Buying a life insurance policy is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life, especially as you get older. In order to make it a good decision you should be well aware of what options are available to you, and which are the best. This article will outline them.
Make sure you understand all the exclusions, inclusions, and terms involved in your contract before signing on the dotted line. Items like non-payment for pre-existing diseases, no coverage if you were doing an activity considered dangerous and other exclusions are very common. Read the fine print and understand fully what you are paying for.
Life insurance policies are a wise investment for anyone who has dependents. A solid life insurance policy affords you peace of mind. You will be able to send your children to college or help your partner with housing even after you are gone.
Although it may seem tempting, lying about your health, occupation or lifestyle in order to reduce your life insurance premium is extremely risky. Insurance companies investigate many claims, and, if they suspect that you gave them false information, your claim may be denied or your heirs may spend years in needless litigation. Whether you a smoker, a lumberjack or an extreme sports enthusiast, make sure your insurance company is aware of it.
The price you pay for your life insurance will depend upon your age, your health problems and your smoking status . One way to lower this cost is to quit smoking. Smokers will always pay much more for life insurance. Quitting will not only save you money on your premiums, you will also be saving money by not purchasing cigarettes.
When shopping around for a life insurance policy, be aware that certain occupations and hobbies are considered risky and can increase your premium. Some of these occupations include commercial fishing, logging, helicopter or airplane piloting, and roofing. Even a business executive position can be considered risky if it requires you to travel to certain perilous countries. Hobbies that are considered hazardous to your health include hang-gliding, parachuting, skiing, and motorcycling. Make sure to disclose this information to prevent your claim from being denied if the insurance company decides to investigate it.
If you have an old whole-life policy that you’ve had for several years, you should not attempt to replace it. The reason is because you could lose the premiums you have paid, and you could have to pay new administration fees. If you need more insurance on a whole-life policy, then you should just purchase more instead of discarding your current policy.
Even after you’ve found a policy that you feel you love, you should still make sure to compare multiple policies to see if you can find a better deal on any other life insurance package. You never know; you might find the same package for 20% less per month. That would be a huge difference in the long-term.
For the most life insurance coverage at the lowest price, choose a term policy instead of whole life insurance. The high costs of whole life are due to the investment aspect and the fact that these polices result in a cash value, but it really is better to keep your investments separate from your insurance.
Check with your employer before purchasing life insurance from another source. Often various types of life insurance may be available through employee benefit packages. These policies are frequently less expensive because the employer is able to obtain a group rate for employees purchasing life insurance through this channel. These policies frequently can be expanded to include family members as well.
The purchase of universal and whole life insurance policies is not an affordable option for most families. They do, however, include savings components and typically never expire. Many families choose term life insurance, as it is cheaper and gives enough protection to cover the worst situation.
Ask the hard questions when purchasing life insurance and don’t be afraid to get specific with questions. Will the premiums increase with age? Do these policies include an accidental death rider? Can I renew my policy or cancel it without penalty? Are there comparable products with similar coverage that is less expensive? What is your commission if I purchase this product?
Being healthy will cause your life insurance rate to drop. You cannot foresee every medical issue you are going to run into, but you can definitely adopt healthier habits. You should stop smoking and drinking, as well as eat healthier food and perhaps go on a special diet if you have high cholesterol or a similar issue.
If buying a life insurance policy is in your future you should make sure you are well educated as to the options available to you. If you just settle for the first option you’ll likely miss many other great offers. Learn how to shop for life insurance and you’ll find your family in good hands should the unfortunate happen.