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Inquire: Corporate Universal Life >Corporate-owned Universal Life Insurance is a permanent life insurance policy owned by a corporation that combines lifelong coverage with the ability to build cash value (CV) inside the policy over time. It is designed for businesses looking to protect key individuals while also creating a more strategic use for surplus corporate funds. A portion of the premium goes toward the insurance coverage, while additional funds are invested and can build value within the policy on a tax-advantaged basis. For corporations focused on long-term planning, Corporate Universal Life can support wealth preservation, estate planning, and the efficient transfer of value to future beneficiaries or shareholders.
The amount you pay to cover the cost of insurance is always the same, it does not go or change.
Any payments beyond cost of insurance is invested in your portfolio to build Cash Value.
Your investment can grow tax-sheltered and increases your Cash Value.
The death benefit on your policy is paid directly to your corporation or beneficiary tax-free.
Corporate-owned Universal Life (UL) offers more flexibility and more investment choice. The corporation can usually adjust premiums within limits, choose how much goes toward the insurance component versus the cash value component, and select from insurer-provided investment options such as interest accounts or market-linked accounts. That makes UL more attractive for corporations that want a more customized, growth-oriented approach and are comfortable with more moving parts.
Corporate-owned Whole Life (WL) is usually more structured and more predictable. It provides lifelong coverage, builds guaranteed cash value over time, and with participating whole life may also pay policy dividends. The insurer manages the underlying investments rather than the corporation choosing from a menu of investment accounts. That makes WL more appealing for corporations that prioritize stability, simplicity, and long-term certainty.
A Universal Life Insurance policy is created and paid for by the Corporation.
The Corporation is named and assigned as the beneficiary on the universal life insurance policy.
The Corporation pays the insurance premium. A portion of the payment pays for coverage, the rest is invested into your portfolio with tax-sheltered growth and building Cash value (CV).
Depending on your policy the Corporation can borrow a percentage of the CV. Additionally the Corporation always has a guaranteed Tax-Free Death Benefit transfer of wealth to the beneficiaries or shareholders.

Life insurance proceeds received by a private corporation as beneficiary are generally not subject to income tax. In many cases, all or part of the net life insurance proceeds may also increase the corporation’s Capital Dividend Account, which can create an opportunity to pay tax-free capital dividends to Canadian-resident shareholders, subject to the applicable rules and adjustments.
A Corporate-Owned Universal Life Insurance policy is a permanent life insurance policy owned by a corporation instead of an individual. In Canada, universal life insurance is a type of permanent life insurance that combines life insurance coverage with an investment component that can build cash value inside the policy.
Corporations often use Universal Life Insurance as part of a long-term planning strategy to provide permanent insurance protection while also building value inside the policy over time. It may be used to help protect the business, support succession or estate planning objectives, and create an asset that grows within the policy. Universal life insurance includes both a death benefit and a cash value component, which is one of the key reasons some corporations consider it.
Not always. This type of policy is generally better suited for incorporated business owners or corporations with strong cash flow, long-term planning goals, and a need for permanent coverage rather than short-term insurance only. Because the policy structure, investment component, and tax treatment can be more complex, businesses should review it carefully with a licensed insurance advisor and tax professional before proceeding.
Yes. Universal life insurance has a cash value and includes an investment account. The value can increase or decrease depending on the investment choices held in the account and the returns earned over time. Some policies may also allow withdrawals or loans, depending on the policy terms.