What questions should a first-time life insurance buyer ask their agent?

Question

Mark Bilgere · Accepted Answer

First, ask if your agent is able to write for multiple carriers. Different carriers may have not only different pricing, but different underwriting requirements. One carrier may view a recent health condition differently than another. If your agent can only write policies for one carrier, you may pay more for a policy or even be declined for a policy that may have been approved at a lower price with a different company.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on May 6, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX, IA, IN & 6 other states

Answered by Mark Bilgere Life Insurance Agent

Allen McGirl · Answer

1. How much coverage do I actually need?
Not what your neighbor has. Not some random number online. Ask what makes sense for your family, income, mortgage, kids, debt, and future plans.

2. What happens if my health changes later?
This is a big one people don’t think about. Ask if your policy can grow with you or if you can convert it later without jumping through medical hoops.

3. What’s the difference between term and permanent life insurance… in plain English?
A good agent should be able to explain it without making your eyes glaze over.

4. What will this actually cost me long term?
Not just the shiny monthly payment today. Ask if rates stay the same or if they change later.

5. What doesn’t this policy cover?
Nobody likes surprises. Better to ask upfront than assume everything is covered.

6. If something happened to me, how easy is the claims process for my family?
This one matters. The whole point is helping the people you love when life gets hard.

7. Would you recommend this if I were your family member?
You can tell a lot by how someone answers that question.

Kris Moen · Answer

One of the biggest mistakes first-time life insurance buyers make is focusing only on the monthly price instead of understanding what the policy is actually designed to do.
A few important questions to ask your agent:


How much coverage do I really need?


What’s the difference between term and permanent life insurance?


What happens if my health changes later?


Can this policy be adjusted as my life changes?


What riders or extra benefits should I consider?


Life insurance isn’t just about finding the cheapest option — it’s about protecting your family, income, business, or future goals the right way.

Corey Schuler · Answer

I think it's important to ask your agent how many companies they represent. If you are using an agent who represents only one company, you cannot easily compare all your options. Another important question to ask would be how many years they have been helping people with life insurance. You want someone with some experience under their belt who has helped many families during their tenure.

Answered by Corey Schuler on May 1, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AR & 19 other states

Answered by Corey Schuler Life Insurance Agent

Norma Reynoso · Answer

How much coverage do I actually need?
What is the difference between term and permanent/whole life for my situation?

Sandi Horne · Answer

A first time insurance buyer should ask their agent what are my options?
When will my policy go into effect?

Juliette Chihade · Answer

After presenting the agent with facts about the need for life insurance, a buyer should ask
what is the agent recommendation and why.
Do represent one Insurance Company or several and what are the ratings?

Mark Cunningham · Answer

Here are a few questions to consider asking your agent.

•	What type of life insurance policy best fits my needs—term or whole life?
•	How much coverage should I get based on my financial situation and future goals?
•	What is the premium, and will it change over time?
•	How long does the application and approval process take?
•	Can I convert my term policy to a permanent policy in the future?
•	Are there any living benefits or riders I should consider adding to the policy?
•	How does the claims process work for my beneficiaries?

Jordan Shanbrom · Answer

Do you have a preference for Term Life Vs Whole Life? A good agent will offer both with little to no bias, both have their function, and a good agent will ask you questions to help you understand which of the two products makes the most sense for your needs.

What does the process look like from start to finish, is there anything I should be cautious about or know more before taking the next step? This helps you as the consumer understand what is expected of you (i.e. make sure to stop exercising at least 72 hours before the test, avoid Tylenol at least 48 hours before the test, etc.)

Chris Neal · Answer

Who are you wanting to protect and how much would it cost to keep them protected should something happen to you.

Joshua Price · Answer

A first time life insurance buyer should ask his or her agent 2 questions are as follows:

1) Are you a licensed agent?- The reason for this question is to make sure that they are licensed and that they are qualified to serve you.

2) Are you a captive agent or an independent agent/broker? The jobs are the same between the two,however, there are major differences between the roles. A captive agent can only represent one company and what they have to offer. The independent broker shops all of the insurance companies to see what is the right fit for you. An independent broker/ agent, keeps you and in your situation at the forefront of his mind while shopping for you.