Insurance Made Easy - best Web sites for buying insurance

Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, Oct, 2000 by Kimberly Lankford, Justin Wiser

Although Quotesmith doesn't ask enough questions to provide accurate quotes for people who aren't perfectly healthy, its underwriting lists are a rare peek at the criteria the companies use to figure out which price you'll get. After you've gotten more accurate quotes elsewhere, look up the policy on Quotesmith's list and make sure you meet the detailed criteria.

SMART MOVES | Get to know your family medical history before you shop for life insurance

* Stick with sites that ask the most medical questions. Otherwise, the quote will usually be inaccurate.

* Know your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, weight and family medical history before you shop. The quotes are only as accurate as the information you provide.

* Shop around again if the price ends up higher than expected. Even the most accurate sites won't give you a final quote until you've taken a medical exam. The companies that offer the best rates for the healthiest people aren't always the most competitive if you have medical problems. Because the process can drag on, don't drop your old policy until the new one is in force.

* Pay attention to the initial rate guarantee. Some sites mix in companies that can raise your rate after ten years, for example, even if you've asked for a 20-year guarantee. The longer guarantee is usually worth the extra money.

* Work with a broker who specializes in high-risk cases if you're in poor health. Such brokers know from experience which companies offer the best rates for each medical condition and how to present a strong case.

www | Life

THE WINNER QuickenInsurance www.quickeninsurance.com

RUNNERS-UP InsWeb www.insweb.com Insurance Quote Services www.iquote.com Quotesmith www.quotesmith.com