This article was published by Erie Insurance on September 8, 2021. The original article can be found here.
Maybe you just got married. Or had your first child. Or started a business.
Whatever the life event is, you are now buying life insurance for the first time. And that might intimidate and confuse you a little.
Help ease your mind by reading the following advice for anyone who is buying life insurance for the first time.
Understand who (or what) you’re protecting
Major life changes like getting married, starting a family or buying a house are often when people think about buying life insurance for the first time.
While anyone experiencing a significant life event like getting married or starting a family often recognizes the need for life insurance, others may not realize they could benefit from it as well. For instance, did you know that stay-at-home parents and student loan cosigners could have a definite need for life insurance? An insurance agent can help you figure out who and what you need to protect.
Only buy the life insurance plan you can afford
Many people are surprised at how much life insurance they really need to protect the people and things they love most. Yet it’s a mistake to forgo any coverage at all if you can’t afford the plan you want. Something is definitely better than nothing, and you don’t need to purchase the best plan to take care of your family. (Need more good news? Life insurance is probably more affordable than you think.)
Think through your beneficiaries
A life insurance beneficiary is the person or entity you name in your life policy to receive funds in the event of your passing. Your beneficiary can be a person, business, trust, charity or even your church. And, you can have more than one. It’s important to make sure you think through who your beneficiaries are and if any proceeds meant to benefit a minor should be held in trust.
Consider how much life insurance you need
An insurance professional like an Erie Insurance agent can help you talk through what makes sense for your life and budget.
Buy from a financially sound company
You want the backing of a financially strong insurer if you or someone you love needs to call on the life insurance policy. A.M. Best, the largest and longest-established company devoted to issuing in-depth reports and financial strength ratings about insurance organizations, gave Erie Family Life Insurance Company a rating of A (Excellent).
Take into account current and future needs
Don’t just consider your current lifestyle, keep in mind your future needs and what those could include (a spouse, children or business). By taking in these considerations today, you’re investing in the security of your future. Life insurance is less expensive than most people think—and that’s especially true when you’re younger.
Learn about life insurance
While an insurance agent can certainly help you navigate the world of life insurance, it also helps to have a working knowledge of it. The “Life Sense” articles in this blog are a good starting point.
Work with a licensed insurance agent
A knowledgeable and professional insurance agent can offer trusted guidance when it comes to finding the right life insurance protection at the right price. An insurance agent is also a trusted person your family can turn to in a time of need. Talk to an your Erie Insurance Agent to learn more about your life insurance options and to get a free quote.
Certain terms and limitations may apply. Refer to our disclaimer. This story originally published in 2015.
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
