Dead Peasant Insurance: Corporate Life Insurance Explained

"Dead peasant" insurance (corporate-owned life insurance) is life insurance companies take out on employees—without employee knowledge. The company is the beneficiary, not your family. Whistl educates on financial exploitation so you can protect yourself and your family properly.

What Is Dead Peasant Insurance?

• Formal name: Corporate-Owned Life Insurance (COLI)
• Coverage: Employees, often without their knowledge
• Beneficiary: The company, NOT your family
• Payout: Company receives death benefit, family gets nothing
• Legal: Yes, with employee consent (often buried in paperwork)

Why It Matters to You

1. You Might Be Covered Without Knowing

Many employees sign paperwork during onboarding that includes COLI consent—buried in benefits documentation.

2. Your Family Isn't Protected

If you die, the company receives $50,000-500,000+. Your family receives nothing from this policy.

3. You Should Have Your Own Coverage

Don't rely on employer coverage. Get your own term life insurance with your family as beneficiaries.

Whistl's Financial Protection Approach

• Education: Understanding financial products protects you from exploitation
• Personal insurance: Whistl tracks your own life insurance coverage
• Beneficiary verification: Ensure YOUR family is the beneficiary, not your employer

Conclusion

Dead peasant insurance benefits corporations, not workers. Understand what you've signed. Get your own coverage. Protect your family properly. Financial literacy is protection.

Related: Financial Boundaries | Financial Education