Looking for the Definition of Life Insurance? We’ve Got You!

Searching for a life insurance definition? You needn’t look further!  Shopping around for a policy to cover your family is overwhelming. After all, there are many options, and the market can be confusing if you aren’t informed.  That’s why Policy Architects is here! I aim to create a comprehensive site that helps people sift through all available information. Once you have a firm foundation, you’ll be better positioned to articulate your goals to your agent. Life insurance means many things to people. However, there is a simple definition of life insurance that inevitably leads to some more complicated subjects. Let’s take a look now!

Is There a Simple Definition of Life Insurance?

You came for this, and the short answer is no. Life insurance is complicated, but I will do my best to simplify it… … and I’m going to add a little color and interest along the way: 

It All Starts with a Contract

Life insurance is a contract with an insurer, which is why it’s so important to work with an independent agent. As with all legal documents, you must know what you are getting into before signing on the dotted line.  These contracts are complicated, and they outline EXACTLY what the company and you expect. So you must understand what all of this means to you.

1. Coverage in Exchange for Premiums

If you’re looking for a simple definition of life insurance, you need to understand that the coverage you receive is defined in a contract, otherwise known as a policy. The life insurance company you select lays out how much coverage they provide in exchange for your premium payments. This coverage is called a death benefit, the money your beneficiary receives should you die during your term.  You’ll undergo a medical exam for traditional life insurance to determine your premium payments. Premiums vary radically depending on your age and health. This is yet another reason to speak to Policy Architects TODAY.

2. Your Beneficiaries Inherit the Money Tax-Free

Another concept you need to understand when it comes to the definition of life insurance is the word beneficiary: So what is a beneficiary (ies)? It’s the person, people, or charitable organization you select to inherit the money paid out should you die during your term. I’ve written a great article about this and some of the issues that come up here.  This payout is typically provided in a lump sum but is not always true. You can opt to have the coverage paid out over time. Most insurance companies have a compassionate terminal illness benefit in the event a doctor diagnoses you as having less than two years to live. In this situation, the insurance company pays an advance on the death benefit, so you and your beneficiaries have some money before you pass away. Another fantastic perk for life insurance? The death benefits are provided to your beneficiary TAX FREE. 

3. There are TWO Main Types of Life Insurance 

No Simple Definition of Life Insurance is complete without letting you know you have some choices to make.  Sadly, many people go into this process blind and rely on an agent to inform them of what’s available. That’s great – but only if you have an honest agent. Some are tied to the life insurance companies they represent, which creates a conflict of interest. How can you possibly advise someone about their options if you have a horse in the race? No captured agent will tell you to go to another insurer because they can better serve your needs. Some agents will sell you a completely wrong policy for your circumstances because they get a better commission.  OUCH! I want to say this never happens, but it does.  So, let me explain what I mean right now. Let’s start with the most common and affordable type of life insurance – Term.

Term Life Insurance 

This type of coverage is the bee’s knees. It works for most people, most of the time. Term life insurance is affordable and flexible. It offers temporary protection for the number of years or “term” you select. My clients usually choose 10, 20, or 30-year terms, but you may customize this period to meet your needs. The most common reason people buy term life insurance is to cover the loss of income.  Coverage is terminated at the end of your term, but typically, you can convert it to a permanent policy before that point within certain limits.

Permanent Life Insurance 

No simple definition of life insurance is complete without talking about permanent coverage.

Term insurance doesn’t cover you until the day you die, which poses a problem for some people. That’s where permanent life insurance comes into the equation.

If you purchase a whole life or universal policy, you are protected until your death as long as your premiums are paid promptly.

This also means your premiums are substantially more expensive than term. This is because the life insurance company WILL have to pay out death benefits.

Cash value is also typically part of a permanent life insurance policy. This is when a portion of your premiums is set aside and accumulates.

As the policyholder, you can borrow against these funds or withdraw them to use as you like. The cash value can also be left for your beneficiary. The thing is, cash value takes quite some time to build up.

Permanent life insurance is a VERY COMPLICATED product and has many variations. Buyer beware: it’s not for someone who wants to set it and forget it.

Now That You Have a Simple Definition of Life Insurance, You Need More Information to Make the Right Choice! 

If you’re looking for a Simple Definition of Life Insurance, I am here to tell you that life insurance is anything BUT simple.  This is why it’s so frustrating to wade through all the information. If you’ve gone to a life insurance website, I guess that lots of mumbo-jumbo and life insurance jargon assaulted you. Each company has its selection of products so that it can get a little crazy, my friends.  Even life insurance agents have difficulty keeping up with the ever-changing product list. That’s why you need to understand more terminology BEFORE having a Simple Definition of Life Insurance that works. 

Why Do You Have to Be So Complicated Permanent Life Insurance?

This is where a lot of confusion comes in regarding life insurance. Term coverage is a pretty simple product, but Permanent life insurance isn’t. There are many “types” of products, and life insurance companies customize their offerings. In summary, there’s a lot of room to pick the wrong coverage and spend a lot of money on it. So, let’s examine the basics now! Why don’t we start with the best-known variety?

Life Insurance Definition: Whole Life Insurance

This is what most people think of when I mention permanent life insurance. Whole life, also known as cash value life insurance, protects you until the day you die, so there is a guaranteed death benefit as long as you pay your premiums on time. These policies have a cash value accumulation feature that appeals to many clients. The type of whole-life policy you purchase will determine this component.  Functionally, your premiums are divided between paying for the cost of your insurance and depositing it into a policy investment account. Over the years, any money you pay above and beyond the insurance costs accumulates in your cash value account.

The Truth is There’s NO Simple Definition of Life Insurance

Yes, you heard me right, there’s no Simple Definition of Life Insurance! Sure, I can give you the basics, but there’s no way for me to provide you with a sound-bite answer. That’s why you should always speak to an independent life insurance agent, even if you’ve done all your legwork. We’ll do a financial analysis to determine what life insurance works for you. Let’s put it this way: Someone making $50K annually and looking to replace their income for 30 years is looking for a very different product than someone with a vast estate trying to protect their assets from the taxman. No, not to mention all the people who fall in between.  There are many options, companies, coverage amounts, and terms to consider —and we haven’t even talked about Guaranteed Issue! This is a process! 

That’s Where Policy Architects Can Help 

At Policy Architects, we know that life insurance does not have a simple definition. Our agents work daily to keep up with this fast-paced business, and that’s no easy feat. I’m writing these articles to help people be better prepared for meeting their agent. No one should go into this process blind. Would you buy a car without checking out the reviews? This is a big purchase, and your family’s future may depend on your making the right choice. So give us a call today to discuss your options. At Policy Architects, you’re a client for life.