Smoking Can Kill Your Wallet When It Comes to Smokers Life Insurance in Richmond, VA

When life insurance agents in Richmond,VA look out into the world they see two types of prospective customers. Every individual person fits into one of the two categories. They are either smokers or non-smokers. 

Someone who occasionally smokes socially and someone who smokes everyday can end up in the same insurance category. He will pay even more if he smokes more than 20 cigarettes a day. Often premium rates for smokers can be up to three times the rate non-smokers pay. This is because insurance companies believe that smoking amplifies the risk of untimely death. 

The financial penalties of smoking extend far past the price of a pack of cigarettes. In addition to the nickel-and-dime of a pack of smokes every time he runs out, the smoker endures costly consequences to lighting up. 

Homes and vehicles that retain the stench of cigarette smoke lose resale value. Smokers can also be penalized when shopping for a new home because insurance companies believe smokers are more likely to burn down the house. 

Smokers will also pay more for health insurance, dry cleaning and yearly teeth cleaning appointments. All of these costs add up quickly to put a hefty dent in a smokers wallet. 

It isn't simply what a smoker pays in extra an expense that reduces funds, but being paid less in the first place can cause his bank account to suffer as well. Studies have shown that smokers earn up to 11 percent less than non-smokers. These figures not only take into account time wasted on smoke breaks, but first impressions as well. Smokers may be perceived as less attractive and therefore passed by for jobs. 

Insurance costs aren't the only money matters smokers have to worry about; however, it is a huge issue. A smoker literally burns his money away. That nicotine rush can cost thousands of dollars a year more in insurance premiums. 

While saving money on insurance premiums may not persuade him to quit smoking, a smoker may not be conscious of how much the habit is actually costing him. He may even lose his job. There have been several companies in the news recently who have fired employees who smoke simply because they pay more insurance on smokers than non-smokers. 

It begs the question, is it worth the cost?

But, the high cost of smoking doesn't necessarily only affect the smoker himself. Documented studies have shown that Americans spend over 60 billion dollars a year treating smoking related illnesses. Women who choose to smoke during pregnancy cost the country another 3 billion dollars a year. It also causes the deaths of 2,500 unborn babies a year and results in low birth weight and life-long complications in countless others. 

Fires set by smokers who fall asleep or are otherwise careless with their habit, cost the government 500 million dollars a year. The human cost is great, as fires started by cigarettes take the lives of more than 2,000 people a year. 

Smokers with group life insurance push up premiums for smokers in the same pool by 4 billion dollars a year. 

Smoking is by far the most prevalent cause of untimely death in the United States today. More than 400,000 people a year pay with their money and their lives to light up a cigarette. 

That quick fix can not only be deadly, but greatly reduce quality of life as well. Be it human life, depreciation of property, health factors or jacked-up life insurance premiums, the decision to smoke cigarettes is costly.

No one said it would be easy but giving up smoking is worth it and perfectly achievable aim. Why not join the band of ex-smokers, starting from today? If are you now a reformed smoker, we have some even better news for you.

You can expect more than increased life expectancy and a vast improvement in your well-being if you quit smoking. The saving in your life insurance premiums will be noticeable too. While it’s true that you might have to wait a little while before this last saving is within your grasp, in the meantime your savings on cigarettes can make quite a difference to your pocket. 

It’s quite usual to find that insurance companies require you to have had a five year smoke-free period. Technically they say not smoked or used nicotine products. 

There are, however, some insurers who'll reward you for your good behaviour by reducing the non-smoking period to just 12 months. If you can, hand on heart, say that you've refrained from smoking for a whole year, then find out what your insurers stance is on this. If you can do better, then do your homework and consider changing to a more sympathetic insurer. As a smoker youll have been paying in the region of 60% more for your life insurance coverage so savings are on the cards. At this stage, leave your old coverage in place. You don't want to leave yourself uninsured and shouldn't do anything hasty until you have acceptance, in writing, from your new insurer.

To find out all about changing your insurance company you'll need to find a life insurance agent. The internet is the best place to look. Comparison sites will not be particularly useful as they won’t give the information regarding the non-smoking period. Your life insurance agent will be able to give you all the information that you need, make comparisons for you, bearing the 12 month rule in mind. Start off by talking to a human being and explaining your situation!

Your quotes will come through quickly. You can then compare these with what your current policy is costing you, which will of course have been worked out when you were a smoker. Its the overall cost that counts and we think you may be quite impressed with the saving. There is no limit to the amount of help and quotations you can receive, your agent will be happy to help and there’s no obligation on your part.

When you have pinpointed a particular quotation that interests you and has the 12 month condition, it'll be time to complete an application form. Do go through this carefully and read every question. Answer in full and be completely honest. Sometimes people try to reduce the premium by trying to put in the answer they think the insurer wants to hear, rather than the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. It’s simply not worth it.

The first price which you were quoted would be the insurance company's standard terms. The questions regarding things like health and weight may have some effect on the final figure. By leaving your current insurance in place, you'll have time to consider the quotation and make sure that you have the saving your twelve months of good behavior deserves.

Don't be discouraged from switching insurers, it’s very little trouble as far as you're concerned and it’s what the agent is there for. 

Don't put it off. Start the ball rolling today.

The insurance industry is constantly evolving. Life insurance providers are forever trying to refine the balance between cost and coverage. As competition gets stronger, companies are working harder than ever to bring you the best protection at a price you can afford.

Whether you are searching for Burial insurance, annuities, life insurance or niche plans such as guaranteed issue life insurance, you need to be one step ahead of the game if you want to get the most out of your policy. This is where we come in...

Your family will always come first; you wouldn`t want them to have to bear the financial burden of your last days. No matter what your age, it`s always good to have a plan as to how you intend to cover these costs. Final expense insurance will pay for your funeral service and other associated costs.

We know about the benefits and pitfalls of group versus single insurance policies; employer sponsored health plans; term versus whole life and other insurance `gray areas` that customers often wish to better understand. Please don`t hesitate to call us with your questions, no matter whether you are a valued customer, a potential one, or if you simply need advice.