Life insurance may sound like something you only have to think about when you get older, but there are a variety of benefits to buying life insurance early on in your working career. Even if you don't have a family that is dependent on you, or if you feel that your employer's life insurance policy is adequate for your needs, there are many reasons why you should consider taking out your own life insurance policy.
If your employer provides you with a life insurance policy, you shouldn’t necessarily rely on it. While many companies may offer life insurance as one of the key benefits of a job, the figure often doesn't cover enough to be of adequate benefit to your family - especially in the event of your death. For instance, many firms may offer life insurance that is one or two times the amount of your annual salary; but most financial planners will recommend replacing that with life insurance that covers up to 10 times your annual salary.
Furthermore, it is always important for consumers to be aware of types of life insurance they can choose from: essentially, there are two types of life insurance: term insurance or investment type insurance. Term insurance will provide benefits to your family or your dependents if you die during the proposed period covered by your policy. Investment-type life insurance, also known as, "permanent insurance", will include endowment policies and "whole of life" policies. This type of life insurance remains in effect for as long as you continue to pay your premium. Essentially, part of this premium will go to an investment account; so, as well as paying out in the event of your death, it will build up in investment value - which you can actually cash in before you die. This is a great reason to invest in life insurance when you're younger - the earlier you buy, the higher the investment value that will accumulate during your lifetime, and the more you may be able to reclaim when you're older.
Perhaps the most crucial piece of information to keep in mind during your search for life insurance, however, is the importance of shopping around. It is vital to ensure that the insurance you eventually invest in is the most suitable for your particular needs; so, as well as thinking about how much you can afford to pay, it is essential to think about what you actually need from life insurance cover. There are many consumer life insurance comparison sites that exist on the web which provide this valuable service. By utilising such services, as well as vital sources of information like the FSA Check Firm Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau, you will be armed with a hefty arsenal of consumer information so you can reach the right decision when it comes to buying life insurance.
By Michael Hanna
Published: 11/1/2006
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