If you're single, have no dependants, no debts and no worries, then obviously life insurance wouldn't come high on your list of priorities. For the rest of us, there must be a lot of families out there who would be in real trouble should the breadwinner of the family pass away.



For homes, buildings insurance is often a requirement made by mortgage companies but contents are often left uninsured to save money. That could be very risky in the event of a major event, such as a fire.

It's a sad fact that this could happen. OK, we all know about the elderly relative who's smoked for forty years, swears on a tot of whisky to get them going in the morning and has never had a day's illness in their lives. We also probably know the cousin who was killed in a car accident, leaving a two year old toddler and a pregnant wife. Accidents and illnesses are an unfortunate and sometimes very sad fact of life.

Maybe you don't understand the mechanics of life insurance? It's hardly a subject that gets discussed over dinner. It's seen as boring and may be a bit of a mystery, talk of “term this and term that, whole of life” and other confusing terms don't exactly engage your attention. Lack of interest could explain the apathy, but do please at least think about it.

Life insurance might not be as expensive as you fear and you'll never know what the cost will be if you don't get around to checking it out. Life insurance at normal, standard rates is reasonable. However, there has been an increase in recent years in people having to pay loaded premiums. If you're fit and healthy, you're fine. If you're not, this is when higher prices may kick in.

Application forms for life cover are very comprehensive and some conditions which were formerly covered under standard terms may now attract higher premiums. You may have diabetes or a history of heart problems for instance and an assessment would be made on how this would affect your payments.

For a younger, healthy person, this is the time to get life insurance in place. As you get older, problems can occur and once you reach your mid 60's it would be extremely difficult to get cover.

Don't let the insurance application deter you. The forms can be long and complicated but if you're lucky, you'll be in the just under one third of people who'll be given an immediate decision and offer of life insurance. For the rest, there can be delays. There could be further questions to be answered and possibly medical examinations to arrange. The result could be weeks of waiting before you're made aware of the costs of the premiums. Hopefully the final figure will be affordable and you can get go ahead and join the ranks of the insured.

For car insurance policies it's very important to understand the level of insurance being provided. The best insurance is not always the cheapest insurance. Make sure you get good value cover and expect to pay a fair rate for cover from a respected company.

Insurers are anxious to correct recent falls in the number of uninsured people. They claim that premiums are lower than they have ever been. Risk assessment methods are improving and they promise improved, more simple marketing of their produces.

Internet discounts have reduced the cost of premiums. An internet broker will guide you through the whole procedure and will offer you a range of options to suit your needs. They should have the answer to all your questions and a chat with them will put you on the right track.

For the sake of your family, make it your priority to get that advice and protect their future. You'd never forgive your self it you failed – would you?