Keyman Insurance

Protects a business from financial losses due to the death or disability of a vital employee crucial to success

Protect Your Business, Secure Your Key Players
Keyman Insurance is purchased by employers to safeguard their company against financial losses due to the death of their key employees. It can be seen as a simple term life insurance that covers the life of key persons of the company; however, the insurance proceeds go to the employer.
Financial Protection
Talent Retention
Attract Investors
Why Buy Keyman Insurance?

Financial Protection

Protects the business from financial losses due to the death or disability of crucial employees.

Talent Retention

Demonstrates company commitment to key employees, boosting morale and retention.

Attract Investors

Shows investors that the business has protection against key person risks, increasing confidence.

Business Continuity

Ensures business operations can continue smoothly even after losing a key person.

Recruitment Costs

Covers expenses for recruiting and training replacement personnel.

Debt Management

Helps manage business debts and obligations during transition periods.

Who is Considered a Key Employee?

Directors of Company

Senior executives and board members who make strategic decisions.

Key Sales People

Top performers who generate significant revenue for the company.

Key Project Managers

Managers overseeing critical projects essential to business success.

Employees with Specific Skills

Specialists with unique expertise that's difficult to replace.

Coverage Amount Determination
The sum insured (coverage amount) is restricted to either of the following conditions
10 times the annual gross salary of the key employee
3 times the average annual gross profit of the company for the last three years
5 times the average annual net profit of the company for the last three years
Features of Keyman Insurance
Only term insurance plans can be purchased as Keyman Insurance
Policy term typically aligns with employee's retirement or contract expiry
Add-on covers and loans against the policy are not permitted
The business organization can be the only nominee
Term ranges from 1 to 15 years with renewal options
Coverage for death or disability of key personnel
Tax Benefits of Keyman Insurance

For Companies:

Premiums paid for Keyman Insurance are considered a business expense and are deductible under Section 37(1) of the Income Tax Act. However, claim proceeds are taxable as business income.

For Employees:

Since neither the premium is paid by the employees nor the proceeds come to them, there are no tax implications for these members under this insurance.

Keyman Insurance Claim Process

Intimation

Notify the insurance company immediately about the death of the key person.

Submit Documents

Provide policy copy, death certificate, claim form, company documents, and other required papers.

Claim Assessment

Insurance company inspects documents and processes the claim if found admissible.

Payment

Claim amount is disbursed to the company after successful verification.
Handling Policy if Key Employees Leave

Policy Lapse

The company may choose to stop paying the premium and let the policy lapse.

Transfer to New Employer

The policy may be transferred to the new employer on mutually agreed terms.

Policy Assignment to Employee

The policy may be assigned to the key employee with mutual consent.

Documents Required for Keyman Insurance
Application form signed by insured and authorized company representative
Age proof of the insured
Board resolution for the purchase of Keyman Insurance
Financial statements including P&L accounts and balance sheets for last 3 years
KYC documents of the company and the insured
Personal ITRs of the Keyman for the last 3 years
Memorandum of Association & Articles of Association/Partnership deed
Detailed resume of the Keyman
How is the Premium for Keyman Insurance Determined?

Age of the Key Person

Younger individuals generally have lower premiums.

Health Condition

Good health results in lower premiums; medical examinations are required.

Occupation and Role

Higher-risk roles may attract higher premiums.

Sum Assured

Higher coverage amounts result in higher premiums.

Term of the Policy

The duration of the policy affects the premium structure.

Company Financials

Strong financial health of the company can lead to favorable premium rates.

Coverage Amount Formula

Based on salary multiples or profit multiples, with the lowest value typically taken.

Additional Riders

Adding supplementary benefits increases the premium.

What is the Term of Keyman Insurance?

The term of Keyman Insurance typically ranges from 1 to 15 years, depending on the agreement between the company and the insurer. Many policies offer renewal options. The term should align with the key person's role and the company's strategic plans.

How Should a Group Decide the Term of Keyman Insurance?

Assess Key Person's Role

Determine the critical duration of their contribution.

Align with Business Objectives

Match the term with long-term goals.

Evaluate Financial Stability

Choose a term that fits financial health.

Plan for Succession

Ensure the term covers transition periods.

Consult Advisors

Seek professional advice.

Review Renewal Options

Opt for flexibility in renewal.

Consider Age and Health

Factor in key person's age and health.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Ensure premiums fit the budget.

Can a Company Decide to Give Proceeds from Keyman Insurance to the Deceased's Family?

Voluntary Support:

The company can voluntarily choose to use the insurance payout to support the deceased employee's family. This can be seen as a goodwill gesture and can help maintain morale among other employees.

Policy Structure:

Some Keyman Insurance policies can be structured to include a benefit for the family of the deceased. This would need to be specified when setting up the policy.

Legal Considerations:

It's important to consider the legal and tax implications of transferring insurance proceeds to the family. Consulting with legal and tax advisors is recommended to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Key Benefits of Keyman Insurance

Financial Protection

Comprehensive protection against financial losses from losing key personnel.

Talent Retention

Demonstrates company commitment to key employees, improving retention rates.

Attract Investors

Increases investor confidence by showing protection against key person risks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Keyman Insurance
Common queries about Keyman Insurance

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