Life insurance questions, answered clearly.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

No. Roughly 82% of Patriot policies are approved without a medical exam. You'll answer straightforward health questions over the phone with your agent. Certain higher coverage amounts or specialty products may require a simple exam, which the carrier arranges at no cost to you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.