Buy Sell Agreement Insurance: Protecting Your Business

If you own a business with one or more partners, you may have heard of buy sell agreement insurance. This type of insurance can protect your business in the event of the death, disability or retirement of one of the partners. Essentially, a buy sell agreement is a contract between the owners of a business that outlines what will happen to the business if one of the owners dies or becomes disabled. Buy sell agreement insurance is a policy that is taken out to fund the agreement.

What is a Buy Sell Agreement?

A buy sell agreement is a legally binding contract between the owners of a business that outlines what will happen to the business if one of the owners dies or becomes disabled. The agreement typically outlines who will buy the deceased or disabled owner’s share of the business and at what price. It can also include provisions for how the purchase will be funded.

Without a buy sell agreement, the business may be left in limbo if one of the owners dies or becomes disabled. In the absence of clear guidance, the remaining owners may be forced to liquidate the business, sell it to an outsider or even compete with each other for control. A buy sell agreement can help ensure that the business continues to operate smoothly even after the loss of one of the owners.

Types of Buy Sell Agreements

There are several different types of buy sell agreements, including:

Type of Buy Sell Agreement
Description
Cross-Purchase Agreement
The remaining owners agree to purchase the deceased or disabled owner’s share of the business.
Entity-Purchase Agreement
The business itself agrees to purchase the deceased or disabled owner’s share of the business.
Wait-and-See Agreement
The remaining owners have the option to purchase the deceased or disabled owner’s share of the business, but the decision is delayed until the event occurs.

The type of buy sell agreement you choose will depend on the needs of your business and the preferences of the owners.

What is Buy Sell Agreement Insurance?

Buy sell agreement insurance is a policy that is taken out to fund the buy sell agreement. If one of the owners dies or becomes disabled, the insurance policy can provide the funds necessary to purchase their share of the business.

The amount of insurance needed will depend on the value of the business and the percentage of ownership held by each owner. The policy should be reviewed regularly to ensure that it remains adequate as the value of the business changes over time.

Benefits of Buy Sell Agreement Insurance

There are several benefits to taking out buy sell agreement insurance, including:

  • Ensuring that the business continues to operate smoothly after the loss of one of the owners
  • Providing a source of funds to purchase the deceased or disabled owner’s share of the business
  • Eliminating the need for the remaining owners to come up with the funds out of their own pockets
  • Reducing the risk of disputes between the remaining owners and the family of the deceased or disabled owner

FAQ

Q: Who needs buy sell agreement insurance?

A: Any business with two or more owners should consider a buy sell agreement and the purchase of buy sell agreement insurance to fund the agreement.

Q: How is the premium for buy sell agreement insurance determined?

A: The premium for buy sell agreement insurance is determined by several factors, including the age and health of the owners, the value of the business and the type of buy sell agreement chosen.

Q: Can the policies be customized to fit the specific needs of the owners?

A: Yes, buy sell agreement insurance policies can be customized to fit the specific needs of the owners, including the amount of coverage and the type of buy sell agreement chosen.

Q: What happens if the business is sold before the death or disability of one of the owners?

A: If the business is sold, the buy sell agreement is typically terminated and any buy sell agreement insurance policies are cancelled.

Q: How often should the buy sell agreement and insurance policy be reviewed?

A: The buy sell agreement and insurance policy should be reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain up to date with the needs of the business and the owners. It is recommended that they be reviewed at least once a year.

Conclusion

If you own a business with one or more partners, a buy sell agreement and buy sell agreement insurance can provide valuable protection in the event of the death or disability of one of the owners. By outlining what will happen to the business and providing the funds necessary to purchase the deceased or disabled owner’s share, a buy sell agreement can help ensure that the business continues to operate smoothly. Contact an insurance professional to learn more about buy sell agreement insurance and how it can benefit your business.