Overview And History Of Life Insurance

Term Life Insurance

Life insurance is a subject that brings on many different opinions. While some believe it is a waste of money or even considered gambling, most people understand that life insurance is primarily used to ensure that your family or beneficiary is well taken care of upon your death. Life insurance also ensures that your family will be able to take care of your burial and funeral expenses.

While there are many different types of policies as far as life insurance is concerned, term life insurance is considered to be "pure insurance" because it builds no cash value like other policies. While some life insurance policies are used as a type of savings or retirement account, term policies are in place for a specific amount of time and only paid out in the event of death. Term life is the most practical and unselfish way to ensure no one has to worry about how to take care of you in the event of your death.

History of Life Insurance

As with most things ancient, Rome recorded one of the first life insurance policies in existence. Roman groups called Fratres (or burial clubs) came together to establish this form of security for their workers. These policies were set up by the poor to pay for the funerals of fellow club members and to help the surviving family financially.

The first insurance company in the United States was started in 1735. This South Carolina based company, called the Friendly Society, lasted until 1740. In 1759, the first life insurance company was established in Philadelphia by the Synod of the Presbyterian Church. It was started for the benefit of Presbyterian ministers' families. As with the Romans, the basic financial needs of surviving family members would be taken care of.

As far as ancient times, society has known that those who are left behind need some sort of financial security upon a loved one's death. Undoubtedly, it seems that even in ancient times, burial and funeral expenses alone were enough to wipe away a family's savings. In the case of a family being impoverished, a proper burial might even be out of the question.

While no one likes to think of death and dying, term life insurance is something that is very much needed. The trauma of losing a loved one is obviously emotionally and mentally draining and at least a life insurance policy allows the added financial burden to be eliminated. Choosing the right policy to accommodate your needs is the key to planning a secure future for your family.

Most Practical Choice

If you are looking for a simple way to look after your family after your passing, term life insurance seems to be the most practical way to go. With even a minimal policy, you can ensure that your family will be able to pay for burial and funeral expenses. If you have children, hopefully your policy will enable them to attend college or perhaps your family's house can be paid off.

With the advent of the Internet, it is easy to study the various types of term life insurance available online as well as the requirements that each carrier might have. You can obtain fast quotes online as well. Some term life insurance companies even offer "no medical exam" policies or "cheap" policies that are affordable. Terms usually run in 10-year periods - 10, 20 or 30-year policies are the norm.