I used to work for a life insurance broker, let me tell you it’s a horrible business. We were told to ‘disturb’ customers to get them to take out policies. For example, ‘I know you said you’d struggle to pay the premium each month, but you need to think about what would happen to little Jimmy if something would happen to you.’
Unfortunately you need to do it over the phone so it’s correctly underwritten with the medical questions. Whoever you speak to on the phone is first and foremost a sales person and they are going to try and sell you as much as possible. They will try anything to get you to take out the policy which gives them the best commission that day, and will always persuade you to take it out that day.
Top tips would be to go with a trusted company for the policy such as Royal London, Legal and General, Scottish Widows or AIG.
Before picking up the phone do some research. Find out about the different types of policies, the length of term you’ll be needing etc. If you’ll be needing any extras such as critical illness cover you should know what it is and how much you need/ can afford.
Basically you don’t want to the person selling you the policy to be explaining everything to you, you should already know how it works.
Do NOT take out the policy the same day you speak to the broker, do not let them push you into it. Take notes of their quotes and shop around.
They will try and make it sound as if it’s a small commitment as you can cancel it any time, but just remember if anything changes with your health you could be stuck with the policy for the term, as you won’t be able to get another policy if your health worsens on the same terms.
Good luck, and don’t take any of their crappy MetLife add ons.