
Perpetual life insurance provides long-term security for your loved ones.
This type of insurance can be used to pay off outstanding debts, cover funeral expenses, and maintain a standard of living.
Perpetual life insurance policies are designed to last forever, ensuring that your beneficiaries receive a steady income.
One of the key benefits of perpetual life insurance is its flexibility, allowing you to adjust coverage amounts and payment schedules as needed.
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What Is Perpetual Insurance?
Perpetual insurance is a type of homeowner's insurance policy that has no expiration date, providing coverage for perpetuity.
The insured pays a single deposit premium, which is typically much larger than the annual premium for a term policy. This deposit premium can be as high as $10,000 for a policy with equivalent coverage.
Perpetual insurance was first issued in the U.S. in Philadelphia in 1752, and it's still used for fire and homeowner's insurance today.
The deposit premium is refundable if the policy is canceled, usually without interest. This means you can get your money back if you decide to switch to a different insurance policy.
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There are tax advantages to perpetual insurance, as the deposit premium does not yield any income to the insured. This can be beneficial for homeowners who are in a high tax bracket.
For example, if you're in the 28% tax bracket, you might need to earn $1,389 in gross income to pay an annual premium of $1,000. With perpetual insurance, you can avoid paying that annual premium, which can be a significant savings.
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Types of Life Insurance
Permanent life insurance provides coverage for your entire life, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. There are several types of permanent life insurance, each with its own unique features.
One type of permanent life insurance is Whole Life, which provides a guaranteed death benefit and a cash value component that grows over time. This type of insurance can be a good fit for those who want a guaranteed payout for their beneficiaries.
Another type of permanent life insurance is Universal Life, which combines a death benefit with a savings component that earns interest. This type of insurance can be a good option for those who want flexibility in their premiums and death benefit.
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Types of Life Insurance

Perpetual insurance is a type of life insurance policy that offers lifetime coverage, with no expiration date. This means that the coverage exists from the effective start date, and the insured can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their loved ones will be protected for as long as they live.
Perpetual insurance policies require a single, large deposit premium, which is often many times larger than the cost of an annual premium for a term policy. For example, a house that costs $150,000 may require a $10,000 deposit premium for a perpetual insurance policy, compared to an annual premium of $1,000 for a term policy.
Tax advantages are also a key benefit of perpetual insurance. In the United States, the deposit premium does not yield any income to the insured, but the expense of the annual premium for a term policy is eliminated. This can result in a higher tax-adjusted rate of return for the insured homeowner, such as 7.89% in the example mentioned.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, term life insurance may be the way to go. However, if you want to use life insurance to grow and protect wealth, then a permanent policy is a better choice.
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Alternatives to Permanent Insurance

If you're just starting out and can't afford permanent life insurance, consider a convertible term life insurance policy. These policies allow you to get coverage now and upgrade to a permanent policy later without a medical exam.
Having some insurance coverage is always better than none, so don't put off purchasing a policy. You can get convertible term insurance and lock in a lower premium for life if you convert it to whole life insurance.
Convertible term policies are a great option for those in the early stages of a career or just starting families. They offer guaranteed permanent coverage at the best premium rate possible.
Do I Need a Permanent Policy?
If you're considering perpetual insurance, you might be wondering if you need a permanent policy. The answer depends on your financial goals and circumstances.
A permanent policy makes sense if you want to reduce reliance on banks or other outside lenders. You can use the cash value to borrow against the policy, eliminating the need for external loans.

If you're interested in using life insurance to grow and protect wealth, a permanent policy is a good option. This can help you capitalize on the opportunity cost of borrowing money and earn interest on yourself.
You may need a permanent policy if you own significant assets that would subject your estate to higher taxes. This can help you pass down generational wealth through an insurance policy and/or a life insurance trust.
Here are some instances where a permanent policy is necessary:
- You want to reduce reliance on banks or other outside lenders.
- You want to capitalize on the opportunity cost of borrowing money and earn interest on yourself.
- You need liquidity for real estate investments or other opportunities.
- You want to pass down generational wealth through an insurance policy and/or a life insurance trust.
- You own significant assets that would subject your estate to higher taxes.
- You own a business and need a succession plan as well as a source of business capital.
- You want tax-free retirement funds that are protected from market volatility.
- You have dependents who need financial assistance for the duration of their lifetime.
Other Options and Considerations
If you're not ready for a permanent policy, you might consider a short-term or seasonal policy, which can provide coverage for a specific period of time, like 30 or 60 days.
These policies often have lower premiums and can be a good option if you're only in the area for a short time or need temporary coverage between policies.
You can also consider a non-owner policy, which can be added to your existing auto or renters policy to provide liability coverage while driving a borrowed vehicle.
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Non-owner policies usually have lower premiums than owner policies and can be a good option if you don't own a vehicle but need occasional coverage.
Another option is to use your credit card's rental car insurance, which can provide coverage for a rental vehicle, but be aware that the coverage may not be comprehensive.
Some credit cards also offer primary coverage, which means the insurance is primary over any other insurance you may have.
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Factors to Consider
If you're considering a permanent life insurance policy, it's essential to think about your long-term financial goals.
You want to reduce reliance on banks or other outside lenders, which can save you money on interest payments.
A permanent policy can help you capitalize on the opportunity cost of borrowing money and earn interest on yourself.
For instance, if you need liquidity for real estate investments, a permanent policy can provide the funds you need without putting you in debt.
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You should also consider using a life insurance trust to pass down generational wealth to your loved ones.
If you own significant assets, a permanent policy can help you avoid higher taxes on your estate.
Business owners should consider a permanent policy as part of their succession plan and as a source of business capital.
A permanent policy can also provide tax-free retirement funds that are protected from market volatility.
If you have dependents who need financial assistance for the duration of their lifetime, a permanent policy can provide the necessary support.
Affording Life Insurance
Affording life insurance can be a challenge, especially for those just starting out. Permanent life insurance policies are indeed more expensive than term life insurance.
You can get coverage now with a convertible term life insurance policy, which allows you to upgrade to permanent life insurance later without a medical exam. This means you can lock in a lower premium for life if you convert to whole life insurance.
Cost and Pricing
Life insurance premiums can be a significant expense, but understanding the factors that affect pricing can help you make informed decisions.
The type of policy you choose greatly impacts the cost, with term life insurance generally being the most affordable option.
A 35-year-old non-smoker can expect to pay around $200 per month for a 20-year term life insurance policy.
Smokers, on the other hand, can expect to pay significantly more, up to $500 per month for the same policy.
Your health and medical history also play a significant role in determining your premium, with pre-existing conditions often resulting in higher costs.
A 40-year-old with high blood pressure may pay up to $400 per month for a 20-year term life insurance policy.
The amount of coverage you choose also affects the premium, with higher coverage amounts resulting in higher costs.
A 30-year-old non-smoker can expect to pay around $150 per month for a $250,000 term life insurance policy, but up to $300 per month for a $500,000 policy.
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Payment Options and Discounts
When you're shopping for life insurance, it's essential to understand your payment options and discounts.
You can pay your life insurance premiums monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on your financial situation and preferences.
Some life insurance policies offer a 10% to 20% discount for paying premiums annually, which can save you money in the long run.
However, if you're on a tight budget, paying monthly premiums might be a more manageable option.
Some life insurance companies also offer a "waiver of premium" rider, which means that if you become disabled, you won't have to pay premiums for a certain period.
Additionally, some life insurance policies offer a "renewal discount" for long-term customers, which can save you money on your premiums over time.
Paying your life insurance premiums on time is crucial to avoid any potential penalties or fees.
By taking advantage of payment options and discounts, you can make your life insurance premiums more affordable and manageable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does perpetual insurance work?
Perpetual insurance provides continuous coverage without an expiration date, offering long-term protection for homeowners. This type of policy remains in effect indefinitely, providing peace of mind for homeowners who value stability and security.
How long do perpetual insurance policies remain in force?
Perpetual insurance policies remain in force indefinitely, as long as membership conditions are met and eligibility requirements are satisfied. They do not expire, unless cancelled according to the policy's provisions.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpetual_insurance
- https://www.mutual-assurance.com/perpetual-policy
- https://paradigmlife.net/permanent-life-insurance-for-perpetual-wealth/
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/whats-benefit-having-perpetual-insurance-you-pay-one-lump-mary-harlee
- https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2004/12/20/48798.htm
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