Cigar smoking and Life Insurance premiums.

[ckay]

Two things:

They do not test for nicotine. They test for cotinine.

Also, there are companies that look at cigar smokers more favorably than cigarette smokers. I write policies for many BOTLs and get my underwriters to look more favorably towards us.

A side note...insurance companies are going towards tobacco/non-tobacco classifications.

It is absolutely okay to tell the agent that you enjoy cigars and you should disclose this.

Lastly, if you are young and healthy, DO NOT BUY TERM! TERM NEVER PAYS OUT AS YOU ARE INSURING THE HEALTHIEST PART OF YOUR LIVES!

[wayner123]

Originally Posted by ckay

Two things:

They do not test for nicotine. They test for cotinine.

Also, there are companies that look at cigar smokers more favorably than cigarette smokers. I write policies for many BOTLs and get my underwriters to look more favorably towards us.

A side note...insurance companies are going towards tobacco/non-tobacco classifications.

It is absolutely okay to tell the agent that you enjoy cigars and you should disclose this.

Lastly, if you are young and healthy, DO NOT BUY TERM! TERM NEVER PAYS OUT AS YOU ARE INSURING THE HEALTHIEST PART OF YOUR LIVES!

In reference to the bold above, I don't understand what you mean. The addage has always been buy term and invest the rest.

And just to add, some companies won't sign you as a non smoker even if the test comes back negative. If you tell them you smoke cigars and the test is clean, they still might put you on a smoker's rate.

[ckay]

Originally Posted by wayner123

If you tell them you smoke cigars and the test is clean, they still might put you on a smoker's rate.

You are correct. That is why any "shopper" of insurance needs to either do their homework or works with somebody who will find them the best company to underwrite their habits, and/or health conditions. Prudential is most favorable for cigar smokers, as stated earlier by somebody else. But again, each company underwrites certain conditions differently, so it is important to do your research prior to signing where indicated on an application.