Can You Get Life Insurance Right Before You Die?

Many people in Coppell, TX, put off getting a life insurance policy. Those without health conditions may feel like they have years left. The last thing on their minds is funerals or planning for their death. However, once you discover that you have a terminal condition, you’re bound to wonder if it’s too late to get an insurance policy. 

Waiting Period

Unfortunately, these policies often have a waiting period. So, if you’re terminally ill, the policy may not be active when you die. The waiting period typically ranges from four to six weeks, although this may vary depending on the specific insurance company. An agent at The Select Insurance Agency can help you understand how the waiting period works. 

Policies for Terminally Ill Clients

While you might not be able to obtain a standard policy that assesses health history and depends on you paying into it for years, you may qualify for a different type of policy. These policies, sometimes called guaranteed life insurance, often have a lower life benefit, but will still pay out when you die. Individuals often purchase them to ensure there’s a benefit to help cover funeral expenses when they die or to provide a small benefit to loved ones. 

Burial Expense Policy

Some companies offer another type of policy called a burial expense policy. It may be called a final expense policy. These policies take effect as soon as you make the first payment, so you’re covered if you die in three days. They’re smaller than other policies that pay out a death benefit. That’s because they’re only designed to pay for the funeral, ensuring your loved ones don’t have to figure it out while they grieve. 

We understand how stressful this time can be. Compassionate agents at The Select Insurance Agency can help you learn more about your options. We’re currently serving the Coppell, TX, area. 

Umbrella Insurance and Defamation Lawsuits

Individuals in Coppell, TX, with a high net worth are more likely to face lawsuits, particularly defamation. It’s essential to understand how your insurance works during these stressful times. 

Legal Defense

Most policies will cover the cost of a legal defense. However, you might not be able to choose any lawyer you want. Some companies place a cap on the amount they will pay for legal services. Others have a network of lawyers they work with, and you’ll have to choose one of those. An agent at The Select Insurance Agency can help you learn more about choosing a lawyer. 

Coverage Limits

Umbrella insurance can help pay for a judgment against you, but every policy has coverage limits. For example, imagine you have a coverage limit of $2 million, but the judgment is for $3 million. Your insurance would only pay $2 million because that is the coverage limit, and you would be responsible for the additional $1 million. 

Exclusions Apply

Every policy has specific exclusions, and umbrella policies are no different. While they may help in a defamation lawsuit, the company may deny the claim if it finds that you intentionally said or did things to defame the other person or acted with malicious intent. For example, if you spread rumors about someone with the intention of harming their business, that would be considered malicious. 

Facing a defamation lawsuit can be a stressful experience. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone. The agents at The Select Insurance Agency are here to help. Contact us. We’re currently serving Coppell, TX.