While filling out the application, you should be honest about any occupational

While filling out the application, you should be honest about any occupational hazards or extreme hobbies that might be classified as risky. A failure to alert an insurance company of your risky behavior may result in your policy becoming void, should you ever need it. It's important that you're up front and honest now. Not telling an insurer certain facts may be construed as insurance fraud, which may be a crime or tort.

You should review your life insurance coverage needs at least once a year. As your family changes, so do their financial needs. If you have another child, your coverage needs will increase, while you might be over-insured as an empty nester. Check periodically on what you need to avoid paying too much or leaving your family in the lurch.

Some life insurance companies may suggest that you purchase a mortgage insurance policy, which pays off your mortgage should you die. However, it is wiser to take the amount of your mortgage into account when purchasing coverage for a term life insurance or whole life insurance policy. This makes more sense because your mortgage steadily declines over time, although your mortgage insurance premium does not. In the long run, it is more cost effective to include the amount of your mortgage in with your life insurance policy.