July 2012

In addition to gaining the ability to self-insure and to own a profitable second business, a captive insurance company can also facilitate the purchase/sale of a business.  Prior to addressing this unique benefit, it’s worth noting the primary reasons that businesses form their own insurance company – specifically a captive insurance company.

1. To manage business risk by formally self-insuring certain risks with pre-tax dollars
2. To protect assets from creditors of the operating business and its owners or other risks
3. To realize profits and accumulate wealth inside of a separate business entity

This Summer, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld most provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that Congress passed in 2010.  PPACA, affectionately known as “Obama Care”, contains multiple provisions that will increase costs for many employers.  It also contains the contentious provision that will require most Americans to purchase health insurance beginning in 2014 or face fines and penalties (redefined and upheld as “taxes” by the Supreme Court).

Last week, we described how businesses owners often increase success, profitability and asset protection by starting or acquiring a second business that serves their primary business.  Often described as vertical integration, this approach is often effective because a supplier or service provider is already making a profit serving the parent company.  A simple, well proven path for many businesses to achieve vertical integration is to start and own an insurance company, specifically an 831 (b) captive insurance company.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Thanksgiving is often a time to enjoy our friends and families, and – dare I say – our heirs.  Speaking of heirs, another fabulous benefit of a captive insurance company is that it provides a very efficient vehicle for the transfer of wealth to one’s heirs.  But, before discussing this unique benefit, it’s worthwhile to review the primary reasons that businesses form their own insurance company – specifically a captive insurance company.

1. To manage business risk by formally self-insuring certain risks with pre-tax dollars
2. To protect assets from creditors of the operating business and its owners or other risks
3. To realize profits and accumulate wealth inside of a separate business entity