Jobs That Could Make You Pay More for Life Insurance
If you have a job that puts you at a higher risk of injury or death, you’ll likely receive a less favorable rating and get quoted a higher life insurance premium. Jobs that could raise your life insurance premium include pilots, police officers, firefighters, roofers, loggers, and more. But this doesn't mean you can't find affordable rates! Start shopping now for cheap life insurance premiums with our free tool below no matter your career.
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Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right life insurance coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident life insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one life insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our life insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different life insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about life insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything life insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by life insurance experts.
UPDATED: Nov 27, 2023
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right life insurance coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident life insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one life insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our life insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different life insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
When underwriting a life insurance policy, there are life insurance underwriting guidelines companies consider. Believe it or not, your occupation is one of them!
I’m fortunate that, as a freelance writer who works from a home office with very minimal travel or exposure to the danger of any kind, my career choice is a rather safe bet for insurers. However, before deciding ask yourself, does your job affect your life insurance? Does the type of job you have significantly impact your life insurance coverage and premiums?
Read on and explore how your occupation might influence coverage and premiums. Discover crucial insights that can shape your financial security for the better.
These Jobs Will Likely Raise Your Life Insurance Premium:
- Professional fisherman
- Mine worker
- Pilot
- Police officer
- Firefighter
- Electrical power line installer
- Construction worker
- Farmer/rancher
- Truck driver
- Sales position that requires a significant amount of driving
- Trash collector
- Roofer
- Logger
If you make a living in one of the above professions or another that might be considered high risk, don’t get too discouraged or seek a career change. Insurance companies’ underwriting guidelines differ from company to company. Consider talking with a trusted insurance professional to introduce you to companies that will give you the most favorable rates.
Get to Work in Other Ways to Get a Better Life Insurance Premium
Remember, there are other things you can do to better your chances of getting a lower-cost premium. Eat a healthful diet to maintain optimal well-being, don’t smoke, keep your weight in check, manage your blood pressure and cholesterol, exercise regularly, and take medication as directed by your physician. Wise lifestyle choices and following doctors’ orders show dedication to achieving wellness.
And insuring a healthy person is, of course, a less risky proposition than insuring someone who doesn’t take control of her health. Learn more here: How Lifestyle Can Affect Life Insurance Rates.
Term Life Insurance: Affordability at Work for Your Peace of Mind
For life insurance that offers financial protection to your family without high premiums, ask about term life insurance policies. Term life pays a death benefit to your beneficiaries if you die during the “term” of the policy (the specified time that the policy is in effect). Typical terms are 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years, and you can even get policies for terms as short as five years or even one year.
Term life policies are not only inexpensive; they also offer flexibility. With most policies, you can convert them to a permanent policy (such as universal or whole life) within a certain amount of time. Or you can renew a term life policy when it’s due to expire. Both options will result in a higher premium, but they extend the amount of time your family would receive a payout if the unthinkable were to happen to you.
Don’t Let Lack of Life Insurance Work on Your Nerves and Weigh on Your Conscience
Whether you work in a high-risk job or one that’s as safe as they come, the reality is that the unexpected and unfortunate can happen. According to the 2015 Insurance Barometer Study by Life Happens and LIMRA, one-quarter of people surveyed said they believe they do not have enough life insurance coverage. Does that sound familiar?
Sleep a little more soundly by knowing you’ve done right by your loved ones. Take some time to learn more about the life insurance options available to you.
Case Studies: Occupations Impacting Life Insurance Premiums
Case Study 1 – Commercial Airline Pilot
John is a 35-year-old commercial airline pilot with over 10 years of experience. He leads a healthy lifestyle, exercises regularly, and has no significant health issues. However, due to the nature of his occupation, which involves operating aircraft and potential exposure to accidents, John is considered a higher risk by insurance companies.
Case Study 2 – Police Officer
Sarah is a 40-year-old police officer who has been serving in the force for 15 years. She takes pride in her job and is committed to ensuring public safety. However, being a police officer comes with inherent risks, such as encountering dangerous situations and potential physical harm.
Case Study 3 – Roofer
Mark is a 28-year-old roofer working in the construction industry. His job involves working at heights, handling heavy equipment, and dealing with various hazards associated with roofing work. Mark’s occupation poses higher risk despite precautions for good health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there certain jobs that can result in higher life insurance premiums?
Yes, some occupations may lead to higher life insurance premiums due to their associated risks and hazards.
What are some examples of jobs that could make you pay more for life insurance?
Jobs that typically involve higher risk factors, such as those in dangerous industries or occupations, may result in higher life insurance premiums. Examples include:
- Firefighters
- Police officers
- Military personnel (especially combat roles)
- Construction workers
- Offshore oil rig workers
- Pilots and flight crew
- Deep-sea fishermen
- Loggers and lumberjacks
- Miners
- High-rise window cleaners
Why do these jobs lead to higher life insurance premiums?
These jobs often involve greater exposure to physical risks, hazardous environments, and potentially life-threatening situations. Insurance providers assess the level of risk associated with an occupation and adjust premiums accordingly.
How do insurance companies determine the premium for individuals in high-risk jobs?
Insurance companies use statistical data, actuarial tables, and historical information to assess the risk profile of various occupations. Based on this analysis, they assign a risk classification to each occupation and set premium rates accordingly.
Will my premium automatically be higher if I have a high-risk job?
While having a high-risk job may increase the likelihood of higher premiums, it is not the sole determining factor. Other individual factors, such as age, health, lifestyle choices, and hobbies, also play a role in calculating life insurance premiums.
Your life insurance quotes are always free.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Eric Stauffer
Licensed Insurance Agent
Eric Stauffer is an insurance agent and banker-turned-consumer advocate. His priority is educating individuals and families about the different types of insurance coverage. He is passionate about helping consumers find the best coverage for their budgets and personal needs. Eric is the CEO of C Street Media, a full-service marketing firm and the co-founder of ProperCents.com, a financial educat...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about life insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything life insurance-related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by life insurance experts.
