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Determining the Right Amount of Cover
The first and foremost thing to do once one has made up his or her mind to buy term insurance is to determine the quantum of cover required. After considering various factors, this amount is arrived at – one's responsibilities, liabilities, income, life-stage, etc.
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Family Members and Life-Stage
It is important to understand the purpose of an Edelweiss Life Insurance term plan. It is not bought for the individual benefit of the policyholder/insured but that of his or her family. A term plan from Edelweiss Life Insurance helps secure the financial future of the near and dear ones of the insured if he or she is no longer around to take care of them.
The unique life stage of the insured while purchasing the Edelweiss Life Insurance term plan – whether he or she is single, married or married with children goes to determine the cover amount. The financial responsibility of a married person is obviously higher than someone who is still unmarried. Again, a person with kids has to shoulder more responsibility as he or she has to take care of his or her spouse and his or her children. Consequently, such a situation will require a higher cover.
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Income
The number of earning members in a family and additional sources of income to contribute to the overall collective income also affects the amount of insurance required from Edelweiss Life Insurance. The insured, who is the sole breadwinner of the family, will require a much higher cover from Edelweiss Life Insurance to take care of his or her family in his or her absence than a family with more than one earning member.
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Liabilities
The total value of liabilities also determines the amount of cover required from Edelweiss Life Insurance. The higher the liabilities, the greater will be the cover required. Liabilities may include outstanding loans which may have been taken to purchase a house or car or taken for children's higher education or for children's marriage.
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Determining Family Needs and Requirements
Apart from determining the cover amount, the needs and requirements of one's family have to be assessed accurately to address them adequately through the term plans of Edelweiss Life Insurance.
The capability of Family Members to Handle Finances
Term plans from Edelweiss Life Insurance usually present a huge lump sum amount of money as a death benefit to the insured's immediate family on his or her demise.
The insured or would-be-insured should make an unbiased judgment on the competence of his or her family members in handling finances. Suppose he or she realizes that their kith and kin are inexperienced and incapable of handling money matters, especially huge sums of money. In that case, alternative options should be explored to reduce the risk of botching up finances. Edelweiss Life Insurance offers annuity payment options as well as monthly, quarterly or semi-annual payments. In addition, Edelweiss Life Insurance offers lump sum payments at different life stages.
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Steady Income Support
The insured/would-be-insured should also endeavor to provide a safety cushion by way of a regular income to his or her family to take care of their day-to-day needs. A fixed monthly income from Edelweiss Life Insurance, in addition to the lump sum amount, will help in this regard.
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Maintaining Current Lifestyle
While determining one's family's needs and requirements, such an option should be chosen that allows them to continue living the lifestyle they are used to despite rising costs and expenses in the unpleasant scenario of the absence of the insured. The best option would also cover their wants and aspirations, but this would mean higher premiums.
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Choosing the Right Insurer
Today, several insurance companies offer life insurance policies, and many offer term plans. Things like the insurance company's claim settlement ratio, customer service standards, and market reputation, among others, should be considered in detail before zeroing in on an insurer.
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Claim Settlement Ratio
Claim Settlement Ratio is defined as the ratio of claims honored by the insurance company versus the total claims received from customers. A higher ratio signifies greater disbursement of funds to the policyholders, or his or her nominees, as the case might be.
In addition to having a favorable claim settlement ratio, the claim settlement process must be quick, simple, and hassle-free. People resort to filing claims only in times of need when they have suffered the personal loss of their near and dear one, the insured. These are delicate times when family members need all the reassurance and support, even from the insurance company.
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Strong Financial Track-Record
It is advisable to choose an insurance company with a strong financial record. A solid record signifies stability and security and gives confidence that when a situation arises, the company will honor the claim and help secure the future of the insured's family.
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Service Standards
The business of life insurance is all about trust and credibility. And superior customer service is a big part of it. A customer-centric organization makes buying a term plan easy and ensures that nominees and family members of the insured have a positive experience during the claim settlement process. An organization that provides a positive experience to customers at every touchpoint will undoubtedly focus on nurturing long-term relationships with customers.
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Market Reputation
A life insurance company that has a good standing in the market is a better option. Positive customer experiences create a good reputation over a period of time. It is always a good idea to go through customer reviews and testimonials on online forums and social networks to get a realistic picture of the reputation of a life insurer. Past customers will always have positive things to say about a company whose dealings are fair, quick, and smooth.
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Corporate Governance
A life insurance company known for good corporate governance is bound to offer better products and superior service to customers. Such companies are more transparent and accountable. Hence, it makes sense to buy policies of such companies whose internal processes are streamlined.