Life insurance is a topic that often sparks a wide range of emotions, from confusion to skepticism. It’s no wonder that many interesting myths have emerged about this essential financial product. Some of these misconceptions might even prevent people from taking advantage of the numerous benefits life insurance can provide. In this article, we’ll delve into ten of the most fascinating myths about life insurance, aiming to dispel any misunderstandings and help you make informed decisions about your coverage. Whether you’re looking to compare life insurance rates or simply curious about life insurance costs, you’re sure to find some valuable insights here.
10 – I Don’t Need Life Insurance
If you don’t have any debts or dependents, then this statement may be true. In every other case, you need life insurance. Life insurance can pay off your debts when you die. If you have a spouse and dependents, you want enough life insurance to pay off your debts and replace your income for at least a few years.
09 – Employer Provided Life Insurance Is Enough
There are several reasons why this isn’t true. First, employer provided life insurance is generally equal to one year’s income. Most of us need ten years’ worth of income to replace our income when we die, since your survivors may invest the money and live off the stock market returns. If you have several dependent children, 20 years of income is the better choice. A subtle problem with employer life insurance is that it is typically based on your base pay and doesn’t reflect bonuses and overtime that factor into the income your family is living off of and need to replace.
08 – I Should Rely on Employer Offered Life Insurance
The employer provided life insurance only applies if you are employed with the employer when you die and the benefits remain in effect. If your hours are cut to part time, you may lose the employer benefits. If you are forced to quit or retire for health reasons, you’ve lost your health insurance. And you can’t get insurance anywhere else. The better choice is to get life insurance you pay for and will then be able to retain as you change jobs.
07 – Only the Breadwinner Needs Life Insurance
If there is a stay at home parent in the household, they need life insurance. While they don’t generate an income, you’ll have to pay someone to clean house and watch the children if you die. This is why the other partner needs life insurance even if they aren’t working.
06 – Life Insurance Is Too Expensive to Consider
This is only true in some cases. Whole life insurance or other types of insurance that try to combine investment and savings products with a life insurance policy are much more expensive than term life insurance. Term life insurance is the better choice, since you are paying for life insurance coverage when you die and nothing else. Whole life and other hybrid products pretend to be an investment, but any money you borrow against it are subtracted from the life insurance policy when you die. Get basic life insurance on a 20 year term, and it is relatively affordable. You also don’t need life insurance once the kids are out of the house, your mortgage is paid off, and the surviving spouse can live off your retirement savings. This is why most people don’t need life insurance across their entire lifetime.
05 – You Have to Take the Policy Your Insurance Company Recommends
Life insurance is a financial product, and it is available through many different financial institutions. You don’t have to sign up and pay for the policy your insurer recommends. In fact, you could save a lot of money when you compare life insurance policies against each other. You can choose a policy that fits your budget and provides the level of coverage you need. And you don’t have to pay for bells and whistles you don’t need.
04 – I Can’t Quality for Life Insurance
Even 70 year olds can get life insurance, though the premiums are steep. When it comes to health insurance, there are relatively few health conditions that outright disqualify you. This is one reason why you want to get life insurance sooner rather than later, so that the policy is in effect when your health does start to deteriorate.
03 – I’m Too Young to Need Life Insurance
If you have children, you need life insurance, no matter how old you are. If you have debt that is otherwise saddled on your spouse or parents, you need life insurance that can pay off the debts.
02 – Life Insurance Is an Investment
This myth has some basis in truth. There are unscrupulous life insurance agents who sell you whole life insurance, touting it as an investment. They tell you that you can borrow against it as an asset. What they don’t say is that you’re borrowing against the balance paid out when you die. They also don’t tell you that it is that there are hefty fees for borrowing against your life insurance policy. You’re not doing much better than borrowing against your retirement plan. But you are not self-banking. You’re getting ripped off by the insurance company trying to justify the greater premiums of the whole life policy.
01 – Older People Don’t Need Life Insurance
It isn’t uncommon for people to assume they don’t need life insurance once their children are grown and out of the house. However, life insurance is an invaluable tool for protecting your surviving family. Life insurance proceeds can be used to pay off your remaining mortgage, student loans you co-signed with your child or medical debts when you die. That preserves capital and ensures your surviving spouse can continue to live off your combined savings. Life insurance proceeds could be used to pay inheritance taxes in addition to your burial costs. Or it could fund a special needs trust for a dependent disabled child.
Life insurance is a crucial financial tool that can provide peace of mind and security for you and your loved ones. By debunking these common myths, we hope to shed light on the true value of life insurance and help you make informed decisions about your coverage. Remember to compare life insurance rates, evaluate your needs, and consult with a professional to ensure you’re making the best choices for your unique situation. In the end, knowledge is power, and understanding the facts about life insurance can empower you to secure a brighter future for yourself and your family.
FAQs
Q: Can you compare life insurance rates easily?
A: Yes, it’s possible to compare life insurance rates by researching various providers online or working with an independent insurance agent. By comparing quotes, you can find the best coverage and premiums that suit your needs and budget.
Q: Does everyone need life insurance?
A: While not everyone needs life insurance, most people can benefit from having some coverage. It’s essential to evaluate your personal situation, financial goals, and family needs to determine if life insurance is right for you.
Q: Are life insurance payouts taxable?
A: Life insurance payouts are generally not taxable for the beneficiary. However, there might be some exceptions, such as when the policy is owned by a business or if the payout is considered part of the insured’s estate.
Q:Can you change your life insurance policy later on?
A: Yes, it’s possible to make changes to your life insurance policy, such as increasing or decreasing coverage, changing beneficiaries, or converting from term to whole life insurance. It’s essential to consult with your insurance provider to discuss any potential changes and their implications.
Q:Do you lose your life insurance coverage if you change jobs?
A: If you have an employer-sponsored life insurance policy, you may lose coverage when you change jobs. However, some policies offer a conversion option, allowing you to convert your group coverage to an individual policy without undergoing a medical exam.
Q:Can you have multiple life insurance policies?
A: Yes, you can have more than one life insurance policy. In fact, some people choose to have multiple policies to cover different financial needs, such as mortgage protection, income replacement, and children’s education expenses.