What is Segregated Funds?
A segregated fund is an investment fund that you hold within an insurance contract. The term “segregated” refers to the fact that your investment is separated from the general assets of the insurance company. Your insurance contract dictates the insurance protection you receive. So segregated funds are an insurance contract that provides you investment management plus protection.
Segregated funds are similar to mutual funds in many respects but provide a number of additional features and benefits.
Like mutual funds, segregated funds are run by professional money managers who have the experience and skills necessary to effectively manage your money. They also have access to economic data, company research reports and technology that may not generally be available to you. Like mutual funds, segregated funds provide you with access to diversified investment portfolios. Diversification – or spreading your assets among a variety of different investments is an investment strategy designed to lower a portfolio’s overall risk while enhancing returns over time.
Maturity and Death Guarantees
Depending on the contract, an investor can choose from a number of options that guarantee a minimum of 75% up to 100% of the total amount you paid to the contract upon death or contract maturity.
Potential Creditor Protection
This feature is of primary concern for business owners or professionals as their assets may be exposed to creditors. You may be able to achieve potential creditor protection by naming a “preferred” or “irrevocable” beneficiary. The key relationship is between the life insured (the annuitant) and the beneficiary. There are exceptions to this and it is recommended that you consult independent legal counsel.
Estate Planning Made Easy
Proceeds of your contract are paid directly to your beneficiary, avoiding the time and expense of probate. Also, probate is a public process and information associated with it is accessible to the public. By helping your heirs bypass probate, segregated funds can ensure that your personal decisions and information remain the way they were meant to be…personal.
Consumer Protection
Segregated funds are eligible for coverage by The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Compensation Corporation (CompCorp). This plan protects Canadian policyholders, within limits, from loss of benefits in the event of the insolvency of the company.
