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Saul L. Appel, CLU, ChFC

Why Cash Value Is Not the Whole Story

Cash surrender value is not always the only value a life insurance policy has. The outside market may pay more.

Published July 7, 2026

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Why Cash Value Is Not the Whole Story

Many people think the cash surrender value is the only value their life insurance policy has.

That is not always true.

A policy with little or no cash value may still have market value through a life settlement. Buyers look at the death benefit, premiums, age, health, and policy structure, not just the cash value.

This is why it is important to check the outside market before giving a policy back to the insurance company. The carrier's surrender value may be lower than what a buyer is willing to pay.

Before you lapse or surrender a policy, find out whether someone may pay more for it.

Visit Policy-Cash.com for a free policy review.


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Saul L. Appel, CLU®, ChFC® | President, Appel Financial, Inc. | 50+ years experience 617-610-1898 | appelfinancial@gmail.com | www.appellifesettlements.com