Monday, March 2, 2009

The Need for Term Life Insurance

By Fred Sykes

Term life insurance covers a specific period of time and is a very popular form of life insurance. Once the time span has elapsed then the insurance is void or if you wish to continue the insurance then the premiums will increase though the coverage has extended. If the insured person should pass away during the term of the insurance then their beneficiary will receive all of the insurance benefits. Many times the adult that is responsible for most of the money will be covered by term life insurance. Those that are not covered by insurance may leave their family in a tricky financial situation.

It is always difficult to determine if you should carry term or permanent life insurance. Term life insurance really only offers death benefits such as funeral costs etc, so if you die then it is worth having the policy. If you outlive the policy then it was a waste of money. Permanent life insurance offers both death benefits as well as something like a "savings account". So if you die you will get back at least some of the money you put into the policy. If you only want your policy to last 10 years or less then you should go with term life insurance. If your policy is for 20 years or more then permanent is the best, though permanent life insurance is more expensive then term.

If you are interested in just receiving death benefits then term life insurance is the best option. Term life insurance has monthly or quarterly payments and as long as you do not miss a payment you can make a claim on your policy. For the type of insurance you are receiving term life insurance is the simplest type of insurance.

Term life insurance is available for long time periods at very low prices. You can take out a term policy to cover a specific time, such as the time needed to pay off a loan. Many individuals take out a term policy when a major life change has occurred such as having children or buying a home or taking out a mortgage. You can normally renew your term life insurance policy until your mid eighties.

Term life insurance brings large payouts over a relatively short time period and is particularly important is you are making any large life changes. If you are putting yourself in debt then carry term life insurance for the time until that debt is paid off is an excellent idea. Term life insurance is much more affordable because it has a term deadline and is an excellent insurance no matter what you are covering. - 15275

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