yes there can be. Not only can claim payouts be arranged to be free from tax, but the premiums you pay for your policies might be tax-deductible too. This depends on the type of cover you buy and your business structure. At LifeSearch, we’ll explore the options for you, explain them (simply) and set up your policies in the right way.
Yes, business life insurance cover can protect you and any employees against death, critical illness and long-term sickness. The amount and type of cover will vary depending on your company and your specific requirements.
Yes, your limited company can pay for your life insurance rather than you taking out personal life cover.
Yes, self-employed individuals can take out business life insurance, and this can be claimed as a business expense.
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