To find affordable life insurance, whether it be term or permanent life, there are certain underwriting factors that insurance companies take into consideration. By knowing these things you may be able to save time and secure a lower rate:

1. Don't Smoke: Did you know that premiums for smokers are almost three times higher than their non-smoking counterpart? Life insurance companies prefer to insure non smokers and they rate their policies accordingly. Don't think you can get around the smoking question by saying "no" on the application. You may be required to supply a urine sample which will test for among other things, traces of nicotine, whether it is from a cigarette or chewing tobacco). To benefit from the lower non-smoking premium, many companies require that you've been free from smoking a minimum of one year.

2. Lose Weight: You may incur a higher rate if you are more than a certain percent overweight. Health risks associated with being extremely overweight directly affect life insurance premiums.

3. Direct vs. Agent: Purchasing your insurance directly from the internet rather than from a door to door sales person may save you money. Sales agents earn their income based on commissions. You, as the policyholder, when paying your premiums, you are also paying the salespersons commissions. Buying direct from the internet cuts out the middle person and thus lowers your premium.

4. Buy Young: The younger you are when you buy your policy, the cheaper. Life Insurance companies, base their premium primarily on statistical information that predicts a person's chance of dying in a given year. Information provided by the government along with the insurance company's own statistics are combined to calculate what is called 'the cost of death' for each $1,000 of policy benefit. Of course, as you age, the chance of dying increase and so does the premium. Therefore, if you purchase insurance while young, your rate will be lower.

Knowledge is key when shopping for life insurance.