Work Policy or Yours to Keep? Why Ownership Matters More Than Ever in Insurance Planning
Why Ownership Matters More Than Ever in Insurance Planning
The job might change — but your coverage shouldn’t have to.
The Setup Has Changed
It used to be simple:
You’d work 30 years for the same company, retire with a pension, and live on whatever coverage came with the job.
Today? Not so much.
Careers shift. People change jobs. Freelance. Work remotely. Get laid off. Start side businesses. Return to school.
In this world of constant movement, one question matters more than ever:
Do you own your life insurance policy—or are you just borrowing it from your employer?
Work Policies: The Illusion of Security
Most employer-provided life insurance or disability policies seem convenient at first. But they come with limitations:
❌ You don’t own the policy
❌ You can’t take it with you when you leave
❌ You usually lose coverage when changing jobs or retiring
❌ You rarely have options for customization or growth
Work coverage ends when your employment does. And in today’s job market, that's not a long-term plan.
📊 Comparison: Work Policy vs. Owned Policy
| Feature | Work Policy | Owned Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Not owned by you | Fully owned by you |
| Portability | Ends when job ends | Goes wherever you go |
| Coverage Flexibility | Employer sets terms | You choose coverage amount and type |
| Cash Value Growth | None | Available with IUL, Whole Life, etc. |
| Retirement Use | Not designed for income planning | Can support tax-free retirement income |
| Access to Funds | None | Policy loans or withdrawals (if applicable) |
Owned Policies: Control, Flexibility, and Growth
When you own your life insurance policy:
✅ It stays with you—no matter what job you take next
✅ You control the type, coverage, and beneficiary
✅ You can build cash value with permanent options like Indexed Universal Life (IUL) or Whole Life
✅ You create a tax-advantaged income stream for later in life
✅ You protect your family, on your terms
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
The average American changes jobs 12 times in their career.
Most workers under 40 change jobs every 3–5 years.
Meanwhile:
The gig economy is booming
Remote work is reshaping employer benefits
Early retirement is on the rise
Small business ownership is more common than ever
If your life insurance ends with your job, you’re potentially starting from zero every time.
✅ Who Should Consider Owning Their Policy?
✔️ Freelancers and gig workers
✔️ Small business owners
✔️ Remote or contract employees
✔️ Professionals who change jobs often
✔️ Anyone who wants long-term financial growth
✔️ Anyone planning around future tax flexibility
What About Cost?
A lot of people assume owning their own policy is too expensive.
But term life insurance for a healthy adult in their 30s or 40s can be as little as $35/month.
That’s less than many people spend on streaming services.
And permanent life insurance, like Indexed Universal Life (IUL), not only provides lifelong coverage—it also:
Grows tax-deferred
Offers market-linked growth potential with downside protection
Can be used for tax-free income in retirement
Doesn’t require employer involvement
The Bottom Line
If your current job disappeared tomorrow…
Would your life insurance go with it?
Owning your own policy means:
You’re never caught without protection
You’re building long-term financial value
You’re in control—no matter where life or work takes you
The job might change. The company might downsize.
But your coverage? That should be yours to keep.
Ready to review your current coverage or explore policy options that grow with you?
We’re here to help.
📍 Stockman Insurance Agency
4202 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN
📞 (423) 510-9197
🌐 www.stockmanagency.com
