Comparison checklist
How to choose a final expense policy
Five questions, asked in writing, separate honest offers from expensive ones. This is the checklist.
Calls may be recorded for quality and matching purposes.
The five questions
- Which benefit type is this — level, graded, or modified? And exactly what pays in years one and two?
- Which insurance carrier issues this policy? Name, and its ratings — not the marketing brand on the mailer
- What is the exact face amount and fixed monthly premium? On the carrier’s illustration, not a worksheet
- Was I tier-tested? Did the agent try level-benefit eligibility across carriers before quoting graded or guaranteed issue?
- What is the free-look period? Every state provides one (commonly 10–30 days) — a full-refund window to reconsider
Verifying the humans
Every agent must hold a life insurance license in your state — verify by name or NPN through your state insurance department’s free lookup. Legitimate agents volunteer this. Decline anything that requires deciding on the first call; fixed premiums mean tomorrow’s price equals today’s.