Insurance Keeps a Business in the Family

Ernest Peanut took great pride in the fact that his son, Ernesto, chose to follow in his footsteps. Peanut owned P&A Collision, an auto body repair shop, and his plan was to one day pass along the business to his son.

Life insurance never factored into Peanut’s plan until an insurance professional called on him. Peanut became convinced he should protect the business and its 10 employees. Downturns in the business sometimes would make it hard for Peanut to make the monthly premium payment. He occasionally considered dropping the policy.

Fortunately, his insurance professional understood how much he needed the coverage. When a payment was late, they would drive out to Peanut’s shop to pick up the check. On one visit, they noticed Peanut didn’t look well and had lost weight. Soon afterward, Peanut got the worst possible news: He had an advanced stage of lung cancer. Doctors gave him just six months to live. The treatments that followed kept him away from work, and medical costs mounted.

Fortunately, they knew a way to ease Peanut’s burdens. A provision in his policy called an accelerated death benefit allowed him to access a portion of the death benefit while he was still alive, given his terminal diagnosis. In the months before his death at age 49, Peanut was able to pay off his debts and turn the body shop over to Ernesto. The early payment allowed him to transition the business without having to borrow money or pass the hat, says the insurance agent. It allowed him to go out with dignity.

As a business owner, you’re responsible for two families: the one you have at home and the one you have through work. That’s why it’s  important to have life insurance coverage to protect both.

Diversified Employer Benefits takes pride in connecting with families and helping small business owners protect their finances and their families. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Note: This hypothetical example is for illustrative purposes only, and its results are not representative of any specific investment or a mix of investments. Actual results will vary.