insurance

Busting the 5 Biggest Life Insurance Myths

Davin Monforton
David Monforton 4 Min Read
An infographic of a pair of hands, one holding a nest egg and the other an umbrella Illustrations by Andrew Roberts

Life insurance has many ins and outs, which can lead to a lot of misconceptions. So instead of letting a lack of understanding leave your family unprotected, uncover the facts behind some of the most common life insurance myths:

Myth: Your stay-at-home spouse doesn't need life insurance

While a stay-at-home parent may not earn a paycheck, they still bring significant value to the home. Life insurance for a spouse who isn’t working can help offset the cost of hiring someone to take over their tasks, such as child care, transportation, home maintenance and more.


Life insurance can help offset the cost of their responsibilities, such as childcare. Illustrations by Andrew Roberts

Myth: You should focus on saving for retirement over life insurance

Saving for your future is a cornerstone of smart financial planning, but don’t make the mistake of looking at life insurance as secondary to your primary investments. According to a 2018 survey, 61% of people said that other financial priorities were a reason not to buy life insurance. Instead, make life insurance part of your plan, too, so you can retire comfortably and ensure your loved ones are protected.


Life insurance is usually affordable enough to allow for plenty of savings. Illustrations by Andrew Roberts

Myth: Your student loan debt is only your problem

Student loans can feel like an endless burden, but make sure they don’t become a burden to your loved ones. The average college graduate with loans leaves school with about $29,000 in debt.* Life insurance may help keep that from becoming an extra weight on your loved ones.


Significant debt, like some student loans, can be passed on to loved ones. Illustrations by Andrew Roberts

Myth: You don't need life insurance once your children are adults.

Even when your kids have left the nest, life insurance can still provide valuable assistance. Any outstanding debts you have can be passed on to your loved ones, or the inheritance you’re leaving behind can be lessened by estate taxes. Life insurance can help cover those costs.


Life insurance can help cover state estate taxes, pay for a funeral or simply provide an inheritance. Illustrations by Andrew Roberts

Myth: Poor health or old age makes it impossible to get covered.

Except in the case of severe or terminal illness, you can likely get coverage regardless of health or age. Conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol may bring higher premiums, but the benefits can still outweigh the cost.


Premiums may be higher, but it's usually possible to sign up. Illustrations by Andrew Roberts

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Life Insurance Disclosure

This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.

Life insurance underwritten and annuities offered by AAA Life Insurance Company, Livonia, Michigan. AAA Life Insurance Company is licensed in all states except NY. CA Certificate of Authority #07861. Products and their features may not be available in all states.

AAA Life and its agents do not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Please consult your professional advisor prior to the purchase of any policy or contract.

This is a summary of product provisions and does not contain all of the benefits and exclusions. For complete terms of the insurance coverage or annuity, please contact your agent or refer to the policy/contract.

Annuities - LA

Annuities are not short-term products. During the surrender charge period, withdrawals exceeding 10% will be subject to a surrender charge that may be higher than fees associated with other types of financial products and may reduce principal. Withdrawals prior to 59½ may be subject to IRS penalties, separate from the annuity’s schedule of surrender charges.

EliteGuarantee Deferred Annuity - LAEG Contract Form Series: ICC11-4101/DA-4101 (In OR: ICC11-4101)

Platinum Bonus Annuity - LAPB Contract Form Series: ICC11-4111/DA-4111 (In OR: ICC11-4111)

Guaranteed Income Annuity - LAGI Contract Form Series: ICC14-4120/SPIA-4120 (In OR: ICC14-4120)

The payout amount you will receive is based on your individual circumstances, the options you select at the time of application and your initial premium payment.

Term Life Insurance - LT

Premiums are guaranteed. They are level for the term period and increase annually thereafter. Any sample premiums are examples only and may vary based on your personal health history and underwriting guidelines. The answers provided to the health questions are used to determine eligibility for coverage. Not all applicants will qualify. Product and its features may not be available in all states. Coverage ends at age 95.

If insured is diagnosed with a terminal illness that will cause death in 12 mos. or less, up to 50% of the total benefit can be applied for, and used as insured chooses. The remaining benefit payable at death will be reduced by the Accelerated Death Benefit paid and any accrued and unpaid interest (8% annual interest rate applies). Receipt of Accelerated Death Benefits may affect eligibility for public assistance programs and may be taxable. Please consult the appropriate social service agency and seek the advice of tax counsel before applying for these funds. The Accelerated Death Benefit is not available if the terminal illness results from an intentionally self-inflicted injury. This benefit may not be available in all states.

ExpressTerm - LTE Policy Form Series: ICC19-1601/1601 (In OR: 1CC19-1601)

Traditional Term - LTT Policy Form Series: ICC19-1801/1801 (In OR: ICC19-1801)

Group Direct Term Policy Form Series: GT8200

Individual Direct Term Policy Form Series: ICC16-1501

Universal Life Insurance – LULG

Health history, underwriting guidelines and the answers provided to health questions are used to determine approval for coverage. Not all applicants will qualify. Rates may vary.

Lifetime Universal Life Insurance - LUL Health history, underwriting guidelines and the answers provided to health questions are used to determine approval for coverage. Not all applicants will qualify. Rates may vary.

Policy Form Series: ICC19-4701/4701 (In OR: ICC19-4701)

If insured is diagnosed with a terminal illness that will cause death in 12 mos. or less, up to 50% of the total benefit can be applied for, and used as insured chooses. The remaining benefit payable at death will be reduced by the Accelerated Death Benefit paid and any accrued and unpaid interest (7% annual interest rate applies). Receipt of Accelerated Death Benefits may affect eligibility for public assistance programs and may be taxable. Please consult the appropriate social service agency and seek the advice of tax counsel before applying for these funds. The Accelerated Death Benefit is not available if the terminal illness results from an intentionally self-inflicted injury. This benefit may not be available in all states.

Accumulator Universal Life Insurance - LULA Health history, underwriting guidelines and the answers provided to health questions are used to determine approval for coverage. Not all applicants will qualify. Rates may vary.

Policy Form Series: ICC19-3701/3701 (In OR: ICC19-3701)

If insured is diagnosed with a terminal illness that will cause death in 12 mos. or less, up to 50% of the total benefit can be applied for, and used as insured chooses. The remaining benefit payable at death will be reduced by the Accelerated Death Benefit paid and any accrued and unpaid interest (5% annual interest rate applies). Receipt of Accelerated Death Benefits may affect eligibility for public assistance programs and may be taxable. Please consult the appropriate social service agency and seek the advice of tax counsel before applying for these funds. The Accelerated Death Benefit is not available if the terminal illness results from an intentionally self-inflicted injury. This benefit may not be available in all states.

Whole Life Insurance

Whole Life Insurance (for coverage amounts of $30,000 or more) - LWL Policy Form Series: ICC18-5601/5601 (In OR: ICC18-5601)

Health history, underwriting guidelines and the answers provided to health questions are used to determine approval for coverage. Not all applicants will qualify. Rates may vary.

If insured is diagnosed with a terminal illness that will cause death in 12 mos. or less, up to 50% of the total benefit can be applied for, and used as insured chooses. The remaining benefit payable at death will be reduced by the Accelerated Death Benefit paid and any accrued and unpaid interest (8% annual interest rate applies). Receipt of Accelerated Death Benefits may affect eligibility for public assistance programs and may be taxable. Please consult the appropriate social service agency and seek the advice of tax counsel before applying for these funds. The Accelerated Death Benefit is not available if the terminal illness results from an intentionally self-inflicted injury. This benefit may not be available in all states.

Rapid Issue Whole Life Insurance (for coverage amounts of $25,000 or less) - LRIWL Policy Form Series ICC20-7001/7001 (In OR: ICC20-7001)

Responses to the application will be used to determine approval for coverage. Not all applicants will qualify.

This Whole Life policy is referred to as graded benefit whole life insurance. If you suffer a non-accidental death within the first two years of coverage, your beneficiaries will get 100% of the base premiums you paid, plus 35%. After two years, the total amount of your coverage is paid for death due to any cause.

After the first two years of coverage, if insured is diagnosed with a terminal illness that will cause death in 12 mos. or less, up to 50% of the total benefit can be applied for, and used as insured chooses. The remaining benefit payable at death will be reduced by the Accelerated Death Benefit paid and any accrued and unpaid interest (8% annual interest rate applies). Receipt of Accelerated Death Benefits may affect eligibility for public assistance programs and may be taxable. Please consult the appropriate social service agency and seek the advice of tax counsel before applying for these funds. The Accelerated Death Benefit is not available if the terminal illness results from an intentionally self-inflicted injury. This benefit may not be available in all states.

Guaranteed Issue Whole Life Insurance - LGIWL Policy Form Series: ICC16-6301/GWL6301 (In OR: ICC16-6301)

The maximum amount of Guaranteed Issue Whole Life insurance coverage per insured is $25,000.00. Subject to age requirements and policy limit restrictions.

This Guaranteed Issue Whole Life policy is referred to as graded benefit whole life insurance. If you suffer a non-accidental death within the first two years of coverage, your beneficiaries will get 100% of the level monthly premiums you paid, plus 30%. After two years, the total amount of your coverage is paid for death due to any cause.

If you are a California resident 65 years of age or older, we are required to advise you of the following. The sale or liquidation of any stock, bond, IRA, certificate of deposit, mutual fund, annuity, or other asset to fund the purchase of this product may have tax consequences, early withdrawal penalties, or other costs or penalties as a result of the sale or liquidation. You may wish to consult independent legal or financial advice before selling or liquidating any assets and prior to the purchase of any life or annuity products being solicited, offered for sale, or sold 

ALAN-29546-624-XX