How to Compare Life Insurance

To protect your family after you have passed away, you should consider taking out a life insurance policy. At the most basic level, life insurance pays out a lump sum to your family when you die. There are numerous companies that offer various types of life insurance policies, so you should take time to review the key features of each plan before making a buying decision. Once you settle on a plan, you can contact a life insurance agent to arrange coverage.

Step 1

Use an online life insurance comparison website. There are several sites that allow you to give some basic information about yourself, such as location, sex and age to receive life insurance quotes from companies in your area. One example of this type of website is CompuQuotes.

Step 2

Look at the type of coverage each company is offering. The two main coverage types for life insurance are term life and whole life. With term life, you are set for a specific time frame, usually anywhere from five to 30 years. Whole life insurance is a permanent type of policy that allows you to earn cash value as well.

Step 3

Find the rating the insurance company you are considering has received. A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's are examples of the major ratings providers for insurance companies. The companies evaluate the insurance providers' financial status and ability to pay out claims.

Step 4

Review the premium required and payment schedule. The quoted premium payment will be based on benefit amount, length of the policy, age and medical history. A company can offer a set rate that lasts the lifetime of the policy or a fluctuating rate that changes the longer that you have the policy. Look over the inclusions of the policy to make sure you are not choosing a plan that can raise premiums while lowering benefits.

References

Article reviewed by C.J. Tompkins Last updated on: Jan 5, 2010

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