Getting an Instant Term Life Insurance Quote: A Closer Look

When shopping for term life insurance, you may see offers for “quick quotes” or forms for getting an instant term life insurance quote on the Internet. And, while these instant life insurance quote calculators can be useful for getting a ballpark estimate on what you may pay, it takes more than a quick quote to get an accurate rate. Among other things, you’ll need to speak to a licensed agent who will gather an in-depth profile of your health history, learn more about your coverage needs, and arrange for a free medical exam (a requirement for medically underwritten life insurance).

Quick quotes: a first step in the process

Companies often engage consumers with an instant life insurance quote or quick quote that is based on very little information about you. The fact is, the initial estimate is merely a preliminary step in the process. Ron Harris, president of Matrix Direct, one of the nation’s largest direct marketers of term life insurance, points out that every accurate term life insurance quote requires a discussion with a licensed agent and the completion of a medical exam. “People get a quick quote online and think it’s accurate, or very close. But it often isn’t. They must still talk to a professionally licensed agent and take a brief medical exam to get an accurate term life insurance quote. It can be an unwelcome surprise to think the rate is going to be one thing, then find out later in the process that it’s higher.”

Identifying your rate class - and premium

Medical exams pinpoint certain aspects of your health situation to determine the exact rate class. A simple blood test and urine sample measure cholesterol levels or screen for problems such as diabetes, liver or kidney disorders. Talking to a licensed agent can help to get a more accurate picture of lifestyle factors that are part of your profile. All of these data points are used to identify your rate class and ultimately your premium. “Sometimes premiums end up the same as an instant term life insurance quote, sometimes higher, sometimes lower. Until all the information is collected, there’s no way to know the exact premium,” Harris says.

The more time an insurance professional takes to learn about you, the better off you will be-- not only by helping to identify your accurate rate class, but by providing the information you need to determine the appropriate amount of coverage for your situation and the length of time for which you will want to keep your policy in-force.

Matrix Direct: We’re here to help

Matrix Direct is staffed with licensed life insurance agents who are ready to assist you with your term life insurance quote. Conveniently available by phone, our team of friendly, knowledgeable agents listens carefully to your specific objectives, asks the right questions, provides straightforward information, and guides you through the application process. Join the more than 5 million people who have already contacted Matrix Direct for assistance with their life insurance needs.

Click here to request a life insurance quote online.