Whether you’ve been on the hunt for a new life insurance policy or you’ve had one for a while now, you’ve probably noticed a considerable price difference when it comes to term life insurance. Term life has gained more popularity over the years because it’s affordable but still offers income protection for people of all ages.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why term life insurance quotes are typically less expensive than other forms of coverage.
What is term life insurance?
Term life insurance provides short-term coverage with low-cost premiums. The term is typically much shorter than policies like whole or universal life insurance, which helps to keep costs down.
In term life, the coverage typically decreases at each term renewal, creating a sliding scale for the cost of coverage. This allows flexibility in your term length and pricing options to find an affordable term life policy that meets your needs.
Term life insurance has a limited term length
As mentioned earlier, term life insurance provides coverage for a specified period, typically between one and thirty years. This limited duration means the insurer is taking on less risk than permanent life insurance, which provides coverage for your entire life. The shorter the term, the less risky it is for the insurer and the lower the premium.
Term life insurance does not build cash value over time
Cash value is a savings component of permanent life insurance policies, which accumulates over time and can be used to borrow against or withdraw from. Because term life insurance does not have a cash value component, there is no investment element, so the premiums are lower.
Term life insurance has a simple structure
The structure of term life insurance policies is also relatively simple, contributing to the lower cost. Term life insurance policies have straightforward terms and conditions, with no complicated investment or savings features. This simplicity means that insurers can offer term life insurance policies at a lower cost than more complex permanent life insurance policies.
Competition leads to lower premiums
The life insurance industry is highly competitive, with many insurers vying for customers’ business. This competition can lead to lower premiums for term life insurance policies as insurers try to attract customers with more affordable rates. Because term life insurance policies are relatively straightforward, insurers can compete on price, offering lower premiums to attract customers.
A term life policy can be customized
Term life insurance policies are highly customizable, which means that policyholders can choose the coverage amount and term length that best suits their needs and budget.
This flexibility allows policyholders to tailor their coverage to their specific circumstances, which can help to keep premiums low. For example, policyholders can choose a shorter-term length if they only need coverage for a specific period of time, such as until their children reach adulthood. They can also choose a lower coverage amount if they have fewer financial obligations, such as a mortgage or other debt.
Bottom Line
Term life insurance is typically the least expensive form of life insurance coverage due to its fixed term length, more straightforward underwriting process, pure insurance coverage, and high level of customization.
While permanent life insurance policies may offer more features and benefits, they often come with higher premiums that may not be affordable for all individuals. As such, term life insurance is a popular and cost-effective option for those seeking life insurance coverage.