Key Person · Buy-Sell · Business Continuity

Business Life Insurance
for Texas Small Businesses

What happens to your business if you or a key partner dies tomorrow? A properly structured life insurance plan keeps your business alive, your partners protected, and your family secure.

3.1M+
Small businesses in Texas — #1 state for small biz
98%
Of TX businesses have fewer than 100 employees
$5M
Max individual coverage — Tower Hill carrier network term life
~$44/mo
Starting rate — healthy 40-yr-old owner, $1M/20-yr term
Use Cases

Four Ways Life Insurance Protects Your Business

Business owners use life insurance for very different reasons than individuals. Here are the most common structures Tower Hill builds for Texas small businesses.

Key Person Insurance

Business owns the policy and receives the death benefit. Used to cover revenue loss, replacement costs, and business debt if a critical employee or owner dies.

Typical Coverage
$250K – $5M
Best For
Single-owner businesses, businesses with irreplaceable technical staff

Buy-Sell Agreement Funding

Each partner insures the other. Death benefit is used to fund the buyout of the deceased owner's share — keeping the business in the hands of surviving partners.

Typical Coverage
Equal to ownership stake value
Best For
Multi-partner businesses, LLCs, and S-Corps

Business Loan Protection

Covers outstanding SBA or commercial loans that an owner personally guaranteed. Prevents the surviving family from inheriting business debt.

Typical Coverage
Equal to outstanding loan balance
Best For
Any business with personally-guaranteed debt

Executive Retention Benefit

Employer funds a life policy for a key executive as part of a compensation package. Can be structured to transfer to the employee after a vesting period.

Typical Coverage
$100K – $2M
Best For
Businesses competing for talent, retaining top performers
Why Tower Hill

Built for Texas Business Owners

Business-Owned Policies

Tower Hill can structure policies where the business is both owner and beneficiary — the correct setup for key person and buy-sell applications.

Fast Underwriting

Tower Hill carrier network's accelerated underwriting approves most business owners for up to $1M without a medical exam. Coverage in days, not months.

TX Licensed & Experienced

Tower Hill holds TX Agency License #2608479TX. Our advisors understand Texas business law, buy-sell structuring, and community property considerations.

Common Questions

Business Life Insurance FAQ

What is key person life insurance for a Texas small business?

Key person insurance is a life policy owned by the business on a critical employee or owner. If that person dies, the death benefit goes to the company — providing capital to recruit a replacement, cover lost revenue, pay off business debt, or give surviving partners time to restructure.

What is a buy-sell agreement and why does it need life insurance?

A buy-sell agreement is a legal contract that determines what happens to an owner's interest if they die, become disabled, or exit. Life insurance funds the buyout — allowing surviving partners to purchase the deceased owner's share from their estate at a pre-agreed price, preventing outside parties from inheriting a stake in the business.

Are business life insurance premiums tax-deductible in Texas?

Key person insurance premiums are generally NOT deductible when the business is the beneficiary (IRS rules). However, death benefits are typically received income-tax-free. Buy-sell policies may have different treatment depending on structure. Consult your CPA — Tower Hill advisors work alongside your financial professionals.

How much key person coverage does a small Texas business need?

Common formulas: (1) 5–10× the key person's annual compensation; (2) the cost to recruit and train a replacement plus estimated revenue loss during transition; or (3) the outstanding business loan amount the key person personally guaranteed. Most small TX businesses carry $250K–$2M per key person.

Can a small business owner also use life insurance as a personal benefit?

Yes — "key man" policies can be structured so ownership and beneficiary transfer to the individual if they leave the company. This turns the policy into a portable personal benefit. Our advisors can help structure split-dollar or executive bonus arrangements.

What carrier does Tower Hill use for business life insurance in Texas?

All Tower Hill policies are issued with top-rated carriers carrier partners — an A++ (Superior) A.M. Best-rated carrier with 165+ years of history. Tower Hill carrier network is licensed in all 50 states and maintains strong financial ratings. Your business's coverage is backed by one of the most financially sound carriers in the industry.

Protect What You've Built

Every Texas business owner should have a written answer to "what happens if I die tomorrow?" Let's build yours. Free consultation, zero pressure.

Tower Hill Corp · TX Agency License #2608479TX · Carrier: Tower Hill carrier network Insurance Co.

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