Life insurance is a smart investment for your future, especially if you have debts greater than your cash savings. This protects your family in the event you die before paying off your student loans or credit card debt. With so many life insurance options on the market, though, it’s easy to find one that suits your needs and your budget, too. However, getting the best rate possible requires knowledge and strategy. Use these tips to get your best life insurance rate:

Stop Using Tobacco Products

Smoking or the use of other tobacco products will increase your life insurance premiums because of the proven negative effects to human health. If you stop smoking now, your rates – and your health – will thank you.

Exercise Frequently

Getting in better physical shape means lower life insurance premiums because the healthier you are, the lower the risk to the insurance company. You don’t have to start competing in triathlons or spending every waking moment at the gym – incremental chance can make a positive impact. For instance, walking for a half hour every day will improve your heart health and your blood pressure, meaning a lower blood pressure reading during your life insurance physical exam.

Shop Around

Just because you lock in a great rate, it doesn’t mean you should stop looking at other options. In fact, with so much competition in the marketplace, it behooves you to review your policy every three years and compare it to other available policies. Sometimes, your insurance company may even agree to adjust your rate a bit in order to keep you as a customer, so be your own best advocate and never stop looking for a better rate.

For many people, life insurance is an incredibly cost-effective and valuable asset – as long as you can get a great rate. As you shop for the best policy for your situation, consider the above tips in order to get the best rate possible.

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