Question 1

What types of life insurance do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We usually help people compare three options: whole life, term life, and final expense. Whole life is meant to last for life. Term life covers a set number of years, usually 10, 20, or 30. Final expense is a smaller policy people often use for funeral costs and other end-of-life bills. Since we work with more than one A-rated carrier, your agent can help you compare what fits your budget.

Question 2

How much coverage do I need?

Accepted Answer

A common rule of thumb is 10 to 12 times your income, then adjusting for your mortgage, debts, and the people who count on you. Families with young kids often need more. Someone closer to retirement may need less. Your agent can help you run the numbers based on your actual situation, not a canned formula.

Question 3

What's the difference between whole life and term life?

Accepted Answer

Term life covers you for a set period and is usually the lower-cost way to get more coverage. That's why a lot of families choose it while the kids are young or the mortgage is still hanging around. Whole life is built to stay in place for life and can build cash value over time. Some people choose one or the other. Some use both.

Question 4

Do you offer final expense insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Final expense is a smaller whole life policy that people often use for funeral costs, burial costs, and smaller debts. Many plans do not require a medical exam. It can make sense for older applicants or anyone who wants modest coverage that may be easier to qualify for.

Question 5

What's the minimum and maximum coverage amount?

Accepted Answer

Coverage can start around $5,000 for final expense and go into the millions for term or whole life, depending on the carrier and your application. Most families we work with look somewhere between $100,000 and $1,000,000. Your agent can show a few side-by-side options so you can compare price and coverage without guessing.

Question 6

Can I get coverage if I have pre-existing conditions?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. We work with more than one carrier, so we can look at options for people with diabetes, heart conditions, past cancer, tobacco use, and other health concerns. What's available and what it costs depends on your history, but your agent can usually tell you pretty quickly which options are worth looking at.

Question 7

Do I need a medical exam?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many policies can be approved without a medical exam, and those applications usually start with a short health questionnaire. Bigger policies or more complicated cases may still need one. If the carrier asks for an exam, they set it up and cover the cost.

Question 8

How long does approval take?

Accepted Answer

Some applications are approved the same day. Others take a few days. If the carrier needs an exam or medical records, it can take longer. Your agent will keep you posted so you're not left wondering what's going on.

Question 9

What documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

Most applications require a government-issued ID, your Social Security number, and basic details like income and any coverage you already have. If you're naming beneficiaries, it helps to have their full names, dates of birth, and relationship to you ready. If your carrier needs anything else, your agent will tell you upfront.

Question 10

Can I apply online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After your consultation, your agent can send you a secure application to review and sign on your phone or computer. No printing. No mailing. If you'd rather do it over the phone, that's usually an option too.

Question 11

Can my spouse apply at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A lot of couples do this together. Your agent can compare options for both spouses, help you figure out the right amount of coverage for the household, and review any household discounts that may be available. Each person is still approved individually, but you can handle the planning together.

Question 12

How do I pay my premium?

Accepted Answer

Premiums are paid directly to the carrier, usually by automatic bank draft or card. Many carriers also offer quarterly, semi-annual, or annual billing. Once the policy is active, you can usually manage payment details through the carrier's portal.

Question 13

Can I change my payment method?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In most cases, you can update your payment method through the carrier's portal. If not, your Patriot agent can point you to the right form or customer service line. That includes changing bank accounts, updating an expired card, or switching payment frequency.

Question 14

What happens if I miss a payment?

Accepted Answer

Most life insurance policies include a grace period, often around 30 days, so one late payment does not usually end coverage right away. If the payment still isn't made after that window, the policy can lapse. If you think you might miss a payment, call your agent or carrier as soon as you can and talk through the options.

Question 15

Can I increase or decrease my coverage?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. Whether you can raise it, lower it, or change the structure depends on the carrier and the policy. Increasing coverage often means going through underwriting again. Some term policies can also be converted to whole life during the carrier's conversion window. Your agent can explain what applies to your policy.

Question 16

Can I change my beneficiary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you own the policy, you can usually update your beneficiary whenever you need to, unless the current designation is irrevocable. The carrier will usually ask for a signed change form. Your Patriot agent can help you get that started.

Question 17

Can I cancel my policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Life insurance policies include a free-look period, which gives you a short window after purchase to cancel and receive a full refund, depending on your state. After that, you can still cancel, but the outcome depends on the policy type. Term coverage usually just ends. Whole life may have cash value. Your agent can walk you through the tradeoffs before you decide.

Life insurance questions, answered clearly.

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