Life insurance

Life insurance is a policy that will pay a specified sum of money to the estate of the insured or nominated beneficiary upon the death of the life insured. In exchange, the insured person agrees to make regular payments of life insurance premiums (on a monthly or quarterly basis) to the life insurance company. The life insurance policy is subject to strict limitations, exclusions, terms and conditions and it is therefore extremely important for you to know the life insurance policy limitations, exclusions, terms and conditions before you sign the contract. You should seek advice from a licenced insurance broker prior to signing any life insurance policy document.

Do you need this type of insurance?

Have you ever thought how your family would cope financially if you were to pass away unexpectedly? You should regularly review your family's financial obligations, in conjunction with your life insurance broker, to ensure that you are appropriately insured. The greater your financial obligations and the more dependants you have, the more life insurance you may need to protect your assets and your family's financial security. Obligations which may need to be considered are your mortgage, paying for your childrens future education, settlement of personal debts, funeral expenses and your family's future living expenses.

How much life insurance cover do I need?

The purpose of life insurance is to provide your dependents with a sum of money sufficient to pay out your debts and/or to provide an income sufficient to support your family for a period of time - usually until your children are 18 years old. As everyone's situation is different, the level of life insurance cover required will vary. Most risk advisors will recommend that you have life insurance cover equivalent to a minimum of 10 times your average annual income.

How do you choose the right life insurance policy?

It is best to talk to a life insurance broker who has access to a wide range of competitive life insurance products. They have the experience and expertise to guide you in choosing the right life insurance policy for your particular situation and budget. Life insurance premiums vary depending on age and health history. Your life insurance broker can provide a guide on the premiums from a range of life insurance companies, but your application will need go through a process called underwriting where your application will be formally assessed by the life insurer and your final premium calculated. You will need to be comfortable in investing these premiums into a reputable, stable, financially sound company. Most people rely on one of the major rating agencies such as Standard & Poors who specialize in rating the ability of a company to meet it financial obligations. You should aim to be covered by an insurer with a 'AAA' rating.

Further information

Life insurance is an important and integral part of a comprehensive and sound financial plan. When you enter a life insurance policy it is also best to review your will to ensure it is current. The making of a Will ensures that your assets pass to the people of your choice. If you do not have a will, your estate will be subject to state intestacy laws. This legislation may not be consistent with your wishes. Please refer to the articles on Wills & Estate Planning.





This article is bought to you by Imperator Financial and xLife
Related Product Links: Free Life Insurance Quote





DISCLAIMER
This Information Outline is available courtesy of AussieLegal's online legal information and law firm referral service.

The information is provided by participating law firms. Accordingly, neither AussieLegal Pty Limited nor femail.com.au accepts any responsibility for loss, damage, cost or expense arising from using the information provided.
As the information provided by participating law firms is of a general nature, the law firms accept no liability for any loss, damage, cost or expense that arises from relying on the information provided by them. The information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of it. This recognises that despite the participating law firm's best endeavours to provide up to date accurate legal information and documents, you may misunderstand or misinterpret instructions or advice.

MORE