Navigating the realm of life insurance can be a daunting task. Opting for insurance when you’re young and healthy is a wise move. However, accurately gauging how much life insurance coverage you’ll need in five, ten, or even fifteen years can be challenging.
Enter the concept of “laddering,” a unique approach to purchasing life insurance policies. Instead of attempting to predict the future—specifically, your family’s needs in the next two or three decades—laddering allows you to adjust your insurance coverage as needed. With laddering’s term life insurance, you can increase or decrease coverage over time, applying for more when necessary or reducing it when not needed.
Let’s delve into what laddering’s flexible coverage offers and how utilizing term life insurance from laddering can help you better manage your evolving needs.
About Laddering
As a newcomer in the life insurance arena, Laddering is a insurtech company established in 2015. Since then, they’ve introduced a product structure that makes life insurance more accessible and manageable.
Their aim is to provide affordable and straightforward term life insurance, sans hidden fees or penalties. Through Laddering policies, you can lock in competitive insurance rates while knowing that you can modify the policy as your life unfolds—whether you get married, have children, buy a house, and more.
Laddering policies are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, issued by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance, except in New York, where policies are issued by North American Company for Life and Health Insurance of New York.
Coverage Options
As the name suggests, Laddering helps you design a ladder-like approach to purchasing life insurance, a straightforward term insurance. This allows you to choose more coverage at certain stages of life—such as when your children are young or when you’re paying off a mortgage—while opting for less coverage at other times.
With Laddering, you can apply for term policies ranging from $100,000 to $8 million. The age range for new customers is 20 to 60 years old, with policy terms available from 10 to 30 years. However, it’s essential to note that coverage cannot extend beyond your 70th birthday (e.g., if you’re currently 52, you’re only eligible for 10 or 15-year term policies).
If you find yourself needing more protection in the future, you can easily apply for additional coverage through your Laddering account. You can also effortlessly lower your coverage and save on premiums each month through the online platform.
Cost
Getting a quote for coverage through Laddering is free. There are no fees when you increase or decrease coverage (though expect premium changes), and there are no penalties for canceling or changing your policy.
If you decide Laddering isn’t the right fit within the first 30 days, they’ll refund your paid premiums in full.
Application Process
Getting a quote from Laddering and submitting an insurance application is a swift and straightforward process.
You’ll need to provide Laddering with some personal information, including:
- Age
- Gender
- Height and weight
- Number of children
- Household income
- Remaining mortgage balance (nearest $10,000)
You’ll be asked how much coverage you think you need and how long you want the term insurance to last. Based on these answers, you’ll get a monthly estimate.
After receiving this rough estimate, Laddering has a few more questions to answer. These include high-risk activities and hobbies, travel plans, medication use, criminal record, driving history, and medical history. You’ll also need to provide your contact information and the last four digits of your social security number.
Reviews
Laddering has amassed over 1,650 reviews on Trustpilot, with a rating of 4.8 out of 5. Most reviews praise the ease and speed of Laddering’s shopping process, with some even claiming it’s easier than hailing a ride.
According to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), Laddering’s insurance companies perform well in terms of consumer complaints. One issuing company, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance, had zero life insurance complaints in 2020, with a complaint index of 0.0. Another issuing partner of Laddering, North American Company for Life and Health Insurance, had a complaint index of 0.34 in 2020, compared to the national average of 1.00.
Here are some considerations for whether Laddering may or may not be suitable for you and your family.
Pros and Cons of Laddering
Pros:
- Flexibility: Easily adjust your coverage, increasing or decreasing it over time at no cost (though premiums may rise). Whether you need more coverage later or decide you don’t need as much, you can easily modify your coverage online without facing penalties.
- No Fines for Changes or Cancellation: Whether you’re altering your coverage or canceling your policy, there are no fines.
- Full Refund Within 30 Days: You can cancel your policy within 30 days and receive a full refund of paid premiums.
- High Coverage Limit: Offers term life insurance policies ranging from $100,000 to $8 million.
- Available Nationwide: Policies are accessible in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Cons:
- Limited to Term Insurance: If you’re seeking a policy that builds cash value and lasts your entire life, you’ll need to explore other options. Laddering only provides term life insurance coverage.
- Coverage Ends at 70: The combination of your current age and the term cannot exceed 70 years.
- No Additional Riders: To streamline the life insurance process, Laddering doesn’t offer any additional riders or options.
- Purchase Restricted to Under 60: While coverage can last until 70, new policies can only be purchased between ages 20 and 60.
Alternatives to Laddering
If you’re looking for a quick term life insurance option that is both economical and swift, there are several alternatives to Laddering.
Other options include:
Haven Life: If you want an affordable and fast life insurance shopping process that’s entirely online, Haven Life might be worth considering. Qualified applicants under 60 can get policies up to $3 million, with some even getting instant coverage.
Is Laddering Right for You?
If you’re in search of a life insurance shopping process that won’t drag on for weeks, Laddering’s quick online procedure might provide a sense of relief. The application takes only a few minutes, and you can often get a decision immediately, with some applicants not requiring a medical exam.
Consider Laddering if you’re between 20 and 60 years old, looking to purchase term insurance up to $8 million. It’s particularly suitable for those who anticipate changing insurance needs over time, such as planning to get married, have children, buy a house, and more.
If you’re interested in permanent or whole life insurance, Laddering may not be the right fit. It’s also not the choice if you want to add riders like child riders or accelerated death benefits to your policy.
In summary, Laddering has received generally positive reviews, with users praising the simplicity and speed of its shopping process. However, carefully evaluate your needs and goals to determine if Laddering is the best life insurance option for you.
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