Term life insurance: Money-saving tips

Term life insurance is the most affordable way to protect your family's future. As inexpensive as term life insurance is, there are money-saving tips that will ensure you are paying only what you need. Get the most value for your dollar by checking out the following helpful tips that will save you money while still getting great protection.

1. Get coverage early - the sooner you buy life insurance the less your annual premiums: Some people are gamblers by nature and choose to take their chances by skipping out on life insurance. Although it is unlikely you'll die during your working years, you're not insuring for what's likely to happen but instead, for the worst-case scenario. That's why term life insurance costs less the younger you are. It is also why you should buy it sooner rather than later-because you'll be providing financial security without spending a lot of money for it.

For example, if we look at the cost to purchase a $250,000 Term 10 life insurance policy you'll see how delaying purchasing a policy by just a few years could cost you more in annual premiums.

For male non-smokers*: A 35 year-old may get quotes for as little as $195 per year for a 10-year total cost of $1,950. A 40 year-old may get quotes for as little as $263 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,630. A 45 year-old may get quotes for as little as $373 per year for a 10-year total cost of $3,730.

For female non-smokers*: A 35 year-old may get quotes for as little as $165 per year for a 10-year total cost of $1,650. A 40 year-old may get quotes for as little as $210 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,100. A 45 year-old may get quotes for as little as $270 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,700.

* Lowest quote online from February 2006 for a Term 10 policy, one of the most popular life insurance products in Canada. Premiums shown are the rates if paid annually.

2. When your age isn't really your age: Your next birthday may be 6 months away but in the eyes of most life insurers you've already hit that next magical number. When you get a life insurance quote, the rate you are given is based on the age you are closest to which, 50 per cent of the time is your age at your next birthday. It's a term called "Age Nearest", and that half-year price increase could really add up. See the difference yourself.

For male non-smokers*:

A 39 year-old may get quotes for as little as $248 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,480 A 40 year-old may get quotes for as little as $263 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,630.

A savings of $150

A 44 year-old may get quotes for as little as $345 per year for a 10-year total cost of $3,450. A 45 year-old may get quotes for as little as $373 per year for a 10-year total cost of $3,730.

A savings of $280

For a female non-smoker*:

A 39 year-old may get quotes for as little as $200 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,000 A 40 year-old may get quotes for as little as $210 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,100.

A savings of $100

A 44 year-old may get quotes for as little as $255 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,550. A 45 year-old may get quotes for as little as $270 per year for a 10-year total cost of $2,700.

A savings of $150

* Lowest quote online in January 2006 for a Term 10 policy. Premiums shown are the rates if paid annually.

3. If you're a smoker ask about incentive programs aimed at helping you quit: While not all life insurance companies offer incentive programs to help you quit, some do and could save you money if you are thinking about buying life insurance and quitting smoking. For example, one such company will refund you an amount equal to the difference between the premiums you already paid as a smoker and those you would have paid had you not smoked. What's more, once you quit smoking, this same company will adjust your premiums to non-smoker rates based on the age you were when you purchased the policy, not the age you are at the time you quit!

4. Check out your payment/billing options: Many life insurance life insurance companies offer discounts to consumers who pay their annual premiums up front. If you have the money handy, you could save up to 10 per cent of your policy's premium each year. For example:

* A 35 year-old male with $250,000 in coverage can pay $195 up front per year for life insurance coverage. If paid in monthly installments, however, the annual premium jumps to about $215. Paying up front can save this person $20 per year!

* A 40 year-old male with $250,000 in coverage can pay $263 up front per year for life insurance coverage. If paid in monthly installments, however, the annual premium jumps to about $288. Paying up front can save this person $25 per year!

* A 45 year-old male with $250,000 in coverage can pay $373 up front per year for life insurance coverage. If paid in monthly installments, however, the annual premium jumps to about $407. Paying up front can save this person $34 per year!

Life insurance made even more affordable: With these money-saving tips in hand, Term Life insurance is more affordable than ever. There is no better time than now to get the coverage you and your family need.