Frequently Asked Questions

Life insurance is a contract where you pay regular premiums to an insurance company in exchange for a guaranteed sum of money paid to your chosen beneficiaries when you pass away. It provides financial protection for the people who depend on your income, helping them cover expenses like mortgage payments, daily living costs, education, and debts.

Life insurance replaces your income when you're no longer there to provide for your family. It ensures your spouse can pay the mortgage, your children can attend college, and your family can maintain their standard of living. It also covers final expenses like funeral costs and pays off debts so they don't burden your loved ones.

A common rule of thumb is 10-15 times your annual income, but the right amount depends on your specific situation. Consider your outstanding debts, future expenses like children's education, final expenses averaging $10,000-$15,000, and how long your dependents will need support. We recommend speaking with one of our agents for a personalized needs analysis.

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period (10, 20, or 30 years) and is straightforward and affordable but has no cash value. Permanent life insurance provides lifelong coverage, builds cash value you can borrow against, and has fixed premiums. Permanent coverage costs more but offers lasting protection and a savings component.

The best time to buy is when you're young and healthy because premiums are significantly lower. A healthy 25-year-old might pay one-third of what a 45-year-old pays for identical coverage. Buying young also locks in your insurability before any health issues develop.

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period, typically 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years. If you pass away during the term, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit. If you outlive the term, coverage ends with no payout unless you have a return of premium rider. Term insurance offers the most coverage for the lowest cost.

Whole life insurance provides permanent coverage that lasts your entire lifetime as long as you pay premiums. It features fixed premiums that never increase, a guaranteed death benefit, and builds guaranteed cash value over time that you can borrow against or withdraw.

Universal life insurance is permanent coverage with flexible premiums and an adjustable death benefit. Unlike whole life, you can increase or decrease your premiums and coverage amounts within limits. The cash value earns interest based on current market rates with a guaranteed minimum.

Indexed Universal Life ties your cash value growth to a stock market index like the S&P 500 with downside protection. Your cash value never loses money due to market downturns, but gains are typically capped. IULs offer potentially higher returns than traditional universal life while protecting against losses.

Final expense insurance is a small whole life policy, typically $5,000-$25,000, designed to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and other end-of-life expenses. These policies have simplified underwriting with few or no medical questions, making them accessible to older adults or those with health issues.

Guaranteed issue life insurance accepts everyone regardless of health with no medical exams or health questions. Coverage amounts are limited, premiums are higher, and most policies have a waiting period before the full death benefit is payable. It's an option for those who cannot qualify for other coverage.

You can start by requesting a quote on our website, calling our office at (464) 240-2029, or scheduling an appointment with one of our agents. We'll help you compare options across multiple carriers to find the best coverage for your needs and budget.

It depends on the policy type and coverage amount. Traditional fully underwritten policies require a medical exam, but many companies now offer no-exam policies with accelerated underwriting. These no-exam options may have slightly higher premiums or lower maximum coverage amounts.

The exam evaluates your overall health. Blood tests check cholesterol, glucose, liver and kidney function, HIV, nicotine, and drugs. They measure blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight. The examiner reviews your medical history, prescription medications, family health history, and lifestyle factors.

Traditional fully underwritten policies typically take 4-8 weeks. Accelerated underwriting with no medical exam can provide approval in days or even minutes for qualified applicants. Simplified issue policies may approve within 24-48 hours.

Yes, insurance companies can decline coverage based on health conditions, dangerous occupations, hazardous hobbies, or other risk factors. If denied by one company, you may still qualify with another since underwriting guidelines vary. Our agents specialize in finding companies that are favorable to your specific situation.

Yes, many people with pre-existing conditions qualify for life insurance, though premiums may be higher. Conditions like controlled diabetes, high blood pressure, or cancer in remission are often insurable. We work with companies that specialize in different conditions to find the best fit for you.

Yes, but smokers typically pay 2-3 times higher premiums than non-smokers. Most companies classify you as a smoker if you've used any tobacco or nicotine products within the past 12 months. If you quit, most companies will reconsider your rates after 12 months tobacco-free.