How can I lower my smokers life insurance rate? If I stopped smoking last month, can I ask my life insurance agent to re-evaluate my life insurance rate?
Jeff
Oklahoma City, OK
Cigarette smoking lowers the life expectancy of the user. Because of this risk to the life insurance company, you, as the smoker, will be placed in the smoker risk category and will receive a smoker life insurance rate. This will apply even though you are in good health condition. Smoking can lead to health problems like cancers of the oral cavity, lung, esophagus and larynx. Smoking is also associated to the cancer of the pancreas. If you are an “occasional” smoker, some life insurance companies may qualify you for the non-smoking rates. “Occasional” smoking is generally defined as smoking 12 cigarettes a year. If this is the case, the result of your medical exam in your urine sample must be nicotine-free.
In your case, you have already received a smoker’s life insurance policy. If you have quit for years, you may ask your life insurance agent to reclassify your smokers life insurance rate. Life insurance companies have different rules on how long must an insured be smoke-free. You can contact your life insurance agent to check this.
Note that severe consequence awaits you if your insurer catches you to regular smoking, which you lied about. You may pass a urinalysis test but if you die due to smoke-related problem, the life insurance company can deny the claim.