Life insurance is something many people don’t like to think about, but having the right policy can be what protects those who depend on you if the unthinkable should happen. By following the simple advice in this article, you can make sure the protection you get, will cover you in the ways you need, for a reasonable price.
When choosing a life insurance policy, it is important that you assess your and your family’s financial needs. Separate what you think you know from what the insurance salesman is telling you. You understand your situation better than any salesperson, which means you know how much coverage you require.
Be careful to not buy too much or too little insurance coverage. The general rule of thumb is to have at least 5 to 7 times your current salary as your benefit amount. Keep in mind what will have to be covered based on your families needs. Many people also make the mistake of buying too much and end up with inflated insurance premiums for coverage they don’t really need.
Before shopping for life insurance, put together a budget to project the amount of financial coverage you might need. Include your mortgage payoff, college costs for the kids, money to pay any other large debt obligations, funds to cover funeral and medical expenses and enough money to supplement your remaining spouse’s retirement funds.
Life insurance comes in many different variations that can fit just about any budget. Once you know the amount of coverage you need, decide whether you want insurance that provides permanent coverage, or just need term insurance to cover you until large expenses are paid off. Once debts are gone and the kids move out, you may decide to self-insure and won’t need life insurance coverage anymore.
You may be able to pay less for life insurance when you buy more than a minimal amount. There are some policies available for purchase where the higher the sum insured, the more cost effective the premium is, which of course means more money available to your family.
Try to buy your life insurance policy as soon as you need it. It is definitely best to do this when you are young and healthy because the policy’s premiums tend to be much cheaper. If you wait till later when you are older or when you are in poor health, the premiums can be very expensive.
To save some money on life insurance, pay your premiums one time a year. Many life insurance companies will charge you a little less because there usually is some type of small fee to receive the monthly bills. Just make sure you only do this if you can afford it.
You should only purchase your life insurance from the most reputable companies out there in the market. You can find some great companies with stellar reputations. Since you won’t be around to see that your payments go through after your death, you need to research well beforehand to make sure they’re legitimate.
Paying once every year instead of once every month might present a better way for you to handle your life insurance premiums. Not only can you keep better track of the payments this way, but it also allow you to pay in a lot less money by paying bulk per year instead of once every month.
If at all possible, you should try to avoid start-up companies and there life insurance policies. You just never know when a new company is going to bite the dust and take your investment with it. The insurance market is very unpredictable and there is a chance however small that you could be a casualty.
If you want to ensure you have cheap life insurance premiums, you should purchase a term insurance plan rather than a whole life plan. A term insurance policy is purchased for a specific amount of time; therefore, because of the smaller risks, the premiums will be cheaper than a riskier whole life plan that lasts for the entire life of the policy holder.
To insure that you choose the best life insurance policy, stay away from advisers who claim to be more knowledgeable about insurance companies than rating companies or who dismiss ratings as inaccurate or trivial. To file a complaint about such an agent, contact your local state insurance department or attorney general’s office.
Do not get a life insurance policy from a company with a bad reputation. Insurance companies are not created equal and must be carefully assessed. Do your homework and research companies that are established in the insurance business, have a good financial standing, and are known for their quality investments.
If your current term insurance is going to expire soon, be proactive. Term life is the most economical but make sure you are in good health before selecting this type of policy again. However, if your overall health has declined steadily over the term, it may be in your best interest to opt for a more permanent policy. You can possibly preclude a new exam in doing so, and permanent life insurance policies are lower in cost than term insurance in your later years.
Pay your life insurance as soon as the bill comes in. If you miss a payment or stop them altogether, your policy will be cancelled. It can be difficult to find a new one, and you may wind up paying significantly more than you were before, particularly if any of your life circumstances have changed.
Decide what you will be doing at the end of your life insurance term. If the end of your policy is coming before you are ready because you did not get a long enough term, get a second policy. There is nothing stopping you from having multiple policies at multiple companies.
By following these simple tips, you will be able to choose the right life insurance for you. You, more than likely, need one that provides you with enough coverage, at a price you can afford. With the right policy, you will be able to rest easy, knowing that your spouse and children will be protected if the worst case scenario becomes reality.