Second to Die Life Insurance Policies
Not only do you not know when you will die, but you probably don't know much about insurance – and that's a major problem. In fact, 43% of American adults don't have life insurance. Second-to-Die Life Insurance Policies are a game-changing product that gives financial security and peace of mind for today's generation, as well as children who may not be born yet. In this blog post, I'll introduce Second to Die life insurance policies in detail and let you know how these policies can help your family finances in the event of an untimely death or accident.
Second to Die is considered the best way to protect your family by far among its high class competitors.
What Are Second to Die Life Insurance Policies?
A Second-to-Die policy is specifically designed for those who can't afford a typical life insurance policy. The cost of the premium for this type of policy is usually split between two people, hence the name "Second to Die". It is essentially two life insurance policies in one: a first-to-die policy and the second-to-die policy.
These policies are also known as "Double Need" or "Double Durable" policies. The name “Double Durable” comes from its ability to continue paying out if either the insurer or person insured dies before the contract expires.
Second to Die policies are also known as “shared-risk” policies. The insurance company is betting that both people will live longer than the term of the policy. If one person dies, the other, usually a spouse or parent, keeps the money. If both die before the policy expires, for whatever reason, then there is no payout and it’s considered a loss for the insurer. Typically, these policies cover a period of time that is longer than a typical life insurance policy. The term "double" can refer to the number of beneficiaries, which in this case are usually two people or more.
You might be thinking: why would anyone buy a second-to-die policy if they know someone will die before the contract expires? It’s tough to know what’s going to happen in the future and Second to Die policies are designed for those people who need coverage but who have no idea when that will happen. In addition, it's often free or inexpensive for such people to purchase this type of insurance.
How Does a Second-to-Die Policy Work?
For the person who is going to buy the second-to-die policy, the family must meet certain requirements in order to qualify. The person purchasing the policy will pay a one time premium, which could be as little as $10 or $100. The total cost of the policy will be split between the two people or beneficiaries on whom it will depend; usually, that would be one spouse and any children that may benefit from this type of insurance.
The premium covers both people's contract benefits until they die. If one of them dies before their contract expires, then his or her beneficiary becomes responsible for paying both premiums until their own death.
Unlike a typical life insurance policy, the premiums for the second-to-die policy are paid separately by the two people who will benefit from the policy. They may be paid directly to the insurer, or in some cases it may be possible to invest such funds and earn a return on these investments.
The benefit under a second-to-die policy is calculated using a formula that takes into account age, health and mortality rates. These factors determine how much life insurance coverage is needed in order to protect the family's assets or income if one of them dies prematurely. For example, older people (those over 60 years old) typically cost more because they are more likely to die sooner than younger people and their premiums increase accordingly.
If the person who is paying the premiums dies before his or her contract expires, then there is no payout. The remaining recipient gets to keep the money that has already been paid in. If both people die before their policy expires, there is no payout and there is a loss for the insurance company.
Is Second-to-Die Life Insurance Right for You?
If you are single, then you should first give some serious thought to getting life insurance protection for you and your family on your own. In a group setting such as an employer sponsored health plan, it may not be possible to add a children’s rider (which allows coverage of children even if they are not listed on the policy).
If you can't find a policy that provides adequate coverage, and if the cost of the policy seems too high based on your income, then consider buying life insurance on another level: a shared-risk or second-to-die policy. These policies might be a game-changer in your family's financial life with regard to expenses and investments.
However, such policies are not for everyone. They may not be for those who want to keep the insurance company's money once they have paid all of their premiums. Moreover, these policies may be unsuitable for those who are on a fixed income or who don’t have enough assets to cover the cost of the premiums.
If you decide that you are suitable for such a policy, then contact your insurance agent to set up an appointment. Here's a guide on how to setup an appointment with an agent:
How much does Second To Die cost?
Second-to-Die is designed to suit people who can't afford traditional life insurance. Typically they would have a low income. The amount of premium needed is determined by the age and health of the person who will receive the benefit.
What Do I Need To Know About Second-to-Die Life Insurance?
If you think that you qualify for a second-to-die life insurance policy, then you will want to consider the following information:
The minimum amount of coverage required by the insurer is typically $500,000. While there are some insurers who will insure less than this amount, most require at least $500,000. In order to be insured, the policyholder must purchase a coverage period of 10 years or more; in some cases even 15 years is required. A partial payment could be made in one lump sum payment or in smaller installments over time. Typically, you will receive a notification letter if the payment is received within 45 days. If the premium is not received within this time period, then you may be responsible for paying a certain amount per month to your insurer until the premium is paid. While it's possible to buy second-to-die policies on an installment basis or through a savings plan, there are some insurers who will not allow these types of payments. In such cases, it will be necessary for you to make one lump sum payment if you want insurance coverage. There should be no penalty provision on paying more than the annual minimum amount as long as you pay in advance; however, it may be possible that the insurance company will charge interest on late payments.
Conclusion
The second-to-die life insurance may not be right for everyone. It's a kind of life insurance that you will want to discuss with your financial advisor before making a decision. Ask plenty of questions about it and how it would be paid out if you died prematurely. This type of policy might not be the best option for older people or those with a large family, since these people will likely require more coverage than younger individuals. Remember that there are many other alternatives to protect your loved ones if something happens to you, such as life insurance savings plans or mutual funds which offer higher coverage levels at affordable prices.