Can You Get Life Insurance with a Criminal Record?

Life insurance is a major part of a family’s financial security, and with the right policy, you can make sure that your family will be protected in case the worst happens. So looking for a policy is the right choice! But you’ll need to apply for a policy, and you should know that life insurance companies consider multiple factors when deciding if they should offer you coverage. They will review your health, finances, driving record, and even your criminal record. And if your record includes a felony or misdemeanor, it’s important that you are honest on your application. So how exactly does a criminal record affect your ability to get a life insurance policy?

Do Life Insurance Companies Ask About Criminal Records?person holding a question over their face

Insurers will typically do background checks on all applicants, including asking about your criminal record, primarily to prevent insurance fraud. They will also ask about your criminal record to help determine rates and eligibility. This is because, to them, your criminal record is one indicator of the risk they are taking in insuring you. And remember, the higher the risk they consider you, the higher your premiums will be.

Eligibility With A Criminal Record

If you don’t have a completely clean record, it’s natural to wonder if you’ll still be approved for a life insurance policy, or if certain types of crimes will disqualify you from getting a policy. Life insurance is based on risk factors including criminal records, but in many situations you will still be eligible. 

Can You Be Denied?

The specifics in your record will matter, and different companies will have different rules for eligibility. For example, repeat offenses might mean being denied a policy. Certain crimes might also make you more likely to be denied, including things like insurance fraud.

If You Are Denied…person pressing the words Plan B

It can be very frustrating to deal with a life insurance denial because of past mistakes. But just because you’ve been denied by one company doesn’t mean that all insurers will deny you. Different life insurance companies have different requirements and criteria for providing policies to individuals, so it’s very important to compare different policies from different companies.

There are many great affordable life insurance options to choose from that will provide enough money for your family, for a low monthly price. The best way to find the right life insurance policy for you and your specific needs is by working with an agent who specializes in life insurance. We have provided the top life insurance companies in the nation below; each offers hassle-free assistance and the most competitive rates. Always check multiple sites to make sure you have bargaining power and know the advantages of each company. Make sure a hard time isn’t made harder by a financial burden, check life insurance rates today.

What To Do If Your Are Denied Life Insurance

Rejection happens to the best of us. Things are no different when it comes to life insurance: some companies might reject your application for a policy. If you get denied for life insurance coverage, you might question why you were denied. There could be a number of reasons, such as your financial history, health, lifestyle, or driving record. But the good news is, just because you’ve been rejected by one company doesn’t mean you can’t get a life insurance policy! Once the shock of being denied has settled, there are steps you can take to find a great, affordable life insurance policy that will give you and your family peace of mind.

tablet with mail on it and microscope over it
If you are denied life insurance, then collect information as to why you were denied to make sure there was no mistake.

Collect Information

The first thing you need to do is begin gathering information in regards to why you were denied life insurance. This will help you to understand what happened, and help figure out if there was some sort of misunderstanding. As an applicant, you have the right to request this information.

Verify Results

One possible reason for your denial could be a simple error. You or the insurance company could have made a mistake when filling out paperwork, or the information you have given could be incomplete. In addition, you could have medical records that have not been updated or are not detailed enough. Double check with the insurance company, your doctor if the problem is related to your health, or the Department of Motor Vehicles if there was an issue with your driving record. If for some reason there was an error, you can appeal the decision with the documentation necessary to reverse the insurance company’s decision.

Make Some Lifestyle Changes

woman's hand rejecting a pack of cigarettes in a man's hand.
If you quit smoking, you can re-apply for life insurance and get a cheaper rate.

If you are denied due to pre-existing conditions, or being a smoker, you can increase your odds of being approved for a different life insurance policy by making some changes. Show that you are willing to manage your conditions with regular exercise and healthy eating. Stop smoking if you can, which will even allow you to get lower rates! And don’t give up: in some cases, a life insurance company will not deny you outright, but will postpone your application a couple of months to give you time to make some changes. They will usually do this if you have had a recent medical diagnosis, so you have time to adjust to the changes and any new medication. 

Explore Your Options!

Life insurance companies all rate the risk of different medical conditions in different ways. So if you are denied because of a medical condition, there might be another company that will provide you with coverage. Remember, too, that there are a number of different types of policies to choose from that will offer your family protection when you are gone. For example, if you get rejected for permanent life insurance, you could still apply for a different type of policy, such as term life insurance, simplified issue life insurance, or final expense life insurance. You will be accepted for simplified issue life insurance even if you have a pre-existing condition, because this type of coverage does not require a medical exam. The possibilities are endless when it comes to getting a life insurance policy, all you have to do is shop around and work with an agent. 

A rejected application doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to get life insurance to protect your family and their assets. There are many different life insurance policies to choose from, and even with health conditions, you can find an affordable plan with great coverage. Consider using online tools, or speaking with an agent. We have provided the top insurance companies that offer life insurance policies below; each can give you hassle-free assistance and the most competitive rates in the nation. Always check multiple sites to make sure you have bargaining power and know the advantages of each company. Make sure a hard time isn’t made harder by a financial burden, check life insurance rates today.

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