|

How Would a Disability
Affect Your Business?
Business owners should be prepared for the unexpected. One unexpected event is the possibility
that you may become unable to work for a period of time. And because the odds
are as high as 50/50 that you will suffer a disability, it's important to take
precautions to protect your livelihood.¹
The effect that a disability could have on your business ranges from a slowdown
in productivity to long-term changes. You can help protect yourself financially
against such a predicament by purchasing a disability income insurance policy.
In exchange for the premiums paid, a disability insurance policy can provide you
with a tax-free income stream while you are unable to work.
Factors to Consider
Disability insurance coverage can be tailored to meet your needs
as a small-business owner. Here are some factors to consider when choosing
disability insurance coverage.
 | Who
will be covered? You can purchase coverage for yourself, one or
more key persons, or all employees.
|
 | What
types of disabilities will be covered? Some policies pay benefits
for disabilities resulting from both illness and accident, whereas others
provide coverage only for disabilities resulting from an accident. Policies
can also be designed to pay benefits for partial and/or full disability.
|
 | How
much income will be paid in the event of a disability? The amount
paid will depend on your policy's provisions. The most common policies pay
50 to 60 percent of your pre-disability income.2
|
 | How can disability
insurance help my business? Covering yourself and a key person can
help protect the business in the event that someone essential to the
enterprise suffers a long-term disability. Insurance can also be utilized to
fund a buy-sell agreement.
|
Be
Prepared
The insurance coverage you carry can make the difference between financial
security and personal responsibility for losses. Disability income insurance can
provide reassurance that you and your business have some protection if you are
unable to work.
1) 2004
Field Guide, National Underwriter
2) American Council of Life Insurers, 2004
|