Life insurance provides many valuable benefits. It can protect our assets, provide a way to make charitable contributions, and perhaps most importantly, it is the one way we can make sure our loved ones’ needs will be taken care of long after we are able to look after them ourselves. While most adults realize the importance of buying life insurance, lack of knowledge about the process may cause some to put off purchasing this essential coverage until it is too late. Purchasing life insurance may seem complicated, but, it doesn’t have to be. Read on to learn 5 things to know when buying life insurance:
What should I expect when buying life insurance?
You will need to determine your most important needs as well as any additional coverage you may wish to purchase. Many policies offer riders that may be of value for you, such as critical illness or disability. Expect to answer questions about your and your family’s health and medical history, and be certain to answer completely and truthfully because any falsehoods could disqualify you for coverage or invalidate your policy.
How much life insurance coverage do I need?
The amount of life insurance coverage you need is determined by many variables, and while coverage is important at every age, the amount you need will change over time. To determine the amount of coverage you need now, you should calculate what would be needed to clear your debts and care for your loved ones’ current, ongoing, and future needs. That will include replacing the income of a passing spouse or the value of services provided by a homemaker spouse, as well as medical and schooling expenses.
What type of life insurance should I buy?
There are two basic types of life insurance: term life insurance and cash value insurance. Term life insurance generally has lower premiums, but does not build up cash values that you can use in the future. Cash value life insurance, which includes whole life, universal life, and variable life, provides an investment or cash accumulation feature that can be used if needed. Most individuals find a mixture of policies is the best way to meet their coverage needs while keeping premiums at an affordable level.
When is the best time to buy life insurance?
The short answer is NOW! When you purchase a life insurance policy, you lock in premium rates for the length of the policy. Since rates increase as you age, as do the health problems that can make it difficult to qualify for coverage, you should purchase life insurance as early as possible.
Should I buy life insurance from an insurance agent or an insurance broker?
You should always buy life insurance from a professional insurance broker like MHG. An insurance agent works for a single company, while insurance brokers work with several insurance companies, so they can find you the best life insurance coverage for the lowest rates. While life insurance has become more complicated over the years, it has never been easier to purchase than now.
If you are interested in purchasing life insurance, or have any questions about your policy, or which policy would be best for you and your family, contact us at 954-828-1819 or visit us online at mhginsurance.com. We have the insurance specialists to assist and advise you on the best coverage for you and your loved ones at every stage of life.