Life Insurance
Life Insurance Information
Why is it better to use a broker rather than an agent for life insurance?
Many people incorrectly think that they can get a better price on life insurance if they buy direct from a life insurance company, rather than checking out a broker. But this is a complete myth.
There are numerous reasons that you are most likely to pay less-- and get a better life insurance policy-- if you buy it by means of broker. You don't know as much about life insurance as you think
There is a saying-- "a bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing"-- and that's about the knowledge that the majority of us have when it comes to life insurance-- a small amount. The problem is that we may take that little bit of knowledge and use it to buy a life insurance policy direct from an insurance company, thinking we know enough to do this. But that's not always the case-- consider the following:
Knowing what the "small print" means. Most of us have little comprehension of the different regulations that are featured in the typical life insurance policy. Even worse, we may even gloss over those provisions, thinking them to become industry gobbledygook that really does not mean anything. That can lead to unpleasant surprises in the future, and can even cost our beneficiaries money in a claim. Brokers understand insurance jargon, and they know what matters and what doesn't. If nothing else, you need an insurance broker to "translate" insurance-speak into English.
It's not all about finding cheap rates. It will do you little good to get the cheapest life insurance possible if it includes provisions and exclusions that would prevent your loved ones from getting benefits in a moment of need. This is often the case with certain very low cost life insurance. An example is no medical exam life insurance. These are minimal policies which contain exclusions. If you don't understand what it is you're entering, you can purchase a product but get no benefit from it. There's nothing cheap about that, and a broker will recognize the difference immediately.
Essential riders. There may be certain important policy riders that you ought to have included with your life insurance. Regrettably, you won't know anything about these unless you have a knowledgeable person directing the insurance process. For example, it may be advantageous-- and very cost effective-- to have a "double indemnity" policy rider. That's a stipulation that allows your beneficiaries to collect double the face amount of the policy on the occasion that you die from particular accidents. There many riders such as this one, that a broker will keep in mind about and you probably won't.
It will not cost you anything extra to use an insurance broker
Essentially, it is thought that it will cost more to buy life insurance through a broker because a commission will be paid for their involvement. In reality, it will cost no more to obtain a life insurance policy with a broker. The life insurance company will pay a portion of the premium to the broker for delivering your business to them, but it will cost you nothing extra consequently.
Insurance companies offer "discounts" to brokers, in similar way that hotels, car rental companies, and airlines offer discounts to travel agents. For example, the insurance company may offer a 15 % discount on a life insurance policy for a customer supplied by the broker.
The customer will be charged 100 % of the premium-- just as they would if they bought direct from the company-- and the company will pass the 15 % discount on to the broker. The customer will pay the same amount, whether they go through a broker, or they go direct. In the end, there' no savings from going direct.
You may even pay less
Ironically, you may even end up paying less by using an insurance broker. Insurance brokers know where to get the very best deals on life insurance policy, and will often get you a lower premium than you can get on your very own.
If you attempt to deal direct with the insurance company to buy your policy, thinking that you'll get the benefit of any savings as a result of not using a broker (and paying a commission), the exact opposite can happen. You'll likely end up paying more for the policy than you would if you used an insurance broker to find it for you. You will miss out on the better, lower cost plans that the broker knows about-- and you don't. Besides, you don't work in the industry and can't possibly know.
There are some areas in life where DIY-- do it yourself-- doesn't work. Buying life insurance policy is among them.
Life Insurance Quote Forms
Looking for coverage? Click any of the following links to submit a quote for quick, accurate and affordable rates.
|