An ongoing discussion in this forum is the fact that for so many, the rates you end up paying for life insurance are higher than they need to be simply because you used the wrong agent who used the wrong company.
I just want to review a few scenarios where, if your agent doesn’t know the underwriting guidelines or doesn’t have access to the right companies, significant money can be spent unnecessarily. These are very common and are just the tip of the iceberg.
We’ll use me as the client. Age 56, male. I want $500,000 of 15 year term. What if both of my parents died in their 50’s, Mom from breast cancer and Dad from bladder cancer? With most carriers that would be a best case standard rate and the price would be $2210 annually. If you have the right agent/right company you could get preferred best because they don’t use family history of cancer and the price would be $1420 annually.
Let’s say hypothetically I am treated for high blood pressure which is well controlled. Most companies would approve that at preferred, annual cost $1600. Right agent/right company and that annual cost could be $1365.
What if you were a student pilot? Although companies are kind of all over the map on this, the average would probably be a preferred rate and a $3.50 per thousand flat extra making my annual premium about $3350. Right agent and right company would change that to $2320. What if I was already a private pilot, VFR rated? Most companies would be best case at a standard rate at $2365 annually but right agent/right company would get $1660 a year.
What if obesity was my middle name and I was 6’4 and tipped the scales at 415 pounds? Virtually all companies would not even consider me even if I had no health issues at all, but right agent/right company would get me the coverage I need for $6410 a year.
Let’s say I’m 60 and have had type 2 diabetes for 5 years. Even with very good control the best case with most companies would be standard plus at $3010 annually. Right agent/right company would get the same policy for $2070.
Bottom line. The list goes on and on. If your agent isn’t an independent agent that has access to whatever company it takes to get the job done, and doesn’t have a good working knowledge of the underwriting keys for those companies, you are more likely than not going to pay too much.
My 20 years of experience give me the knowledge and leverage to find reasonably-priced life insurance for people who have been declined or are paying more than they need to.
Ed,
I’m confused with this article vs. the one you wrote on February 19th, 2009 in opposing views website. It seems contradicting.
You say 95% of L. I. needs aren’t permanent but you are focusing this blog on a person needing life insurance until they are 71.
In agreement with you, we shouldn’t be relying on our spouse for income and the children should be out of the house (not relying on “us”). “That’s a need that goes away”.
Of course, term insurance is a fraction of the price. Tthe quotes you just stated ($1,420, $1,365, $1,660 and $2,070) are pretty expensive in my mind.
But, if you are “the right agent” I don’t think you would make this recommendation since their need has already disappeared (assuming they were 95% of your audience).
Of course I’m an independent agent who recommends both permanent and term insurance to my clients given their circumstance.
Maybe I’m just delirious because I’m tired and tired of typing.
Good luck selling!
Jeff
Jeff,
Thanks for your comments. I used myself or at least my age as an example, and I believe appropriately. $500,000 is actually on the low end of what I would recommend given my income just for income replacement for my spouse to my projected retirement. I had significantly more when children were still an issue.
Needing life insurance to age 71 certainly isn’t a permanent need, so I’m a bit confused by your comment. I believe there are many term needs that can reach into your 70’s, even 80’s, but are still best served by term insurance.
I hope I haven’t added to your delirium.