Unlocking more value for clients: Introducing an annual death guarantee reset option
The annual death guarantee reset option for BMO Insurance’s 75/100 segregated fund series helps clients lock in market gains and maximize estate value.
Updated 
3 min. read
As an advisor, you know that death guarantee resets are a powerful feature of segregated fund contracts, helping clients lock in market gains and maximize the value of their legacy. But not all resets are created equal. With the Fall 2025 launch of BMO Insurance’s annual death guarantee reset option for the 75/100 series, you now have an additional tool to help clients protect and grow their estate value, while differentiating your advice.
The BMO Insurance approach: Prioritizing client needs
The BMO Insurance GIF 75/100 series has long included automatic triennial (every three years) death guarantee resets. On every third policy anniversary before the annuitant’s 80th birthday, the death guarantee amount is automatically increased to match the market value if it’s higher than the current guarantee. This means that, even if markets decline later, beneficiaries are protected by the highest locked-in value at each reset point.
The new optional death guarantee reset enhancement adds an additional layer of choice for the 75/100 series. Clients who select the 75/100 contract can now opt for annual death guarantee resets, meaning their guaranteed amount is reviewed and potentially increased every year, instead of every three years. Note that a fee applies and this option must be selected when the contract is purchased. footnote 1
Why does this matter? In volatile or rising markets, annual resets can capture more frequent market peaks, helping beneficiaries receive the maximum possible benefit. This may be especially relevant for clients who are concerned about market timing.
“This is an additional tool to help address estate planning needs for an aging population,” says Raja Kouri, Vice- President, Business Development – Wealth Products at BMO Insurance. “What stands out is the amount of choice. Clients can decide if they want death guarantee resets annually or every three years. They’re in the driver’s seat and can choose what is most important to them.”
How it works: A quick refresher
- Triennial resets (standard on 75/100, optional on 100/100): Every three years, the death guarantee amount is automatically increased to the market value if it’s higher, up to the policy anniversary before age 80.
- Annual resets (enhancement, available only on 75/100): With the new option, resets automatically occur every year instead of every three years, capturing market gains more frequently.
- Automatic: Once selected, both types of reset are automatic and no action is required from the client. The guarantee applies to all deposits made before age 80 and the reset process continues until the last policy anniversary before the client turns 80. Plus, the reset fee automatically drops off after age 80, lowering the MER for your clients.
Advisor opportunity: Differentiation and client value
With the launch of the annual death guarantee reset enhancement, BMO Insurance gives another tool to address clients’ wealth transfer needs. Here’s how you can use this feature to deepen client relationships:
- Choice and flexibility: Clients who choose the 75/100 contract can decide between triennial death guarantee resets or the new annual reset option.
- Proactive legacy planning: Position resets as a way to help maximize estate value, with the annual option designed to add an extra layer of protection for clients who are concerned about market volatility and are focused on safeguarding their legacy.
- Simple conversations: The automatic nature of resets—both triennial and annual—makes it easy to explain and demonstrate value.
The bottom line
BMO Insurance’s GIF 75/100 resets are designed to be simple, automatic and client focused. With the new annual death guarantee reset enhancement option, you can help clients lock-in market growth, protect their beneficiaries and differentiate your advice in a crowded marketplace.
For more details, refer to the latest BMO Insurance advisor materials or reach out to your regional sales team.
Disclaimer:
Any amount that is allocated to a segregated fund is invested at the risk of the policyowner and may increase or decrease in value. The information in this publication is intended as a summary of our products and/or services and may include projected values based on a set of assumptions. Actual results may not be guaranteed and may vary. Please consult the appropriate policy contract for details on the terms, conditions, benefits, guarantees, exclusions and limitations. The actual policy issued governs. Each policyholder’s financial circumstances are unique, and they must obtain and rely upon independent tax, accounting, legal and other advice concerning the structure of their insurance, as they deem appropriate for their circumstances. BMO Life Assurance Company does not provide any such advice to the policyholder or to the insurance advisor.
Insurer: BMO Life Assurance Company. 1095E
Related articles
Tariff Concerns? Navigate market volatility with BMO Guaranteed Investment Funds
Smart strategies for probate planning
