Life is full of surprises – some pleasant, some not so much. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve experienced a surprise that falls into the latter category: your life insurance premiums increased. And now, you’re probably wondering, “Now what?” This guide is here to guide you through this situation, help you understand why this has happened, and explore the steps you can take next.
Understanding Life Insurance Premiums
Let’s start by taking a deep dive into the world of life insurance premiums. A life insurance premium is the amount you pay the insurance company to keep your policy active. But why would this amount increase? The answer often lies in the factors that insurance companies consider while determining your premium rates.
- Age: Does life insurance premium increase with age? Yes, it generally does. The older you get, the more risk the insurance company assumes, resulting in higher premium rates.
- Example: If you took your policy out at 30, your premiums would be lower than those who took out the same policy at age 50. The increased age signifies a higher risk for the insurer.
- Health Status: Your health status is another crucial factor that insurance companies consider. If your health deteriorates, the chances are your premiums will increase.
- Example: If you were a non-smoker when you removed your policy but have since started smoking, the insurance company might re-evaluate your policy and increase your premiums.
Yearly Premium Increases: Myth or Reality?
One of the questions that may be lingering in your mind is, “Do life insurance premiums increase every year?” While this may be the case with specific renewable term life insurance policies, it’s not a blanket rule for all life insurance policies.
Most term life insurance policies have level premiums, which means the premium stays the same for the entire term of the policy. However, once the term ends and you decide to renew or take a new policy, the premiums can increase due to age, changes in health status, and potentially as per IRS guidelines.
On the other hand, permanent life insurance policies like Whole or universal life often have premiums that don’t increase over time as long as the required premiums are paid on schedule.
The Impact of Inflation on Life Insurance Premiums
Do life insurance premiums increase with inflation? Technically, the premium of an active life insurance policy doesn’t increase with inflation. The premium is based on the contract you signed when you took out the policy.
However, inflation can indirectly affect future life insurance premiums. If you’re looking to buy a new policy or increase your coverage in the future, you may find that the costs have gone up due to inflation.
The Two Biggest Premium Boosters
Typically, age and health status are the factors that most increase a life insurance premium. However, your lifestyle and occupation can also play significant roles.
- High-Risk Occupations: People in high-risk jobs might have to pay more for their life insurance premiums.
- Example: A firefighter may pay more for life insurance than a librarian due to the higher occupational risk.
- High-Risk Hobbies: Similarly, if you have hobbies that the insurance company considers high-risk, like skydiving or car racing, this could also lead to higher premiums.
- Example: A person who enjoys reading and gardening as hobbies may have lower life insurance premiums than someone who enjoys bungee jumping in their spare time.
Next Steps
The next step? Evaluate your current situation and needs. Talk to your insurance agent or financial advisor to understand your options. You could adjust your policy, shop around for a new one, or even adopt healthier habits to help lower your rates. Knowledge is power – the more you know, the better decisions you can make. Remember, life insurance is a crucial part of your financial planning, and it’s essential to ensure it works for you, not against you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my life insurance premium keep going up?
Life insurance premiums can increase due to factors such as age, health conditions, lifestyle changes, or changes in the insurance company’s policies and costs.
Do life insurance premiums increase every year?
No, life insurance premiums do not necessarily increase every year. Premiums can remain the same or increase based on various factors such as age, health, policy type, and insurance company policies.
Which two factors most increase a life insurance premium?
The two factors that most commonly increase a life insurance premium are age and health condition. Older individuals and those with pre-existing medical conditions usually face higher premiums.