The Downside of Bargain Shopping for Life Insurance
Most Americans pride themselves on being savvy bargain hunters. Online coupons, discounts, and ease in internet price comparison on everything from a hammer to a safari vacation have made it faster than ever for a consumer to hunt down their bargain. However, some things are more important and complicated than getting the cheapest and fastest deal.
Life insurance is a perfect example. There’s an array of online life insurance companies offering fast and free life insurance quotes. While there is an appeal inconvenience and a supposed bargain, life insurance isn’t a one-size-fits-all purchase. The “right” life insurance involves much more than cost, much like a homebuyer doesn’t just consider cost when purchasing a property. If typing in home criteria and clicking the “buy now” tab on the cheapest home sounds unwise, then buying life insurance this way should seem just as imprudent.
Of course, the cost will be a consideration when purchasing life insurance, but the consumer should also look at other elements:
Determine the Policy Value
“You get what you pay for” is an apt adage for life insurance. What an online insurance company touts as a bargain policy is usually nothing more than a watered-down policy, as all life insurance is priced based on the supplied benefits, offered features, and overall value. Many policies will appear similarly composed, but the most subtle variation can result in a high cost, weight, and benefits difference.
Determine What Your Individual Needs Are
There are three main types of life insurance: whole life, term, and universal life. Each of these types is also available in dozens of unique policy variations. Evaluating the benefits and features of each type of policy might seem daunting, but that is truly the only way to guarantee that you obtain the best approach for your specific need. Opting for the cheapest policy, regardless of whether it meets your requirements, can harm your long-term financial plan.
Most online life insurance quotes involve a term life insurance policy (coverage for a limited time for a fixed payment rate.) The cheaper the procedure is, the more it will be stripped of benefits, value, and features. Online insurance’s limited coverage and stripped benefit elements may not be congruent with your unique insurance need or long-term financial plan.
Consulting with a Knowledgeable and Experienced Professional
Life insurance, when purchased correctly, can be a valuable asset. However, it is also a dedication of money, and you want to ensure that every dollar goes toward a product that is best for you and your beneficiaries. An insurance expert can help you analyze your insurance needs, lay out the best suitable options, and tailor the product to accommodate current and future needs. If you have a question or concern about life insurance, you aren’t limited to an online “FAQ” page.
Using a Reputable Life Insurance Company
Reputable life insurance companies haven’t built their reputation by failing their customers, failing to disclose the terms and conditions of their products, or being lax with the personal information that a client has entrusted them with keeping secure.
It is also essential to ensure that the insurance company has the financial strength and longevity to meet the obligation of the life insurance policies they sell. The insurance provider’s economic strength is significant if you are interested in a policy that will provide permanent life insurance. Looking at the life insurance rating for the company can give you a good idea of its financial strength.
