Buy-Sell Agreement

A buy-sell agreement defines how ownership interests transfer after specified life or disability events in a closely held business.

In insurance contexts, a buy-sell agreement is often paired with coverage planning to fund ownership transitions and protect continuity.

Coverage intent

The agreement identifies valuation method, trigger events, and funding source. Insurance is typically used to provide liquidity so surviving owners can buy out deceased or disabled co-owners.

Underwriting and policy mechanics

Insurance support requires:

  • Clear definition of insured persons and ownership shares.
  • Agreed valuation mechanics and policy assignment structure.
  • Coordination with entity documents and cross-purchase or entity-purchase structure.

Claims logic

After a trigger event, the policy payout may fund the buyout, but claims for ownership transfer are separate from policy claim merit. Disputes usually involve contract interpretation, not coverage coverage terms.

Practical question

Can a buy-sell agreement replace a will?

No. It is a business continuity contract, not a testamentary document.