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Life
Insurance
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How much life insurance should I purchase?
If you have a family, many experts suggest
that you need an amount equal to 5 to 10 times your annual salary.
However, many people own higher coverage's to provide more income
for their family.
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How can life insurance funds be used?
You can use your life insurance funds for a
number of needs, including:
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Any immediate
needs at the time of death, such as final illness expenses,
burial costs and estate taxes. |
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Funds for a readjustment
period, to finance a move, or to provide time for family
members to find a job. |
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Ongoing financial needs, such
as monthly bills and expenses, day-care costs, college tuition
or retirement. |
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What is the difference between term and
permanent life insurance?
Term insurance provides you with coverage for a specific
period of time. It pays a benefit only if you die during that
term. Some term insurance policies can be renewed at the end of
the period. Others give you the ability to reenter. Premium rates
will increase at each renewal date or each reentry. Many policies
require you to provide evidence of insurability at reentry in
order to qualify for the lowest available rates. Because term
insurance premiums are generally lower than permanent insurance
premiums, you can usually afford a higher level of coverage. Term
insurance is good for covering responsibilities that will diminish
or end over time, for instance, mortgages or car loans.
Permanent (or cash value) insurance is
designed to be a lifelong policy and is known by a variety of
names. As long as you pay the necessary premiums, the death
benefit will always be there. These policies are designed and
priced for you to keep over a long period of time. |
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Do I have to take a medical exam to qualify
for life insurance?
In most cases, an exam is required. If so, we will pay the costs
and have it done at a time and place convenient for you – often
right in your home.
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Will my policy ever be canceled for health
reasons?
As long as you keep your premiums current,
your policy will never be canceled because of a change in your
health, and you will not be asked to provide evidence of good
health in order to renew your policy each year. However, you have
the right to cancel your policy at any time. |
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What happens if I become disabled?
Many policies include a rider that provides a "waiver of premium"
for total disability. In the event you become totally disabled for
a certain period (typically six months or longer), then the
insurance company
will pay your premium for you until you are no longer disabled.
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Should I get coverage for my spouse and/or
children?
Coverage for both spouse and children can be a very good idea. The
financial strain on a family after the loss of a spouse can be
significant, even if the deceased wasn't earning an income. Often
the surviving spouse will want to take time off work or change
jobs in order to spend more time with the children. Coverage for
children is also available to cover final expenses. It can also
guarantee insurability for the child's future.
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When I send in my application, should I
include a check?
Although most people submit a check with their application, there
is no requirement to do so. The
premium can be paid once the policy has been approved.
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