Key Person Planning

Protect Your Business with the Right Coverage

Business key person planning

Ensure Your Business Stays Strong with Key Person Insurance

In any business, certain individuals are essential to its success. These “key persons” contribute skills, leadership, and expertise that drive the company’s growth and profitability. However, what happens if a key person is suddenly unavailable due to illness, injury, or death? Key person planning helps protect your business from the financial risks associated with the loss of these vital employees.

By investing in key person insurance, business owners can safeguard their company’s financial stability during unforeseen events. With the right planning, your business can continue to thrive, even in the face of unexpected challenges.

What is Key Person Insurance?

Key person insurance is a type of life insurance designed to protect your business in case a critical member of your team becomes incapacitated or passes away. The policy is owned by the business, and the business is the beneficiary. It provides a cash payout that can help cover expenses such as:

Key person insurance vs. life insurance in planning

Loss of revenue

from the absence of the key person

Hiring and training

costs to replace the key person

Repayment of debts

or business loans

Key person coverage is vital for businesses of all sizes, especially small to mid-sized enterprises that rely heavily on the expertise or leadership of a few individuals.

Key person insurance vs. life insurance in planning (1)

Why Key Person Planning is Essential for Your Business

Key person planning is an important risk management strategy that ensures your business remains financially viable if a crucial employee is unable to perform their duties. Here’s why every business needs key person insurance:

When to Consider Key Person Insurance​

You should consider implementing key person insurance if your business relies on one or a few individuals to drive success. Some examples of when this coverage is particularly important include:

Benefits of Key Person Planning
Small business

Small and family-owned businesses

That depend on one or two leaders.

Startup business

Startups

Where the loss of a co-founder or early employee could jeopardize the business.

Service Firm

Professional services firms

(such as law firms or consulting agencies) where partners or specialized employees are integral to the company's operations.

in debt Company

Businesses with significant debt

Or financial obligations that would be difficult to meet without the key person’s contribution.

How Key Person Planning Works

1. Identify Key Individuals
Determine who in your organization is essential to its success—this could include owners, founders, top executives, or key employees with specialized knowledge or skills.
2. Choose the Right Coverage
Work with a financial advisor to determine the appropriate level of coverage based on the value the key person brings to the business, their role, and the potential financial impact of their loss.
3. Purchase the Policy
Once you’ve decided on coverage, the business purchases a life insurance policy on the key person. The policy should be structured so that it provides sufficient funds to cover immediate needs and long-term disruptions.
4. Establish a Contingency Plan
Having insurance is just one part of key person planning. You should also develop a contingency plan to ensure that your business can continue to operate if the key person is unavailable. This may include training other employees, identifying potential successors, or hiring temporary help.
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Business insurance

Benefits of Key Person Planning

Here are the key benefits of key person insurance:

  • Financial Protection: Provides immediate financial relief to cover operational costs and maintain cash flow.
  • Seamless Transition: Facilitates the smooth transition of leadership and ensures business continuity during a difficult time.
  • Preserve Business Relationships: Helps maintain confidence among clients, suppliers, and investors by demonstrating that your business is prepared for the unexpected.
  • Protect Loans and Debt: This can help repay business debts or loans that might otherwise become a burden if a key person is no longer available to generate revenue.

How to Get Started with Key Person Planning

If you’re ready to safeguard your business with key person insurance, it’s essential to partner with an experienced advisor who can guide you through the process. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Evaluate Your Key Employees – Identify the individuals whose roles are critical to your business.
  2. Consult with an Expert – Work with a financial or insurance expert who specializes in key person planning to determine the right coverage and policy for your business.
  3. Create a Succession Plan – In addition to purchasing insurance, develop a comprehensive plan for replacing the key person in the event of their absence.
Key person insurance planning

Contact Us for Key Person Planning Solutions

Don’t leave the future of your business to chance. Key person planning ensures that your company is prepared for the unexpected.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how key person insurance can protect your business.