Life Insurance for Felons – If you have a criminal record, whether a felony or misdemeanor, it can impact your ability to secure life insurance. Insurers assess your risk level when setting premiums, and having a felony record can be seen as high risk by many providers. However, it is not impossible to navigate these challenges. And potentially get life insurance for someone who is a felon.
Those with felony convictions can access life insurance tailored to their situation, but their choices may be restricted depending on the gravity of the offense. Insurance providers that work with felons might enforce conditions such as increased rates and waiting periods. Read to the very end to learn how you can get life insurance for Felons.
Life Insurance Options for Felons
Individuals with felony convictions have a few options for securing life insurance beyond guaranteed-issue life insurance:
Guaranteed issue Life Insurance:
This whole-life policy accepts everyone without medical exams, criminal history checks, or health screenings. While the death benefit may be smaller, coverage remains active as long as you continue paying premiums.
Term Life Insurance:
This type of insurance covers you for a period, usually between 10 and 30 years. Depending on the nature and severity of a felony, some insurers may provide policies to individuals with a criminal record. It’s a budget-friendly option that offers substantial coverage for a fixed time, making it ideal for protecting specific financial responsibilities.
Whole Life Insurance:
Whole-life insurance provides lifelong protection and builds cash value over time. Eligibility depends on factors such as the nature of the felony and any changes in your lifestyle since the conviction. While it tends to be more expensive than term life insurance, it offers both a death benefit and a cash value component as a long-term investment.
If you have a felony conviction, talk to insurance companies about their policies and restrictions on life insurance to find the best match for your needs and situation.
Life Insurance Alternative Coverage Options for Felons
Traditional life insurance may not always be possible or cheap for people with felony convictions. That being said, alternative coverage options can offer good protection.
- Group life insurance: If your employer offers life insurance as part of your benefits, you can enroll without extensive medical or criminal history disclosures. This type of insurance usually offers lower rates since costs are shared across the group, but coverage is typically tied to your job and may end if you leave the company.
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D): Although not traditional life insurance, AD&D policies pay out if your death or serious injury is due to an accident. Be aware that these policies won’t cover death from illness or pre-existing medical conditions.
- Annuities; although not life insurance, annuities offer a consistent income over a fixed period or a lifetime, securing financial support for your family. You can buy them from insurance companies without a background check.
- Final Expense Insurance: Final expense life insurance, also called burial insurance, helps cover end-of-life costs. These policies usually offer lower coverage amounts, but acceptance is often guaranteed, making them a possible option for people with a felony.
Finding coverage as a felon can be tough, but it’s not impossible. Conducting research, managing risks, and choosing the right policy can help felons secure financial protection for their families.
Do Life Insurance Providers Check Criminal Records?
Life insurance companies usually review an applicant’s criminal history, often including questions about prior convictions on the application. Additionally, insurers may conduct a background check and could deny your application if they find undisclosed information. Any discrepancies may also result in a warning on your consumer file with the Medical Information Bureau (MIB). Other insurers may see and investigate further when you apply elsewhere.
Even if your application is approved, insurers typically have two years to verify the information provided and may reduce or deny claims if they find any misrepresentation. Therefore, being honest during the application process is essential.
While a felony conviction isn’t an automatic dealbreaker, your eligibility will depend on your circumstances and the insurer’s guidelines. Some companies offer coverage to people with criminal records, though premiums are generally higher due to perceived risk. Nonetheless, life insurance coverage may still be attainable.
How to purchase life insurance as a felon
Before buying life insurance, understand how companies assess your risk level. Familiarize yourself with the factors insurers consider when offering coverage to individuals with felony records. This knowledge can help you improve your chances of finding a suitable policy.
Reducing risk
Individuals who were incarcerated are often viewed as high-risk clients by insurance carriers, which may make insurers cautious about offering policies. However, each company evaluates risk differently. Being transparent about your incarceration and providing details can help you lower the risk insurers perceive. A person with a felony record’s risk profile is typically based on factors such as:
- The severity of the offense
- The frequency of criminal incidents
- The time that has elapsed since the conviction
Depending on the crime, you might qualify for insurance coverage soon after completing your sentence and any required parole or probation. Showing positive changes in your life, such as stable employment and a clean record, can improve your standing with insurance companies.
Finding an insurer
Different insurance companies assess risk in their own ways, so their decisions about insuring someone with a felony can vary. To set expectations, it’s wise to research each insurer before requesting a quote. Working with a licensed agent or broker familiar with providers that cover felons can improve your chances of finding coverage.
Alternatively, look for providers that focus on high-risk applicants. Compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best coverage and rate.
Selecting policy
For individuals with a criminal record seeking life insurance, a guaranteed-issue policy may be the most appropriate option. These policies provide coverage without assessing your medical or criminal history. However, they often come with higher costs compared to other options, like term life insurance, so they may not be ideal if you’re on a strict budget.
How Felony Impacts Your Life Insurance
Having a felony record can impact your life insurance eligibility. Serious or repeated offenses may lead insurers to reject your application. It’s essential to note that life insurance companies generally only consider applicants who are not currently incarcerated. If you are in jail or awaiting trial, you may have to wait until your legal situation is resolved to apply for coverage.
However, there are still opportunities for those with felony convictions to obtain life insurance. Each applicant is assessed based on their circumstances, so working with an independent agent or broker who knows the market can help you find the best provider and policy.
When applying, be honest about your felony conviction, as insurers often verify your information against public records. Providing false details could lead to an immediate rejection of your application. If you face denial, consider exploring group life insurance through your employer or a guaranteed-issue policy until you qualify for a more favorable option.