Frequently Asked Questions

There are two main types of life insurance:

• Term Life Insurance: Provides coverage for a set period (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years). It pays a death benefit if the insured passes away within the term. It's generally more affordable but does not build cash value.
• Permanent Life Insurance: Provides lifelong coverage and typically includes a cash value component. Examples include whole life and universal life insurance. These policies are more expensive but offer long-term protection and the ability to accumulate cash value over time.

The amount of coverage you need depends on various factors, including:

• Your income and the number of dependents
• Outstanding debts (mortgage, student loans, etc.)
• Future expenses (children's education, retirement savings)
• Your goals for legacy or charitable contributions

A common rule of thumb is to have coverage that is 10 to 15 times your annual income, but it's best to speak with an agent to calculate your specific needs.wer to this item.

Yes, you can get life insurance if you have health issues, but your premiums may be higher depending on the severity of your condition. Some policies offer guaranteed acceptance or no-medical-exam options, especially for final expense insurance or certain types of simplified issue life insurance. The policy may have limitations based on your health condition.

When you buy life insurance, you agree to pay regular premiums to the insurance company. If you pass away while the policy is in effect, your beneficiaries will receive a death benefit. The payout can be used to cover funeral expenses, pay off debt, replace lost income, or fund future expenses.

Yes, many life insurance policies offer flexibility:

• Term life insurance can sometimes be renewed, but premiums may increase with age.
• Permanent life insurance can be modified through options like changing the death benefit or adjusting the premium payments.

For permanent policies, you may also be able to access the cash value through loans or withdrawals, though this could affect your death benefit.

• Term Life Insurance is designed for temporary coverage, offering a death benefit for a set period (e.g., 10, 20, or 30 years). It’s affordable but has no cash value component.
• Whole Life Insurance is a permanent policy that provides lifelong coverage, builds cash value over time, and typically has higher premiums.

The death benefit is the sum of money paid out to your beneficiaries upon your death. This amount is tax-free and can help your loved ones with living expenses, debts, education costs, or funeral expenses.

Cash value is a feature of permanent life insurance policies. It’s a portion of your premium that accumulates over time, growing tax-deferred. The cash value can be borrowed against or withdrawn, though it may reduce the death benefit if not repaid.

Premiums are based on several factors, including:

• Age: Younger individuals typically pay lower premiums.
• Health: Your medical history and current health status impact premiums.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, drinking, and risky hobbies can increase premiums.
• Occupation: Jobs with high-risk factors may lead to higher premiums.
• Coverage Amount: The larger the death benefit, the higher the premium.

Yes, you can change your beneficiaries at any time by updating your policy with the insurance company. This allows you to adjust who receives the death benefit, such as changing it from a spouse to children or another loved one.

If you miss a premium payment, most life insurance companies provide a grace period (typically 30 to 60 days) during which your policy remains active. If you fail to pay within the grace period, your policy may lapse, and you could lose your coverage. Some policies also have automatic premium loans that can cover missed payments by borrowing from the cash value.

A rider is an add-on to a life insurance policy that provides additional coverage or benefits. Common riders include:

• Accidental Death Benefit: Provides extra coverage if death is due to an accident.
• Critical Illness Rider: Pays a benefit if you're diagnosed with a serious illness (e.g., cancer, heart disease).
• Waiver of Premium Rider: Waives premiums if the policyholder becomes disabled.

If you have term life insurance, the policy will expire at the end of the term, and no death benefit will be paid. If you have permanent life insurance, your coverage will continue for life, and the policy will remain in effect as long as premiums are paid.