Whether you’re a new business or looking to expand, getting funds is essential to succeed. With that being said, getting a traditional loan isn’t always the easiest, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. That’s where SBA loans come in.
However, one requirement of SBA loans that trips some business owners up is the need for life insurance. The SBA requires that business owners take out a life insurance policy to cover the loan amount in case of the unexpected.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll give you a rundown of everything you need to know about getting life insurance for an SBA loan. You’ll learn:
- What An SBA Loan Is
- Why Life Insurance is Non-Negotiable for SBA Borrowers
- The Process Of Getting Insurance For Your SBA Loan
- What Amount of Coverage Do You Need
- The Best Types of Life Insurance Policies to Consider
- Tips For Keeping Your Premium Costs Down
- The Best Place To Go For Life Insurance For Your SBA Loan
What Is An SBA Loan?
SBA loans are programs explicitly designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses access the funding they need to start, grow, or sustain their companies. SBA itself doesn’t directly lend money – instead, it sets guidelines for lending partners like banks and credit unions. These partners offer the actual funding, with SBA guaranteeing a portion of the loan amount to mitigate the lender’s risk. This makes lenders more willing to offer reasonable terms for small business borrowers, even those with a short credit history or less collateral.
There are several different SBA lending programs tailored towards different uses and stages of business. The primary 7(a) loan is the most common option for newcomers, offering up to $5 million for any legitimate business purpose like purchasing real estate, equipment, inventory, and more. The 504 program provides between $50 thousand and $5.5 million specifically for significant fixed assets like upgrades to facilities or machinery. Meanwhile, the Microloan program allows new and early-stage businesses to access under $50 thousand at favorable rates.
Compared to typical commercial business loans, SBA loans offer more flexibility regarding how much you can borrow, longer repayment terms between 10-25 years to keep payments affordable, sometimes lower interest rates, and less stringent requirements regarding credit scores or existing capital. As long as your business plan makes sense and shows an ability to repay, you have a good shot at qualifying.
The catch is that SBA loans require extensive paperwork, financial records, projections, business plans, etc., which helps them thoroughly vet applicants. There are likely to be personal collateral or guarantee requirements as well. It also takes much longer to get funded versus conventional financing, sometimes several months.
Still, an SBA-backed loan can provide that critical first round of seed funding or fuel to ramp up business operations. For entrepreneurs needing deep pockets or established history, it opens up options that would otherwise be unavailable. As long as you’re willing to take time on the front end preparing your application, an SBA loan may be a strategic move to access intelligent, affordable funding to turn your business visions into reality.
Why Life Insurance is Non-Negotiable for SBA Borrowers
Getting approved for an SBA small business loan can be complicated, but life insurance is one requirement you absolutely must take into account. The U.S. Small Business Administration acts as a go-between for entrepreneurs and lenders. They facilitate low-interest loans by guaranteeing a portion of the amount borrowed in case of default. In return, they mandate all SBA borrowers carry a life insurance policy for the length of the loan. Here’s a closer look at why this coverage is non-negotiable if you want funding.
The essence of it is that SBA loans represent a significant investment on behalf of private lending institutions. By backing a percentage of that money, the SBA effectively co-signs with the borrower. If the business owner passes away unexpectedly, they want collateral in place to recoup losses for both parties. Life insurance functions as this collateral, delivering outstanding loan balances repaid even after losing a key leader. It transfers risk off the lender and guarantees SBA can recoup their obligation.
Speaking of risk, specific business structures naturally carry more of it in the event of an owner’s untimely death. Entities like sole proprietorships, partnerships, single-shareholder corporations, and single-member LLCs all concentrate decision-making and leadership on one key person. If they are unexpectedly no longer in the picture, the company faces a crisis. The SBA sees this as too much exposure without a life insurance policy to offer continuity of loan repayment if this leader/borrower passes.
The required coverage amount is typically the total sum borrowed. So, for a $500k SBA loan, a policy with a $500k death benefit allows outstanding capital repayment straight from the payout. Term lengths for most SBA-backed loans reach 10, 15, or even 25 years. Policy terms would mirror this. Costs vary dramatically based on age, health, and other individual factors—still, most fall below comparable commercial loan payments.
Unfortunately, not just any old insurance policy will fulfill SBA insurance requirements. It’s crucial to understand what type they expect before purchasing coverage elsewhere. Key aspects include policy ownership, timing of underwriting, benefit payout procedures, and more. Working with a broker experienced in SBA lending can help navigate these specifics.
SBA loan borrowers agree to substantial oversight and stipulations like insurance coverage in exchange for more accessible funding opportunities. If being a business leader who calls the shots is key to you, this trade-off may be challenging. For those open to added accountability measures, an SBA loan and mandatory life insurance can offer financial doors that otherwise wouldn’t open. First, assessing your options and priorities allows for better-aligning expectations before following this strategic financing approach.
The Process Of Getting Insurance For Your SBA Loan
Getting life insurance to comply with SBA loan requirements involves several pivotal steps. Let’s walk through the basic process to brace yourself for what’s ahead.
Partnering with the Right Agent
An agent in your corner who knows the SBA loan landscape is necessary. They will explain specific policy stipulations, gather important financial documentation to share with carriers and help select proper coverage aligned to your situation.
Choosing a Policy
When scanning through your options, make sure you match the length of your SBA loan term at a minimum for policy duration. If borrowing $500K via a 20-year loan, choose a 20 or 30-year policy so coverage extends the entire liability period. Also, match the policy death benefit to your total loan amount. This guarantees ample payout to repay outstanding balances if the unexpected occurs.
Completing the Application
Be ready to put in work completing piles of paperwork as part of the application process. From gathering tax returns, financial statements, business documents, and anything supporting your eligibility for the needed coverage. A thorough assessment of health and lifestyle factors determines approval terms and premium costs, so expect to provide private medical history during underwriting.
Undergoing Medical Review
Medical checks may require a complete exam or bloodwork, depending on your age, health background, and other variables. This gives the insurance company a clear picture of risk factors before providing coverage.
Staying On Top of Payments
Once approved, don’t let payments slip through the cracks. Skipping premium dues risks the policy’s lapse, which violates SBA requirements. Auto-pay options can safeguard you here. Review statements regularly and follow up quickly on late notices to rectify any issues. Keep communication open with your agent so coverage always stays active.
The process feels tedious at first glimpse. Nonetheless, embracing life insurance as an essential piece of your SBA loan experience levels the playing field to access funding that propels your entrepreneurial goals. Put in the work upfront and maintain diligence after that, and this requirement checks itself off the list.
What Is The Best Type of Life Insurance For an SBA Loan?
As a necessary collateral requirement for SBA loans, life insurance takes more forethought than consumer policies. Certain coverage types fit better than others for these specialized business financing programs. Whether an entrepreneur, small firm owner, or any entity needing a loan, read on for factors guiding appropriate policy selection.
Term Life Insurance
This frugal option provides pure death benefit protection for a defined period. Term lengths span 10, 20, or even 30 years for longer loan repayment schedules. High coverage amounts are accessible even on tight budgets. This checks the key boxes of aligning with loan terms at affordable premiums while guaranteeing payout to cover balances should the borrower pass prematurely.
The plainness and clear coverage window of term life insurance makes it appealing for tying directly to SBA loan liability periods. Agents set you up with quotes ranging from as low as $30 monthly upwards based on age, health, and other attributes.
Key Person Life Insurance
Key person life insurance policies add a valuable layer of protection for businesses bearing more risk around the unexpected loss of leadership or revenue generators. This type covers vital employees or owners whose talent and productivity directly fuel business performance. Losing them can cripple operations.
These policies pay out upon death to the business, providing working capital funds to handle fallout like hiring replacements, covering lost sales, and filing other transitions. When tied to SBA loans, they offer extra assurance regarding the continuity of loan repayment, even if the main decision-maker passes away unexpectedly early on.
Things To Take Into Consideration When Shopping For a Life Insurance Policy
As an essential piece in securing SBA backing, shopping for the right life insurance requires more due diligence. Beyond checking the coverage requirement box, strategic policy selection better protects your interests as much as the lender’s investment when tied to your financing terms.
Consider the following areas when assessing options (some may be repeated from above, but seeing everything together is vital so you have everything down pat.
- Policy Value Alignment: The central rule here is your policy’s death benefit must meet or exceed the total amount borrowed. If your cleaning company secures a $350K SBA loan to open your third brick-and-mortar shop, your life policy minimum is $350K as well. This guarantees ample payout to repay outstanding balances if the unexpected strikes.
- Timing Matters: Ideally, have coverage pre-approved before loan closing documents are finalized. This shows good faith to cover their stakes while proactively managing risk on your end, too. No matter what, make sure the policy’s effective start date precedes loan fund distribution into your commercial account.
- Collateral Assignment: This bit of paperwork essentially gives the lender first dibs on a portion of the payout equal to your remaining loan balance if you pass away. So of a $350K policy, $250K routes to the lender if that’s the outstanding principal. The remaining monies are funneled to other listed beneficiaries like family.
- Loan Term Alignment: Not only does the money have to match, but the length of your life insurance policy must also match the SBA loan when selecting policy terms. Typically, they span 10, 15, 20, or even 30 years. Elect a term or permanent life policy lasting the full liability period so protection runs the duration should the unexpected strike early on.
- Meet All Lender Rules: Outside of mirrored death benefits and durations, the lender may impose extra requirements like guaranteed renewability, waiving premium payments if disabled, naming conventions, assignment forms, and more. Lean on your insurance agent’s expertise here to guide carrier policies eligible for SBA collaborations.
Choosing the Best Life Insurance Company for Your SBA Loan
Selecting the right life insurance company for your SBA loan is vital to getting affordable, compliant coverage. As you evaluate carriers, focus on these aspects:
Reputation and Customer Service
Prioritize insurers with longstanding reputations for transparent processes and responsive support. Check ratings on sites like BBB for insights. It’s a bonus if they have dedicated teams catering to small business clients.
Product Offerings
Look for a broad range of term life policies that align with various SBA loan terms and coverage amounts you may need now or later. Having growth-oriented options built around converting terms or raising benefits helps, too.
Underwriting Process
Expect to provide financial records and medical history, but ensure the application and underwriting steps are straightforward. Carriers with automated underwriting offer faster decisions.
Cost and Affordability
Assess both premium costs upfront and policy price changes over time. Term life rates locked for the coverage term regardless of health changes offer predictability. Compare similar policy quotes across highly rated carriers.
Licensing and Regulation
Opt for established, reputable insurance carriers regulated at the state and federal levels. This guarantees sufficient financial backing, and consumer protections stand behind the policies they underwrite.
Policy Flexibility
Since SBA guidelines evolve, seek carriers that keep policy options adaptable to regulatory or lending partner requirements changes. This provides extra assurance around long-term compliance.
SBA Loan Experience
Leading insurers with specialized experience insuring SBA borrowers take the guesswork out of the equation. Their application materials, underwriting, and beneficiary payout procedures cater to this unique loan-linked coverage need.
Choose Liberty Financial Group for Your SBA Loan Life Insurance Needs
At Liberty Financial Group, we understand the unique insurance necessities of SBA loans. We’re determined to be the best fit for your SBA loan life insurance needs. Here’s why:
- Extensive Carrier Network: We partner with over 50 top insurance carriers, assuring you have access to the best SBA loan life insurance policies available in the market.
- Custom-Tailored Insurance Solutions: Acknowledging that every business has unusual needs, we offer personalized SBA loan life insurance plans that align perfectly with your needs and budget.
- Unbiased and Client-Focused Service: Our promise is to you, not the insurance carriers. We provide honest, impartial advice to find the best insurance solution for your needs.
- Expertise in Diverse Insurance Products: With our vast experience in life insurance, long-term care, and more, we bring a thorough understanding of insurance to the table, guaranteeing your SBA loan is backed by a robust and reliable life insurance policy.
- Dedicated Support and Education: We go above just selling policies. Our team is here to educate and advise you through the complexities of SBA loan life insurance, ensuring you make informed decisions.
Contact us today at Liberty Financial Group to explore how we can secure your SBA loan with the right life insurance coverage tailored exclusively for you.
