By using an agent to purchase insurance, the policyholder receives more personal service. An agent with whom there is direct contact can be vital when purchasing a product and absolutely necessary when filing a claim. A local, independent agent is able to deliver quality insurance

• “Rule of thumb” suggests an amount of life insurance equal to 6 to 8 times annual earnings.

Term Life Insurance

• Term life insurance provides life insurance protection for a specified period of time. If you do not currently have life insurance, term can be a good place to start. It’s generally less expensive than permanent life insurance, and is available in varying term periods with fixed premium. Term insurance is sometimes convertible to permanent coverage, providing you with flexibility as your needs change.

Whole Life Insurance

• Whole life insurance is a form of permanent life insurance that remains in force during the insured person’s lifetime, provided premiums are paid as specified in the policy. Whole life insurance can build cash value

Universal Life Insurance

• Universal life insurance is a form of permanent life insurance characterized by its flexible premiums, flexible face amounts and unbundled pricing structure. Universal life can build cash value, which earns an interest rate that may adjust periodically, but is usually guaranteed not to fall below a certain percentage

• Sometimes called burial insurance or prepaid funeral insurance, a pre-need policy is a life insurance contract with a funeral home of your choice that allows you to plan and pay for your funeral arrangements in advance
• Also Ideal for persons who are deemed uninsurable or chronic pre-existing conditions

• Individuals prepay for funerals and burials by entering into a preneed agreement, or contract, to pay in advance for goods or services they will receive upon death. Upon the individual’s death, the funds are used by the representative of the funeral home or cemetery to provide the designated goods and service

• According to current estimates, the median cost of an adult funeral (not including burial) is $7,360 while a full service cremation costs $6,260. A final expense insurance policy should adequately cover all the expenses, and most policies fall within the $5,000 – $25,000 range depending on the individual.

• When you apply for an insurance policy, you will be asked a number of questions. For example, the agent might ask you your name, age, gender, address, etc. In addition, you will be asked a number of other questions which will be used to determine how likely you are to make a claim.
• When insurance companies are deciding whether or not to offer car insurance to a potential customer, they will want to know about the person’s previous driving record, whether the driver has any recent accidents or tickets, and what type of car is to be insured.

• It is not surprising to find quotes on homeowners insurance that vary by hundreds of dollars for the same coverage on the same home. When you shop, be careful to make sure each insurer is offering the same coverage.
• Another way to lower the cost of your homeowners insurance is to look for any discounts that you may qualify For example, many insurers will offer discounts when you place both your automobile and homeowners insurance with them. Other times, insurers offer discounts if there are deadbolt exterior locks on all your doors, or if your home has a security system. Be sure to ask us about any discounts for which you may qualify

• If you live in an apartment or a rented house, renters insurance provides important coverage for both you and your possessions. A standard renters policy protects your personal property in many cases of theft or damage and may pay for temporary living expenses if your rental is damaged. It can also shield you from personal liability. Anyone who leases a house or apartment should consider this type of coverage