When people start thinking about life insurance they always want to know the bottom line, how much will it cost? Certainly it's an important piece of the puzzle, although it should not be the only consideration. (Read More)

1. lif enet insurance.com http://www.lifenetinsurance.com/blog-0/bid/63305/It-Costs-HOW-MUCH
Posted by Lenny Robbins on Tue, Jun 07, 2011 @ 03:57 AM
It Costs HOW MUCH?
When people start thinking about lif e insurance they always
want to know the bottom line, how much will it cost? Certainly
it's an important piece of the puzzle, although it should not be
the only consideration.
Your choices will af f ect your lif e insurance premium f or good
and bad.
Good choices!
Choose a healthy lif estyle. Be sure you exercise and eat
well. Watch your weight. Your build is the number one
f actor that will af f ect your lif e insurance premium.
Use an independent agent. An independent agent has
many carriers to choose f rom. You know that insurance
companies have somewhat dif f erent underwriting
guidelines. Knowing which company to apply with is their
job! Using an independent agent can lower your lif e insurance premium.
Stop putting of f lif e insurance! If you need it, the time is NOW! The younger you are when you apply,
the likelier you are to have a lower lif e insurance premium. You are as healthy as you are going to be
today and lif e insurance rates increase as your age increases.
Don't smoke cigarettes. If you do, you are going to pay about double what you would pay if you don't
smoke. You have to be a non-smoker f or at least a year to be eligible f or non-smoker rates with some
companies. (Others require 2 years.)
Bad Choices!
Errors of Omission. It's important to tell the truth on your application. Your agent can help you present
anything in a good light, but only if they know about it. It's best to be up f ront with the insurance
company, they don't like surprises!
Be Realistic. Don't expect to get a super pref erred rating (the best available) when you aren't in the best
health. For example, af ter a bypass operation your doctor may say your heart is better than ever. But
remember, you still have heart disease and you are a higher risk than if you never had heart disease.
Don't pick your agent out of the phone book! (Who even has a phone book any more?) Go on the
internet, and do your homework. You want an agent with experience who is willing to educate you. You
want to make choices that are sensible f or your situation and f inances. Your agent should be willing to
be your guide...not your leader.

2. Don't get "low balled". If you are talking to 2 agents and the prices really dif f er...what's up? An agent can
only give you their best ESTIMATE of your lif e insurance premium. ONLY the insurance company can
give you an of f er and they will ALWAYS give you the BEST rating you qualif y f or. (Wouldn't you rather
work with an agent that is honest with you?)
Key Points
Your actions will af f ect your lif e insurance premium.
Choose an experienced independent agent. Keep yourself as healthy as you can (this has another benef it
too- longer lif e!). Get insurance when you f irst need it. Learn about what you are buying so you can make
inf ormed decisions.
When all is said and done, having lif e insurance to protect your f amily will give you and your f amily peace of
mind.
Photo credit: _tar0_
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