Finance
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Buy Life Insurance?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Purchasing life insurance is a task that many people consider necessary. In some cases, the insurance is intended to provide for loved ones in the event that the insured party dies suddenly. At other times, the intention is to provide resources for any end of life expenses that the family may have to address once the loved one is deceased. Fortunately, it is possible for anyone to buy life insurance of some kind and provide for those who are left behind.

Before beginning your search for life insurance, it is important to assemble your personal information. This includes your current monthly earnings, outstanding debts, and your medical history. The first two items will help you understand how much of a monthly premium you can reasonably afford. The latter item will be needed in order to fill out the insurance applications for some but not all types of insurance policies.

Businessman giving a thumbs-up
Businessman giving a thumbs-up

Once you have your basic information collected, think in terms of what type of life insurance you would like to buy. You can buy life insurance that is categorized as term life, whole life, and universal life. Some offerings today are combinations of more than one kind of life coverage. Keep in mind that with whole life, your medical history will be important, while application for a term life policy may not involve submitting any health information at all.

Begin contacting local insurance agencies and collecting quotes on coverage terms and conditions. Never buy life insurance from the first agent you contact. By obtaining several different quotes, you can get an idea of what level of insurance you can command, who has the best premiums for different amounts of coverage, and how quickly different policies go into effect.

Along with local agents, you may want to buy life insurance through an association or club where you are a member. Often, members get discounted rates from well-known insurance providers. Compare the benefits you can get through these types of connections along with what local agents have to offer, then make your final selection.

Never buy life insurance before you investigate the background of the provider. Ideally, the insurance company you choose is well established, has an excellent record when it comes to caring for clients and processing payments to beneficiaries or the estate of the insured party, and shows no signs of ceasing to do business in the foreseeable future.

When you buy life insurance, it is more than simply making sure your heirs get some money once you are gone. The insurance is another way to provide one more asset to your overall estate and hopefully help your loved ones pursue their goals in life. By taking the time to investigate all your options and choose the right provider, you make a difficult time easier for your loved ones while also supplying them with a legacy.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Businessman giving a thumbs-up
      Businessman giving a thumbs-up