Guide · Updated 2026-08-06
12 Questions to Ask a Life Insurance Agent Before You Buy
A good life insurance agent will happily answer every question on this list. A bad one will get uncomfortable somewhere around question three. Either way, you learn what you need to know.
About them
- ✓1. "Are you licensed in my state, and what’s your NPN?" — the foundation. Verify the answer; our verification guide shows how.
- ✓2. "How long have you been writing life insurance?" — newer agents can be excellent, but they should be honest about it.
- ✓3. "How many carriers can you write with?" — a one-carrier (captive) agent can only recommend that carrier’s products. An independent agent with a dozen appointments can actually shop for you.
- ✓4. "How are you paid?" — the honest answer is commission, paid by the carrier. What you’re listening for is whether they answer plainly. Details in how agents get paid.
About the recommendation
- ✓5. "Why this carrier, and who else did you consider?" — a professional can name the runners-up and say why they lost.
- ✓6. "Why this product type?" — if they lead with cash-value products before asking about your budget and goals, be careful. See term vs. whole life for the honest trade-offs.
- ✓7. "What happens to my premium if I miss a payment?" — grace periods, lapse rules, and reinstatement differ by product; they should know cold.
- ✓8. "What is NOT covered?" — exclusions, contestability period, graded death benefits on simplified-issue products. The good agents raise these before you ask.
About the process
- ✓9. "Will there be a medical exam, and what happens if my health history surfaces something?" — answers reveal whether they actually matched the product to your health profile or just quoted the cheapest teaser rate.
- ✓10. "What’s the free-look period?" — every state mandates one (typically 10–30 days) during which you can cancel for a full refund. An agent who downplays it is telling you something.
- ✓11. "Will you still be my agent after the policy issues?" — servicing matters: beneficiary changes, coverage reviews, claims support for your family.
- ✓12. "Can I have that in writing?" — illustrations, quotes, and recommendations in writing. Always.
Common questions
Is it rude to ask an agent about their commission?
No — it is a normal, professional question. Agents are paid by the carrier, not by you, and any agent who bristles at the question is exactly the agent the question exists to filter out.
Should I talk to more than one agent?
For a significant policy, it is reasonable to talk to two. An independent agent with broad carrier access reduces the need, since they can compare across carriers themselves.
Educational content only — not financial, legal, or insurance advice, and requirements change; always confirm specifics with your state insurance department. Licensedproducer is an independent private directory, not a government agency, and is not affiliated with any Department of Insurance, the NIPR, or the NAIC.