Looking at life insurance quotes can prove time-consuming and intimidating, but if you know what you’re looking for – and looking out for – it's easy to shop for peace of mind. Find out the top 10 things to consider when reviewing life insurance quotes.
1. How much cover do you need?
Even before reviewing life insurance quotes, think ahead to determine how much it will cost to protect your family and, importantly, how much you can afford. Come up with an overall estimate of your financial situation, including whether you own property, your savings, and your superannuation (and whether it includes some life cover already). Weigh these assets against debts such as a mortgage, loans, childcare and/or education costs, and come up with a number that will sufficiently compensate your beneficiaries. You can make use of Lifebroker’s Life Insurance Cover Calculator to help you understand how much cover you may need.
2. How do you get insurance quotes?
Shop smartly.There are numerous insurance quote providers online that can help you by providing policy pricing based on some information you provide. However, many of these are cumbersome, which means it takes longer to obtain the information you want. Lifebroker has streamlined the process with a free comparison tool that's easy to use, and provides detailed life insurance quotes from leading Australian life insurers in just a few clicks. Not only can you save money, but also time spent trawling the internet. Lifebroker's tool provides life insurance quotes that can be viewed right away or emailed to be pored over later. It’s a simple shortcut that allows you to plan your family’s security from the comfort of your own home or even on the commute - and save money that may have otherwise been spent on a financial planner.
3. What is insurance terminology?
One reason life insurance quotes can seem overwhelming is because first time buyers don't always know the jargon. Familiarise yourself with definitions of policies such as Total and Permanent Disability (TPD), Income Protection, and Critical Illness or Trauma covers, and learn industry terms such as ‘beneficiary’, ‘Variable Age-stepped' (previously known as Stepped) and ‘Variable' (previously known as Level) premiums.
4. Variable Age-stepped or Variable Premiums?
This will depend on how long you are planning on keeping the policy. Variable Age-stepped (previously known as Stepped) premiums start off cheaper, but increase as you age. Study your quotes to learn by how much they will increase, and whether this will be affordable down the road. Variable (previously known as level) premiums are more expensive to start off with and do not increase in price as you age. However, both variable age-stepped and variable premiums can also increase based on rates of inflation and insurer's fees. Some insurance companies offer the option to remove Inflation Protection, so that can also help keep the ongoing payments more consistent. It’s important to note that some variable premiums also revert to variable age-stepped premiums at aged 65 depending on the product.
5. Can you get any discounts?
Assess your life insurance quotes to determine how much more it is to bundle life cover with beneficial supporting insurances such as Income Protection, TPD, Trauma (also known as Critical Illness). It can sometimes be more cost-effective to pay a fraction more per month in premiums for a whole lot more in coverage. Lifebroker's tool allows you to compare insurance quotes based on policy details or solely on price. Note, once you receive a comparison through Lifebroker you can use the ‘edit my cover’ option to add additional cover types and amounts to see how that can affect your overall premium.
6. Pay attention to Exclusions, Limitations, and Fine Print
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What is the waiting period before payout in the event of death? Will the insurance pay an advance to help cover funeral arrangements? How many and what type of critical illnesses are covered in a Trauma policy? Will coverage be void if death is the result of suicide? These are some of the limitations and exclusions to review in insurance quotes. Many of the exclusions are detailed in the features tab of Lifebroker’s comparison or are also available in the product PDS. Researching this information can help you to decide which policy is most advantageous for your family.
7. Does it fit your needs?
Think about your circumstances, and your family's needs. Take into account what kind of policies offer the greatest peace of mind to your family now and into the future. We’re all unique, and thankfully consumers are more empowered than ever to compare, contrast, and make the most informed decisions for themselves.
8. How reputable is the insurance company?
With Lifebroker's comparison tool, all the quotes come with information about the companies offering the policies including size, and how much money they pay out annually in claims. You want to know that you can trust your life insurer, should something ever happen to you. Your family will also want to have the peace of mind that they can rely on the company you’ve chosen.
9. Consider lifestyle and genetic predisposition
If you’re into rugby or adventure sports and are considering TPD cover, make sure your insurance quote includes options for sports related-accidents. If cancer runs in your family, it may be wise to look at quotes for critical illness cover, and to make sure that illnesses such as stroke, heart attack, and specific cancers are covered. There may also be discounts for health and wellbeing initiatives such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body mass index, and not smoking.
10. Can you suspend or resume life insurance?
It can be difficult to continue paying life insurance premiums intended to protect your family if you hit a rough patch and can't pay the bills. If you're experiencing financial hardship and struggling to make ends meet, you want to know that you have options to help. When reviewing your insurance quotes, determine if reducing coverage is an option, and ensure you review wait times and age restrictions, around renewing cover.
This website offers General Advice only and does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you purchase a product, it is important to read the relevant Product Disclosure Statements to consider if the product is appropriate for you. Lifebroker Pty Ltd, ACN 115 153 243 (the authorising licensee AFSL 400209) or any related companies will not be held responsible for the merits of this advice to your circumstances. Learn more with the Lifebroker Financial Services Guide, Terms of use, Privacy Policy and guide to its participating insurers.