When it comes to life insurance, having coverage that matches your financial and personal needs: enough to replace lost income in case of death or incapacity, settle debts and cover expenses like tuition and mortgage payments. However, when your coverage exceeds those needs, you may have too much life insurance.
A good rule of thumb is to have coverage equating to 10 to 15 times your annual income, plus any debt and future expenses. Insurance companies use calculations to determine how much they will insure you for, and typically cap coverage at around 20 to 40 times your annual income, based on age. This helps prevent you from becoming overinsured. Still, this cap often exceeds what is actually needed which leads to higher premiums without added benefits.
Another aspect to consider is how your life insurance and investments are incorporated into your estate plan. For example, some policies grow a cash value making them an asset. If you have questions about these specifics or are worried you might be overinsured, life insurance experts can assess your specific situation. Remember, as your life changes so should your policy.
The problem with having too much life insurance
If you think you might have too much life insurance, the first step is to contact a good, licensed agent. They can provide you with perspective and guidance about the best options for reducing coverage and explain any applicable restrictions or life insurance problems. This will also give you advice on the best way to reduce your premiums.
Most insurance providers permit a reduction in coverage, though some may require a waiting period of a year or more before any changes can be made. For both term life and whole life insurance, decreasing your policy amount is subject to only a few limitations.
Some permanent life insurance policies such as adjustable life insurance offer more flexibility when you desire to you change your coverage period, premiums or reduce your death benefit. In addition, some permanent policies may allow you to use your accrued cash value to lower your premiums.
If lowering premiums without decreasing the face value of your policy is your goal, there might be alternative solutions. Significant lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or losing weight, could qualify you for lower rates through a process known as reconsideration. This involves retaking the life insurance medical exam a year or two after your policy starts, which potentially leads to a better health classification and lower premiums.
Getting the right policy for you
Having too much life insurance means you’re paying for coverage that isn’t necessary. However, with the right life insurance policy tailored to your specific needs, you can have just the right amount of coverage.
Plus, it’s important to regularly evaluate your current policy, especially when life circumstances change. A thorough life insurance review can help you adjust your coverage, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your current and future financial goals. That’s the best way to be certain you have the right amount of insurance at the right cost for your particular situation.