Your Life Insurance Application & Policy

Getting a life insurance quote is one thing; completing the application process and choosing a policy is quite another. We'll help guide you through this, most difficult, part of the insurance process.


This page:

Outlines the life insurance application process

Gives advice on how to best evaluate your policy options

Premiums can vary by as much as 50%. Enter your ZIP code on the right, and with just one short form, you'll receive quotes from several insurers in your state. Start comparing quotes today:

Use InsureME to compare additional term life and whole life quotes, and get expert advice from an agent in your area, who can help you design a plan that's right for you. Click here to fill out a quick form.

Buying life insurance isn't a simple purchase. But if you're well-prepared, making sense of the fine print and evaluating your options should be a breeze.

We've got advice for you wherever you are in the process.

If you're still shopping quotes . . .

Good for you! Comparison shopping is the single easiest way to snag lower premiums on a life insurance policy. You need to shop around.

For online quotes complete with side-by-side policy comparisons, try Insured Street, one of the most respected names in online insurance. One fast application will earn you multiplke quotes from various insurers

Get a few quotes under your belt, and then kick the comparison shopping up a notch by trying InsureME too. Apply online, and local life insurance agents will contact you with quotes and policy details.

After you've narrowed down your policy options . . .

It's time to compare the coverage and prices of each. Select the policy (there can be more than one!) that fits you best and request an application.

Remember - requesting an application is NOT an agreement to purchase the policy. So if you have trouble deciding between two or three policies, ask for all of them to be sent. You can then compare the terms and condition of each policy more carefully.

Policy applications include basically the same info you see on the quote application, only in more detail. You'll also likely be expected to complete a medical exam so the insurer can check the accuracy of your information. Learn more about the medical exam here.

Once you've been offered a policy . . .

It's time to take a good look at the fine print. Most policies carry an array of clauses and exclusions that can either better protect consumers or limit the insurer's responsibility. Learn about both types, which ones to ask for and which to avoid in our guide to clauses and exclusions.

And if you have special cicumstance or needs, you may want to consider increasing the scope of your coverage with the inclusion of a policy rider. Learn about these helpful additional coverages here.

A word to the wise

No matter how tempting it may be, do not provide any false information on your life insurance application. If the insurance company discovers any distortion of the truth, your policy can be canceled and your premiums will not be reimbursed.



Next: A look at life insurance policy riders