Index Universal Life (IUL) 2024 Complete Review
Written by Daniel Ray, Life Insurance Expert |
✅
Fact Checked by
Lisamarie Monaco |
Editorial Disclosure
If you are in search of Index Universal Life, you came to the right place!
As a Senior Consumer, you may be considering purchasing an Index Universal Life insurance policy. This blog post will provide some helpful information to help you make that decision.
It will also address the common question of whether or not it is wise to purchase this type of life insurance if I am on Medicare and have Medigap Coverage?
Article Navigation
- What Is Indexed Universal Life Insurance
- How Does Indexed Universal Life Insurance Work
- Indexed Universal Life Insurance Pros and Cons
- Is Indexed Universal Life Good?
- Is Index Universal Life a Good Investment?
- Is Indexed Universal Life Insurance Good For Retirement
- Index Universal Life Insurance vs 401k
- What Companies Offer Indexed Universal Life Insurance
- Which Is Better Whole Life vs Indexed Universal Life?
- Benefits of IUL Index Universal Life
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What Is Indexed Universal Life Insurance
Is It Right For You?
Above all, I am going to look at Index Universal Life Insurance (IUL) from multiple points of view.
In fact, I am going to dismantle it in this article. Furthermore, my main focus is that YOU, the consumer can make an educated decision on whether not this product is right for you.
So we will be going equally over the pros and cons of the IUL. You’re best off being aware of these before deciding on a specific kind of life insurance policy.
Again, it’s very important to realize these things because one day your family will be depending on it! Do your due diligence!
How Does Indexed Universal Life Insurance Work
How Index Universal LifeWorks is Similar to the majority of life insurance policies, premiums go directly to the insurance company. However, with IUL you are allowed to have your cash allocation to either an equity index account or a fixed account or fixed interest account.
The cash value build-up can be volatile by investing in stocks, bonds, and other sorts of investments and indexes such as the Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500. Therefore, the rate of your cash value build-up is dependent on how well your investments are doing.
Furthermore, these policies offer tax-deferred cash accumulation while maintaining a death benefit.
Indexed Universal Life Insurance Pros and Cons
Let’s Start With The Cons!
Consequently, index universal life insurance policies are permanent life insurance policies. Or are they? In theory, they are.
However, if you make the minimum payment you will find out almost when it’s too late, that this was not the product for you. I get calls every day from potential clients that have been paying into an IUL for decades!! Usually, the end result is their cash account is depleted, or the insurance company is demanding a higher payment to maintain the policy.
In fact, this is usually when you are on a fixed income and can’t afford it. Guess what? The house wins!!
Why Indexed Universal Life is Bad?
Why does index universal life get a bad wrap?
- Smaller face amounts not good
- You are capped out on the accumulation
- On a down market, you are tied to an index
In this scenario, the agent didn’t explain the product to well, or clients that are young don’t really think too much about death, or maybe its a combination of both.
It’s important to realize that the premiums will increase because there are breakpoint years. Again, this is what will happen if you just make the minimum payments.
Another key point, you have to remember that an IUL is tied into stock indexes, so if the market has a bad year so will your policy. This is because no interest will be credited to the cash value.
To emphasize, the goal with an IUL is to profit from the market movements upwards.
If you are making the average salary and just starting out with your family, then 30yr term or 20yr term will be a better option. Just get the best-priced policy and invest the difference in an IRA or 401k plan. We will get more into this below.
Also, you want to make sure you don’t get confused between the non-guarantees vs guarantees of the policy
Recap On Index Universal Life CONs
To recap, in my opinion, the major con is that these policies usually have increased premiums and the wrong times, the retirement years. It takes years to begin seeing pay off from your cash growth.
In fact, in the first few years, you will need to pay fees and commission. Furthermore, the insurance company has total control of your investments, even though investing in an index fund on your own may be more profitable.
However, the major con is that these policies usually have very high premiums. It takes years to begin seeing pay off from your cash growth. In fact, in the first few years, you will need to pay a commission.
Furthermore, the insurance company has total control of your investments, even though investing in an index fund on your own may be more profitable. For those looking for life insurance for seniors over 75, IUL may not be the best option.
The Pros Of Indexed Universal Life
Index Universal life has cash value build-up, which means you can make a return on upward market movements. So when the market is rocking, so is your cash value!
Also, when your cash value grows its tax-deferred. In fact, if the market is bullish and your cash values increases then it can cover your premium payments. So there is flexibility with your premiums.
In general, and my favorite key point about IUL is you have no limitations on annual contributions. That’s right!! So who is this policy great for? Business owners looking for tax write-offs for deferred compensation!!
In fact, maybe you had a nice score on that real estate sale or stock sale. You want to defer taxes, well an IUL can be a nice storage unit. Annual returns range from 4-5% and as high as 13-15%. That’s a lot better than the banks anemic .25%. These policies are geared for over funding!!
A huge advantage of a universal index life insurance policy is the potential to accumulate a lot of cash value while receiving guaranteed protection from volatile markets.
Is Indexed Universal Life Good?
Why IUL are good?
Benefits of indexed universal life insurance
- Low Price compared to other permanent life insurance policies, (Beware!! Read Above)
- Cash Value reaps the benefits of an upward market
- Flexibility in premiums, sub-accounts, face amounts, all can be adjusted
- Distributions are Easy and accessed any time without penalty
- Unlimited Contributions
Recap on Pros
To recap, these policies are usually quite flexible. You can customize your payments however you’d like. On top of this, most policies are backed by some guarantee. This guarantee ensures that you will be accumulating some sort of annual cash build-up (i.e. a minimum of 2%), regardless of how well the index is doing.
However, there are some things you should be aware of before getting an IUL policy, which we’ll go over below. The bottom line, I am not a fan of this product unless you have a game plan with your CPA or CFP. I have seen more times than not consumers get hurt by this product. here…
Another key point, insurance companies make huge profits off these policies as well as the agent. In some cases, agents get renewals up to 10 years on these products.
Therefore, being aware of the different types of life insurance policies will help you find the best option for you and your family. Call us, we will help you do your due diligence!
This about sums up indexed universal life pros and cons, if you have any questions please reach out to me!
Is Index Universal Life a Good Investment?
In the first place, IUL’s are a very good vehicle for investments if you have a chunk of cash that you don’t want to sit in the bank making Peanuts. Especially if you compound the interest and return you make. These products are also very good for deferred compensation for employers looking for a tax break.
So in these circumstances, I agree that using an IUL for these reasons will not put you in a risky situation. Again, you need to have an objective. So index universal life as an investment in this case I agree with.
Although, if you’re looking at this as nothing more than a life insurance policy and a cheap premium payment, this is not the best choice. My advice is in agreement with Suzy Orman and Dave Ramsey, buy term and invest the difference.
Again, if you do not over-fund or pay more into this policy, using indexed universal life insurance for retirement will put you behind the eight balls!!
Is Indexed Universal Life Insurance Good For Retirement
Using an IUL policy for retirement on an individual basis is not ideal and certainly not my first choice.
However, if funded properly it can have its advantages, especially in a high-interest rate environment. Moreover, if you are looking for more of a risky return then a mutual fund or investing in the stock market might be your speed.
Now if you are a business owner, then using an IUL for deferred compensation plan can have enormous advantages. If you are using a nonqualified deferred compensation plan then you can contribute deferred compensation for key personnel to keep them put with writing off the contributions.
Usually, a key person will receive one million in life insurance as part of a compensation package.
Index Universal Life Insurance vs 401k
Overall, if you are an employee that comes in every day and punches a clock and plans on getting there 20+ years in and retiring, then all the retirement planning you need is a 401k plan.
However, if you are a key employee that is an asset to the company then a juicy compensation plan will retain the talent.
You see, an NQDC is a way to receive tax-free income after retiring so its a little more than insurance coverage. So as the employer contributes the income and taxes are deferred.
Also, the average participation rates are about 11.65%, a hell of a lot better than a bank! So over the years at it compounds when you retire you can just take loans against the cash value.
It’s like being your own bank, so zero-interest loans are nice!. More on being your own bank on our Infinite Banking Article.
What Companies Offer Indexed Universal Life Insurance
Our Top 10 Index Universal Life Companies
After all, we have been pretty critical of the IUL product. We have good reason to. Many life agents have taken advantage of clients by selling them on the pros of the low cost and returns they may have.
However, not educating on the cons. Again, these products are great for certain situations but it is not a one size fits all. Do your due diligence!!
Here are our top 10 IUL Companies.
- Pacific Life
- American National-Best Living Benefits Built-In with cashback features
- North American
- Lincoln Financial Group
- John Hancock
- AIG
- Principal
- Prudential
- Protective Life
- Mutual Of Omaha
If you want to know about any of these carriers, we are National Independent Agents, call me on any of the phone numbers listed.
- 855-380-3300 x1
- Fax 904-212-3020
What Are My Other Options?
If you don’t think universal index life insurance policies are right for you, that’s fine. There are plenty of other life insurance options out there to consider. For a less complicated policy, consider the popular term life insurance or whole life.
Term life insurance is the most straightforward and least expensive kind of life insurance available. These plans cover you for a designated amount of time, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. Later, you can choose to renew your term life insurance policy if you wish.
Term life insurance policies are best for those on a budget, or for those that they want coverage for the duration of their mortgage, for until their children become adults, etc. Term life insurance will keep you covered for as long as you pay your monthly premiums.
Of course, term life insurance does not offer cash value build-up. In fact, your premiums may go up significantly if you choose to get a new policy later in life. Also, you can save over 50% by layering term life insurance policies.
How Much Life Insurance Should I Purchase?
Deciding on the amount of life insurance to purchase is one of the most important decisions that you’ll need to make. Below, we’ll list some of the factors that you should consider before calculating how much life insurance you’ll need:
- Debts/Mortgages — One of the main purposes of life insurance is to prevent your family from inheriting any of your debts after you pass away. Calculate how much you owe before deciding on the amount of life insurance.
- Replace Income — Once you pass away, those that are financially dependent on you will no longer be receiving the benefits of your income. Replacing your salary is something that you may want to be covered by your life insurance policy.
- Final Expenses — Funeral costs are usually around $10,000. This a large bill to leave your loved ones, which is why final expenses are often covered by life insurance policies.
For more great information for cash value life insurance and how they work, click here.
Which Is Better Whole Life vs Indexed Universal Life?
When you are thinking about permanent life insurance these two are the ones that come to mind. However, there are many differences between the two.
Should I purchase whole life insurance
That is a great question! Let’s find out the characteristics of this type of permanent life insurance. These types of policies are more common as a final expense or burial policy. At other times it’s used as a long-term cash flow vehicle in the terms of a single pay, 7-year pay or a 20-year pay.
Here are some reasons to consider:
- Depending on the company, you can earn dividends
- You can borrow against the cash value
- Fixed premiums
- The death benefit is guaranteed as long as you continue to pay your premiums.
Another reason whole life is used is as an infinite banking strategy. Here are some of the Cons of whole life:
- Little Cash Value Early On
- Rate of Return is small
- Dividends Fluctuate
Benefits of IUL Index Universal Life
Is indexed universal life insurance a good investment? If you are using this policy as an overfunding strategy then yes it does have fantastic benefits.
Here are some of the Pros of an IUL:
- Opportunity to have a high rate of return
- Can borrow money
- Cash Value Growth
- Guaranteed Death Benefit
- Lower cost compared to Whole Life
However, if you are buying this as strictly a death benefit, then you will be sorry down the line as the cost of insuring rises. As you age the cost of insurance rises so if you are still making that same small payment then they need to make up the difference somewhere. That usually takes a loan against the cash value or from the face amount.
Here are some of the Cons of IUL:
- Premiums can increase
- No Guarantee of investment performance
- Complicated to understand
- Management fee’s
Should I Hire An Independent Insurance Agent?
Hiring an expert can actually save you a lot of money in the long run. An independent insurance agent can connect you with the top life insurance carriers. They’ll know how to find you the cheapest policies, and they’ll answer your questions thoroughly and honestly.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at PinnacleQuote (855)380-3300.
FAQs
The cash value growth in an IUL policy is tied to the performance of a market index. It usually has a floor, meaning it won’t lose value if the index declines, and a cap on maximum returns.
Unlike traditional whole life or variable life insurance, IUL offers potentially higher returns due to its link to market indexes while providing downside protection against market losses.
IULs can be a tool for retirement planning due to their tax-deferred cash value growth and flexibility in premium payments and death benefits.
While there’s a floor to protect against market losses, caps on returns can limit growth potential. Also, the cost of insurance can increase over time, affecting cash value.
IUL policies offer flexibility in premium payments. Policyholders can adjust the amount and timing of payments, but this can impact the policy’s cash value and death benefit.
Yes, you can take out loans or make withdrawals from the cash value of an IUL policy, but this can reduce the death benefit and policy value if not repaid.
If the market index performs poorly, the cash value won’t decrease due to the floor, but growth will be minimal or zero.
IULs are best suited for individuals looking for flexible premiums, potential for cash value growth linked to the market, and a lifelong death benefit. They are more complex and may not be suitable for everyone.
Consider your long-term financial goals, risk tolerance, understanding of market-indexed investments, and the need for flexibility in insurance coverage. It’s also important to review all policy fees and potential limitations.
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Conclusion
INDEX UNIVERSAL LIFE is a product that has been around for years and it’s still not too late to get in on the action. The company provides life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, and other financial products with high commissions but low rates. In this article, I am going to dismantle their sales pitch by showing you how they are deceiving consumers into buying from them instead of providing an alternative option where your money will be spent more wisely. It’s time to make a change! If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the services we offer at our office please contact us today and we can help answer all of your questions!
