Best Life Insurance Companies in Merced

FAQs

• How long does it take for Merced life insurance claims to be processed?

  The majority of Merced life insurance claims are paid out within 10 days of the beneficiary providing a valid death certificate. As long as the premiums are paid, the specified beneficiary will receive the guaranteed death benefit, which is a tax-free payout equal to the policy's face value less any outstanding policy debt.

• Can you name more than one beneficiary on your life insurance policy in Merced?

  You can name more than one beneficiary on your life insurance policy in Merced. This can be accomplished using either the per stirpes or the per capita method. The first method grants a share even to a deceased beneficiary; this share is then distributed evenly among the recipient's heirs. The second distributes the benefit to all recipients who are still alive and have been specified in the first.

• Does Merced impose taxes on life insurance death benefits?

  No, your life insurance proceeds are distributed tax-free to your designated recipient or beneficiaries in Merced upon your death. Funeral expenses, debt, school tuition, estate taxes, and almost any other financial need may be covered by this. Your policy can also help to ensure the security of your company by allowing colleagues to purchase the interests of a deceased partner and avoid forced liquidation.

• When is a good time to review your life insurance policy in Merced?

  Life changes may necessitate that you modify your life insurance policy to meet your current needs. This may occur for Merced policyholders when they marry, divorce, have children, launch a new business, purchase a home, or inherit a substantial estate. People whose health has deteriorated, whose family members require long-term care, or who are financially supporting a parent are also encouraged to have their insurance policies reviewed.

• What precautions should you take when purchasing life insurance in Merced?

  If you are thinking about purchasing, reviewing, or replacing life insurance in Merced, you should call the California Department of Insurance toll-free number at 1-800-927-4357 to confirm the legitimacy of the agent and insurance company. In addition to keeping your policy or contract in a safe place, you should never sign a form that is blank, incomplete, or that you do not understand.

• Which is better, term or whole life insurance?

  Life insurance is a personal financial tool, so the right type of insurance for you depends on your goals and current situation. One of the main differences between term life insurance and whole life insurance is that term life insurance only covers you for a set period of time. Once you meet the premium payment requirements on a whole life plan, it covers you for the rest of your life. Whole life insurance also builds cash value, making it a potential investment. But whole life insurance is typically much more expensive than term life insurance.

• How much life insurance do I need?

  A common recommendation is purchasing life insurance that is equal to five times your current salary, or more. But you can also estimate how much life insurance you need by adding up your debts, annual expenses for dependents multiplied by the years you want to ensure support, and any other items you wish to cover, such as a future wedding or college tuition.

• How does life insurance work?

  The details of how life insurance works depend on your individual plan, but the basics are as follows: 

  • You pay a premium to purchase the insurance. Typically the premium is paid monthly, but it could be rolled into quarterly, bi-annual, or annual payments. 
  • As long as you are meeting or have met premium obligations, if you pass away, the insurance company makes the agreed-upon payment to the beneficiaries you designated. 
  • Beneficiaries usually have to provide the insurance company with a death certificate to receive their payments.

• How much is life insurance?

  The cost of life insurance ranges widely. Term life insurance can cost as little as a few dollars a day, and whole life insurance can cost thousands per month on the high end. Factors that impact the cost of your life insurance include whether you're choosing term life insurance or whole life insurance, your age, how much coverage you want, your overall health, and your gender.

• Is life insurance taxable?

  Life insurance proceeds are the funds paid via your plan to your beneficiaries if you pass away. These are also called death benefits. Typically, these are not considered income for taxes. If you take out cash value from a whole life insurance investment and the amount exceeds how much you paid in premiums, the difference may be considered taxable income.

  
  

• Can I buy health insurance that is not Obamacare?

  When people say "Obamacare insurance," they typically mean insurance within the health insurance marketplace. You can get health insurance outside of the marketplace by going through your employer, choosing COBRA coverage if you leave your job, or buying a short-term health insurance policy through an insurance agent. ACA-compliant plans meet all the benefits and coverage requirements of the Affordable Care Act. But you may be able to find supplemental or short-term coverage that simply provides peace of mind for major medical expenses.

• Can I buy health insurance anytime?

  To buy health insurance in the marketplace, you must purchase it within open or special enrollment periods. But you can purchase short-term coverage to bridge the gap between now and the next open enrollment period. These plans are meant to be used for less than a year. You can purchase them online or via insurance agents, but they may not be ACA-compliant.

• Who should buy supplemental health insurance?

  Supplemental health insurance is a product that helps cover the cost of services that your primary health insurance policy doesn't. One popular option is secondary insurance that helps cover some of the costs associated with high deductibles. Medicare supplemental insurance is also popular. Medicare doesn't cover everything, and older adults on a limited income can face large prescription or medical bills after Medicare pays. Supplemental insurance helps reduce those patient costs.