The internet has become a very popular way to purchase life insurance policies. Remember all state laws and regulations regarding selling insurance apply to the Internet and insurance-based Web sites. Do some research and make sure the company is authorized to do business. Call the Insurance Consumer hotline before signing any policy.

Most people prefer to buy life insurance through an agent or broker.

Agents represent one or more companies. The agents job, is commission based to sell your policies of the company they represent.

Brokers represent and work for you. You would describe to the broker the type of coverage you want and the amount you want to spend. The brokers job is to survey the market and bring back options for you to review. The broker also receives a commission of the sales they arrange.

It is very wise to choose your agent or broker carefully.. Choose some who is an established business person in your community. If you have concerns about an insurance provider contact the Insurance Consumer Hotline.

You do not need a lawyer to resolve disputes in most cases, most insurance companies will generally be willing to work with your to straighten out any problems.

First contact your insurance agent. If your concerns are not addressed contact the company’s customer service office. If customer service fails short of your expectation ask about the company’s procedure for appealing decisions.

If your self-help efforts fall short then the next step is to contact the Department Of Insurance Office of Consumer Services, and speak to a life insurance analyst. Your analyst will answer your questions over the phone and explain any additional steps you should take to resolve your problems. The staff will give you an honest and unbiased answers to all your questions.

If this explanation does not satisfy you, you can then request a complaint form which your insurance analyst will mail to you with instructions of how to fill the complaint form. Your analyst will review all the facts to make sure the company follows its contract with you as well as Insurance Regulations.

The most frequent complaints about Life Insurance are:

1. Misrepresentation
2. Information requested
3. Coverage question
4. Claim denial

Most agents are very professional and honest but remember a dishonest agent can confuse you with a sales pitch designed for high sales commission with little regard to the impact it might have on you financially.

A good agent can be your best ally and advocate if you have a problem with the insurance company.

It is always good to get recommendations from friends, business acquaintances, banker or lawyer about finding the best agent you want to buy your life insurance from.

Insurance agents are all required to be licensed. But I personally look for an agent with extensive education beyond the bare minimum required for a license. These agents may use initials after their names to let you know you are dealing with a well-trained professional. Some examples:

CLU: Chartered Life Underwriter

ChFC: Chartered Financial Consultant

FLMI: Fellow of Life Management Institute

CFP: Certified Financial Planner

• Decide how much you need (the amount of death benefits)
• How long you want the life insurance to cover you (1, 5,10, 15, 20, or more years)
• Compare insurance premiums with other companies
• Find out if the insurance policy fees are built into the premiums
• Ask is the life insurance policy is renewable
• Find out if it is convertible to whole life insurance
• Ask if participating life insurance policies are available (potential for dividends)

You can purchase term life insurance from an insurance agent but some companies market term insurance through the mail, internet or TV.