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The Superfluous Life Insurance PolicyThe Superfluous Life Insurance Policy

A missed opportunity for charitable donations?

Alan Breus

July 23, 2015

8 Min Read
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Of the over 18.4 trillion dollars’ worth of all forms of life insurance in force, over 85 percent of those policies are surrendered or lapsed before death.1 The insureds, however, can salvage some of these assets to be used for charitable donations. In reviewing your client’s assets, be sure to address life insurance in force that will lapse or be surrendered.  

Three forms of life insurance with assets that can be salvaged are: 

Term insurance originally purchased to fund a key man (that is, to protect a company in case a key person within the company dies or becomes disabled) or buy/sell obligations;

Group term life insurance, which in most cases is convertible to a permanent policy with no medical/other requirements; and 

Cash value...

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About the Author

Alan Breus

Alan’s background includes a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from The New School, New York City, studies in Appraisal and Analysis at New York University and advanced studies in Life Underwriting and Estate and Financial Planning. Alan’s membership in the Appraiser’s Association of America requires he sustain an expertise in: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Appraising, IRS Legal Guidelines in Valuation, Research methodology in Appraisal and complete familiarity with The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). His professional experience includes the appraisal of, documentary film, rare books and documents,  fine art, life insurance policies and collectibles for universities, hospitals, various non-profits  and estate planning and private accounting professionals. Alan is a sought after speaker and has been a sponsor at many national and regional planned giving conferences.

Alan’s speaking engagements include: The upcoming 2012  Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, The Chesapeake Bay Planned Giving Council, The Greater Bay Area Planned Giving Council, The San Joaquin Planned Giving Council, The Valley Public TV Estate Planning Forum, The Northwestern University Planned Giving Seminar, April, 2010, DePaul University Planned Giving Seminar, April, 2010, Greater Bay Area Conference on Planned Giving,  Greater San Diego Planned Giving Seminar, Partnership for Philanthropic Planning 2011 National Conference,  Chicago Council on Planned Giving, 2011 Masters Seminar

Alan’s sponsorships include: 2008 National Conference on Planned Giving, and 2009 National Conference on Planned Givingand the 2010National Conference on Planned Giving, and the 2012National Conference on Planned Giving, The Bay Area Jewish Community Endowment Fund's 13th Annual Tax and Estate Planning Seminar.

Alan has served on:

Board of Advisors, Business Division, Jewish National Fund, New York City, Board of Advisors – Hillel of Silicon Valley, Board of Advisors, Red Cross, Southwest Area Division