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The Time of your life - But don't forget about your policy


Many people view life insurance as something that is too complicated and therefore something they can do without. What you should be aware of is that for a small amount each month you can make sure that your children or any dependents are financially secure should you not be there to look after them.

Taking out a life insurance policy is simpler than you think but you need to make time to search through the options and make sure you have the right policy for your needs. You also need to take the time to regularly check your policy and ensure that you remain covered despite any change of circumstances. Many beneficiaries of an life insurance policy have found that due to no amendments being made to policy when the policy holders circumstances changed, the policy that was held was no longer valid and they were left out in the cold.

 

So Let start at the beginning:


Finding the right policy for you:

If you are a person with a family to look after, you should base your life cover choice on your job type, leisure activities and health. Your lifestyle is important factors if you are planning life cover where you have suffered a critical illness or have existing health problems.


Insurers will asked for your height and weight so they can work out you BMI, they will also ask about your smoking a drinking habits and check your family history to check your survival rate if you should succumb to an illness. Whatever you do, don’t lie. If the insurer discovers false information then your family may not receive the payout they need. As with other insurance policies, your employment may have an effect on the premium charged by the insurer, a risky profession will incur a higher premium.


It is strongly recommended by experts that you put your life insurance in a trust for your family this has several benefits to your family; firstly, your family will benefit as soon as you have passed away; the money goes to your family more directly without going through the taxman first. In addition, a trust means you can control what happens you the money after your death.



Once you have your life cover in place:

You need to make sure you keep your policy up to date, or your family could find themselves in possession of an invalid policy.


A ‘Life Stage event’ is exactly that, an event at a stage in a person’s life that will affect their financial status. In the case of life insurance these are; divorce; marriage; a new child; a new home or job; retirement or family bereavement. These can all affect your life insurance or critical illness cover so need to make sure that your insurer is aware of any changes in your life.


Like with any insurance policy you have, you should regularly shop around the market and should your situation change and your old policy no longer covers your circumstances, you can cash in your current life insurance policy whenever you like and shop around for another life insurance policy better suited to your needs.

Don’t let your Life Insurance policy drift; it could cost you more than you think.


Moneyextra.com recommends you take independent financial advice before acting on any article

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2009-09-18 16:08:35 © Moneyextra.com

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