Yes, you can own multiple life insurance policies. There is no law limit on the amount of life insurance policy you can own. However, there are some limitations regarding the amount of insurance you may get based on your income, age, and other aspects.
There are several reasons you may want to purchase multiple life insurance policies. For instance, you could be interested in:
- Find different kinds of insurance. There are a variety of insurance for life, all of which have distinct advantages and disadvantages. When you have multiple policies, you can pick the most suitable for your requirements.
- Get coverage for different beneficiaries. If you have several beneficiaries, you may want to get multiple policies so that each beneficiary receives a certain sum of cash.
- Get coverage for different terms. Life insurance policies may differ in terms, like the 10-year term, 20-year term, or life. With multiple policies, you will be covered over different time frames.
- You can get coverage from several companies. The different life insurance providers have their underwriting guidelines and rates. When you have policies from different companies, it is possible to evaluate rates and determine the best insurance to meet your needs.
If you’re considering purchasing multiple life insurance policies, speaking with an expert in financial planning is essential to receive specific advice. They can assist you in determining the best amount and kind of policy for your requirements.
There are other things to remember if you’re thinking of getting more life insurance policies:
- Your income, age, and other aspects restrict the amount of coverage you’re eligible to have.
- You’ll have to pay for separate premiums per policy.
- It is essential to be aware of every policy’s conditions and terms.
- Filing a claim under one policy could limit your ability to file claims on a different policy.
Considering the advantages and disadvantages of having several life insurance policies is crucial before choosing. If you’re unsure if you should have multiple policies for you, consult an advisor in financial planning.
Reasons to Have More Than One Life Insurance Policy
The most important reason to get an insurance plan for life is that it will create one for those who rely on you to provide financial assistance. However, it could also serve additional purposes. Additionally, you could realize that your insurance requirements evolve as time passes. This is why, in the below scenarios, having multiple life insurance policies may be beneficial:
- It is recommended to have an individual insurance policy along with group coverage. Life insurance offered by your employer may be a cheap (or cost-free) method of obtaining coverage. However, it is essential to own an individual policy since you may be unable to keep iticy with the group when you quit your job.
- To achieve various financial objectives: There are two principal types of life insurance -term life insurance and long-term insurance. Both have different functions. “A term policy is great for basic income replacement, while the cash value of a permanent policy can help with retirement planning later in life,” says Ryan Pinney, president of Pinney Insurance.
- To build an insurance ladder: Instead of purchasing a term life insurance policy with sufficient death benefits and a term long enough to cover all expected expenses, you could use a technique known as life insurance laddering. This allows you to construct insurance coverage by purchasing multiple policies with different face amounts. “It might be smarter to carry more coverage while expenses are high and less coverage later, when the mortgage is paid off and the kids have left home,” Pinney suggests.
- To react to any changes in your financial commitments: You might need to purchase additional life insurance should your financial situation change – like having a baby later on in your life, launching your own business, or purchasing a home with a larger mortgage. “Typically it’s more advantageous to purchase a new policy in addition to one you already have, as opposed to replacing your current life insurance policy altogether,” says Matt Burke, a spokesperson for Policygenius.
- For long-term care protection: As you age, you may need to invest in additional life insurance to pay for long-term care. There are hybrid life insurance policies that provide life insurance that includes benefits for long-term healthcare.
Limits on the Amount of Life Insurance You Can Have
Even though you may have several life insurance plans, you’ll be limited to the insurance coverage you obtain. The limit is tied in large part to your net worth.
The amount of insurance you can purchase based on your earnings varies based on age and will vary between insurers. Ardleigh states that the most common limit is as follows:
- For people 40 and under, insurance coverage is limited to 25-35 times the annual earnings.
- For adults between 40 and 50, insurance coverage is only 20 to 25 times the annual income.
- For adults between 50 and 60, insurance coverage is only 10 to 20 times the annual income.
- For adults between the ages of 60 and 70, coverage is restricted to 5 times annual income.
For those who require life insurance to help with estate planning instead of just for an income-replacement plan, the amount of insurance that can be purchased will typically be limited to 80 to the total net worth, Ardleigh says.
The limits are for the entire amount of coverage, not per policy. Suppose you decide to purchase several life insurance plans. In that case, the insurer will look at the amount of your life insurance policy in determining the amount of insurance you’re eligible for, Ardleigh says.
It is essential to know that income levels aren’t all that insurers consider when deciding the amount of coverage you can purchase. If you suffer from problems with your health, hazards, jobs, or hobbies that put you at risk for insurance, then the total amount you’re eligible for could be less.
What to Know About Buying Additional Life Insurance
Based on the level of coverage you’re looking to purchase, depending on the amount of coverage you want, you may need to overcome additional hurdles to acquire the life insurance you need.
You’ll need to declare your existing insurance coverage. When you apply for life insurance, you’ll be asked to disclose the policies you’ve had in place. Insurance companies will examine the information you supply through your MIB Group database, which contains information on people who have made insurance applications.
They also work with reinsurance firms that serve as a reporting agency if coverage is offered to a person by another life insurance company. “That’s how insurance companies protect against fraud–and how they know whether you already have coverage or have applied with multiple companies simultaneously,” Pinney states. “If the insurer thinks you’re trying to get more coverage than you can justify with income and lifestyle, they may decline your application.”
It’s possible to prove your assets and income. Ardleigh says most insurance companies require applicants to submit financial documents from a third party, such as an accountant, when applying for a substantial amount of insurance, usually five million dollars or more. Even if you’re applying for millions of insurance, you could be required to present the tax documents to be able to justify an additional insurance policy. For instance, the annual income of freelancers, contractors, and those who work on seasonal jobs may not be an accurate picture of the earnings that need to be replaced by the life insurance policy, Pinney says.
There may be other medical requirements for underwriting. Most insurers require applicants seeking $5 million or more coverage to undergo the electrocardiogram (EKG) test as part of the medical exam, which is mandatory by Ardleigh. There may be other medical tests or conditions.
It is possible to buy several policies. If you have a high income and want to obtain a considerable sum of life insurance, you may need to purchase multiple policies from different firms rather than one policy. This is because insurance companies typically restrict the amount of individual insurance coverage to $5 million and $10 million to minimize the risk they take, Ardleigh says.
It’s a good idea to engage an independent insurance broker if you’re looking to purchase multiple life insurance policies. A professional can assist you in gaining more information about the amount of coverage suitable to your specific needs, Burke says. The agent will then assist you in finding the right coverage and, if required, “build a potential case that an insurer ought to look into insuring you beyond the appropriate amount of coverage.