Some people don’t think about life insurance as a priority. They figure that it’s just something they’ll do when they get older and start to worry about their future. But you should know that there are many benefits of getting life insurance, even if you’re young! You can learn more by reading this blog post: “Important Things To Consider Before Getting Life Insurance”
There are so many different types of life insurance, and it can be hard to know which one is best for your needs. It’s important to find the right type before purchasing because once you buy, it’s too late! We’ll explore what options there are and how to make an informed decision. This article will cover the following questions: What should you look for when purchasing life insurance? What is Term Life Insurance? What is Permanent Life Insurance?
1. What Should You Look for When Purchasing Life Insurance?
Assess Your Current Financial Situation
The insurance agency will ask you a series of questions that will help them determine how much coverage is appropriate for your situation. You are also allowed to ask them for advice on annuities and any other concepts that you need clarification on. The questions asked will be based on your age, income, debts, and dependents. They will also want to know what you are trying to accomplish by buying life insurance. Some possible reasons include:
- Caring for dependents after your death
- Covering funeral costs
- Paying for your debts
- Making a contribution to charity
2. Know the Difference Between Term Life and Permanent Life Insurance
What is Term Life Insurance?
Term life insurance protects the policyholder against the risk of death over a certain period, known as the ‘term’. At the end of this term, depending on what you choose, your policy may expire or renew automatically for another term. The amount of coverage can change with each renewal. You’ll have to pay premiums until your actual death. For many people, this ensures that their loved ones are protected financially if they die suddenly. There are two kinds of term life insurance: renewable and non-renewable. When you choose a renewable plan, it means that every often (usually at least once a year), it will automatically get renewed. If you choose a non-renewable plan, it will not renew and your beneficiaries will no longer be covered, even if you continue paying the premiums.
Term life insurance is usually the least expensive option because terms are typically short and premiums tend to reflect that (they can be as low as $10/month). However, since coverage ends at the end of the term, this kind of policy isn’t right for everyone. Those who have long lives ahead or anyone with children under 18 may find term life insurance insufficient to meet their needs. But it’s a good way to cover major financial obligations in the event of premature death.
If you’re young but already have dependents, permanent life insurance may be a better fit for you.
What is Permanent Life Insurance?
Permanent life insurance offers lifetime protection in exchange for a one-time premium payment. Benefits last as long as the policyholder is alive, and may even continue if they die prematurely or become disabled. This type of plan isn’t designed to cover a short-term financial obligation, but rather something that will help secure your family’s finances long into the future. It can be an excellent way to protect children from the burden of student loans when parents pass away, ensure that mortgage payments are made, or replace lost income from retirement or disability. The rate you pay on permanent life insurance depends on factors including your age, health, and sex. The younger and healthier you are, the cheaper it will be.
Permanent life insurance is more expensive than term but can offer many more benefits and coverages that you simply won’t get with a term plan. There are two main types: whole and universal. Whole life insurance accumulates cash value, whereas universal life does not.
3. Understand What Affects Your Life Insurance Rate
A common misconception is that people falsely assume their life insurance rates will increase as they age. This is far from the truth; premiums typically decrease over time because most causes of death become less common with each advancing year (e.g., heart disease, cancer).
Rates will only rise if the following occurs:
- A new dependent starts to rely on you. For instance, a couple with no children suddenly has a newborn baby. If one of the parents dies, who is going to take care of that child? The surviving parent obviously needs more coverage to guard against this scenario, which means higher premiums.
Term life insurance rates will typically increase if:
- You take up smoking or drinking. The additional risk of death associated with these habits is factored into the rate you pay for your term life insurance policy each month.
- Your overall health changes for the worse. If you develop a new illness, your insurance provider may charge you more for your coverage. If your new condition makes you uninsurable (e.g., if it’s too risky) then they’ll simply cancel the policy and return any premiums paid to that point.
4. Shop Around for the Best Rate
The difference in rates between providers can be substantial. The trick is finding the best rate without wasting hours of your time on unnecessary calls. You’ll want to begin by looking into local or online life insurance agents that work with multiple carriers, so you can compare rates quickly and easily.
5. Don’t Just Focus on Premiums
Premiums are important, but it’s also wise to consider coverage limits and the specifics of your plan. If you’re paying extra for a 20-year term life insurance policy that won’t take effect until five years from now, then what happens if you pass away next month? Even worse, what if your child is born two years from now and needs lifelong coverage? This is why it’s important to choose the right length of the term.
Stand-alone plans are excellent choices if you need life insurance on a short-term basis.
Life insurance is a confusing concept for many people. We’ve covered how permanent life insurance differs from a term, as well as what affects your premiums, including smoking habits or changes in health. You may also want to look into local or online agents that work with multiple carriers because rates can be substantial. When it comes time for choosing a plan, make sure not just focus on the premium, but also other factors such as length of contract and coverages included.