Before you surrender that life insurance policy — see what it's really worth.

The insurance company's surrender offer is almost always the lowest number you'll be shown. Depending on age, health, and the policy itself, selling it on the secondary market can pay several times more. Compare every option before you sign anything.

There are four ways to get cash out of a life insurance policy. The insurer only tells you about one of them.

Compare all four in 5 minutes →

The four ways to cash out — honestly compared

Option	What it is	Typical value
Cash surrender	Cancelling the policy back to the insurer. The default option — and usually the worst-paying one.	Cash value only — often pennies on the dollar of the death benefit
Policy loan	Borrowing against the cash value while keeping the policy. Interest accrues; the death benefit shrinks.	Up to ~90% of cash value
Accelerated death benefit	An advance from the insurer if the insured is seriously ill and the policy has this rider.	Up to ~50% of the death benefit
Selling the policy	A life settlement (or viatical settlement, if the insured is seriously ill): licensed buyers compete for the policy.	Often 20–40% of the death benefit; 50–80% when the insured is terminally ill

We'll tell you plainly which of the four fits your situation — including when the answer is "keep the policy."

How this works

Answer a short questionnaire

About the policy and the person insured. Five minutes, no obligation, nothing shared until you say so.

Get an honest comparison

We rank the four options for your specific situation — and tell you when surrendering or keeping the policy is genuinely the better move.

Be connected with a licensed professional

If selling looks best, a settlement broker licensed in your state shops the policy to multiple buyers so offers compete. Brokers owe you a fiduciary duty.

Insurance Cash Out is a Peace of the Mountain service, founded by a previously licensed viatical settlement broker who watched too many families surrender policies for a fraction of what they were worth. We don't buy policies and we don't sell insurance — we make sure you see every number before you decide.

Compare your options

Free and confidential. No calls until you ask for one.

Whose policy is it?

Which state does the policyholder live in?

Policy sales are regulated state by state. We only connect you with professionals licensed where you live.

Please choose a state.

How is the insured person's health?

Health is the biggest factor in what buyers will pay — and it determines whether an accelerated death benefit is available.

About how old is the insured person?

What kind of policy is it?

It's on the first page of the policy — and it's okay if you're not sure.

What is the death benefit (face value)?

Why are you looking at cashing out?

Where should we send your comparison?

I agree that Insurance Cash Out may contact me by email or phone about this request. Peace of the Mountain is a lead-generation service, not a licensed broker; if the policy may qualify for sale, my information will be shared with a licensed settlement professional in my state.

A valid email and your consent are required.