Segregated Funds: What is it? Advantages?
- The assets of these funds are kept and managed separately from the general assets of a life insurance company.
- Similar to a mutual fund in many ways:
- Professional Management
- Diversification
- Wide variety of funds with different investment objectives
- Liquidity; can acquire or redeem units at any time
- Can be Registered or non-registered, and can accept locked-in money
- Because segregated funds are insurance products, they offer guarantees and other benefits not available with mutual funds.
- Additional Features of Segregated Funds:
- No probates fees (estate planning benefits)
- Potential Creditor Protection
- Maturity and death guarantees
- COMPCORP Protection
- Segregated funds are only available from Life Insurance Companies
No probates fees
One Key advantage of segregated funds is they allow investors to name a beneficiary. Upon death of the annuitant the proceeds are paid directly to the named beneficiary rather than passing through the estate; thus avoiding the delays (save time) and fees of probate (save money)*.
*In the province of Québec, no probate fee is applicable if the will is notorized.
Creditor Protection: Protection of your assets in the event of bankruptcy
Investments held with a life insurance company offer a certain level of creditor protection when a preferred or an irrevocable beneficiary is designated (Spouse, child, grandchild or parent of the person whose life is insured)*. The protection applies to both registered and non-registered funds.
*There are caveats and creditor protection is not guaranteed.
*In Ouébec, protected family beneficiaries include a spouse, descendant or ascendant of the insured. As well, in Québec, the designation of a spouse is considered to be an irrevocable designation unless otherwise stated.
Maturity and death guarantees
Investors can count on receiving at least 75% of their principal investment (less withdrawals) in the event of the death of the annuitant or on maturity (minimum 10 years).
COMPCORP Protection
In the event of a sponsoring insurance company becoming insolvent, COMCORP is responsible for ensuring the Maturity and death benefits are honoured (within certain limits).
Click here for more info on segregated funds
|