Life Insurance FAQ's

A.M. Best is the most experienced rating agency for insurance companies, having been in business since 1906.

Its Financial Strength Rating is recognized worldwide as the benchmark for assessing and comparing the financial stability of insurance companies.

The Top Ratings for Life Insurance:

1. A++ and A+ (Superior) — Assigned to companies that have, in A.M. Best’s opinion, a superior ability to meet their ongoing financial obligations to their life insurance policyholders.
   
2. A and A- (Excellent) â...

The death benefit from a life insurance policy is most commonly paid out as an income tax-free lump sum, unless the beneficiary of your insurance policy chooses to take the benefit as an annuity, or in installment payments. 

A life insurance death benefit can also be split: the policyholder can designate more than one beneficiary, for example, by dividing the benefit equally (or not) between the insured’s family members.

When is a good time to buy more life insurance coverage?

There are many major life events that may give rise to a need for additional life insurance protection.

Some of the most common reasons for buying more life insurance may include:

• Getting married.
  
• Expecting a baby.
  
• Buying a new home.
  
• Getting a promotion at work.
  

What are life insurance premium payments?

Premiums are the price you pay to the insurance company in return for the life insurance coverage provided by the insurer.

Usually, you may choose one of several payment options or modes of payment: Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-Annual, or Annual payments.

Make sure you pay your premiums on time so you don't let your life insurance policy coverage lapse, which would put your insurance in jeopardy of no longer being In Force.

You can set up automatic premium pa...

What is the definition of term life insurance?

Term life insurance is temporary life insurance that provides coverage lasting for a specified number of years.

Usually, term life offers life insurance for up to thirty years.

However, you may be able to choose a Policy Term (duration of coverage) lasting for a period of 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years, depending on your age, health, and insurance needs.

If the insured dies during the policy term, the death benefit is paid out to the beneficiary of the p...

A waiting period for life insurance can be one of two things:

The period of time before your life insurance coverage begins.
The period of time before you have 100% full death benefit protection.

Usually, a life insurance policy begins coverage once you have applied for your policy, been approved by the insurer, and paid your first premium payment.

However, you may or may not have full death benefit coverage from day one of your life insurance policy being In Force.

Traditional life insurance plan...

If you are considering the purchase of life insurance, you may want to learn about when it's a good time to buy term life insurance, and when it may be better to buy permanent life insurance protection.

Since term life insurance is temporary, lasting for up to 30 years, you'll want to consider term life for your temporary protection needs; such as, if you have a need for life insurance that will last 30 years or less - A home mortgage, car loan, growing children, etc.

However, it you need life ...

• Lump sum payment.
  
• Checks to drawn on a checking account.
  
• Annuity payment on a period of time.
  

If you are insured by a term life insurance policy, and you don't die during the Policy Term, then the following happens:

• The is no payout of any death benefits, since are are still alive.
  
• The life insurance coverage ends, and you pay no more premiums.
  
• You may have the option of renewing your term life insurance policy for another term, usually up to 5 or 10 years, at a new rate based on your age at the time of renewal.