Do I need life insurance?
If something happens to you during your prime earning years, your loved ones don’t just lose you – they also lose the financial future you've been building. If you have a partner, children, or elderly parents who depend on you for support (financial or otherwise), then term life insurance can be a great way to secure their financial future by providing them with a safety net should the unexpected happen.
How much coverage do I need?
Personal finance experts recommend that you have savings and/or coverage that is at least ten times your annual salary. If you have already built up enough savings to provide that safety net on your own, then you may not need term life insurance. If not, getting term life insurance can ensure that your family's future is safe, no matter what.
How long does it take to apply?
With Ethos, you can apply for life insurance in just minutes. Upon completing the application, some applicants are approved instantly for coverage! Otherwise, our underwriting process usually only takes about 7 to 10 business days to complete.
I'm already covered through work. Why do I need more?
You should consider additional coverage because employer-sponsored life insurance coverage may not be enough for your family's needs. And this coverage generally doesn't cover you once you leave the company. It's important to have a policy that you own yourself so you have full control.
Is the death benefit taxed?
In most cases, the death benefit is not taxed. That said, if you are doing something less common like distributing the death benefit in installments while investing it, or including the benefit as part of an estate, there may be tax penalties for the beneficiary. Make sure to check with an accountant or financial advisor if you think this may apply to you.
What is term life insurance?
Term life insurance is the most simple and affordable option. It provides coverage for a set amount for a set period of time or "term", typically 10 to 30 years, and is designed to protect your dependents. If you pass away during the term period, your beneficiaries receive a cash payment to cover any expenses. Because our mission is to protect vulnerable families, Ethos offers only term life insurance and recommends it particularly when you need coverage to replace your income over a fixed period of time (like when you're raising children or paying off a mortgage).
What is the right term length for me?
It's recommended to choose a term length that covers you while you're most vulnerable. You can consider choosing a term length that covers you for the length of your mortgage or until your children are independent.
When should I get life insurance?
Your life insurance costs increase as you age, so it's best to purchase as soon as possible. Life insurance is important if you have just purchased a home and need to cover the mortgage, if you've recently had a baby or have plans to in the future. Or if you would like to provide income replacement to your family in the event of an untimely death.
What information do you use to help determine my coverage needs?
Our agents take into account any loans or liabilities you may have, income replacement needs (recommending 10 to 12 times your income), final expense costs and any education plans for children.
What is the maximum amount of coverage I can apply for?
The amount of coverage you're eligible for is based on your annual income and your current age. Contact one of our agents at 415-855-4331 to learn more.
Can I change my coverage or term once I apply?
The coverage options that you applied with are not locked in. You can change your coverage amount or term length up until the policy is active. Upon approval, you can go over various coverage options with an agent to choose a policy that best fits you and your loved ones.
What happens when my coverage term ends?
At the time your coverage ends, you are able to renew coverage depending on your age.
Who is Ethos?
Ethos has partnered with your financial institution to give customers easy access to affordable life insurance. Our technology cuts out costs and complexity, so you can get the coverage your family needs at a price that fits your budget. Our agents are non-commissioned, so you can rest assured that you are getting the best recommendations for you and your family – without the hard sell or unnecessary extras.
Where is Ethos available?
Ethos is licensed and operating in 49 states. We do not currently provide coverage in New York state.
How do I apply?
Get started by selecting any "Check My Price" button on our website and answering five quick questions. Based on those answers, we'll give you a range of policy options to choose from and an estimate of your rate. Select the policy term and amount that’s right for you. We'll guide you through our online application, which takes just minutes for most people to complete.
Can I get coverage, even if I've had health problems?
At Ethos, every customer is reviewed individually based on many factors, like medical history, current health, age, and gender. Having health issues does not necessarily prevent you from getting coverage. We have many satisfied customers who have a history of health problems. There is no cost to apply for coverage, so please click to get started and find out what coverage is available to you.
How long does it take to get a decision on coverage?
Some applicants are approved instantly. Otherwise, our underwriting review process usually only takes about 7 to 10 business days to complete.
Can I cancel my application?
While we hope you would not want to cancel your policy, you can do so at any time without penalty.
How can I fix incorrect information on my application?
To update any information, please contact Ethos by phone at 415-843-8467 or email at help@getethos.com, and let us know what needs to be changed. Please note that some changes may require a newly completed application.
Is my application binding?
Absolutely not. You may choose to withdraw from the process at any time without penalty. The DocuSign after you have completed all the application questions is simply confirming that the information listed is correct and that you give permission for us to send it over to the underwriters.
When does my coverage start?
There is no waiting period. Once approved, you'll have a conversation with an Ethos agent about your policy details before being charged your first premium. Once the first premium is charged, you are fully covered.
How long does it take to get a decision on coverage?
Some applicants are approved instantly. Otherwise, our review process usually only takes about 7 to 10 business days to complete.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We recommend setting up automatic payments from your checking or savings account. You can also pay by debit card, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) or check.
What payment options are available?
Policies are set up with automatic monthly payments taken out on the same date your policy was issued. You can always update your payment date or change to quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payment plans. Paying annually is 4.4% less expensive than paying monthly.
Will my premium ever change?
Your premium amounts are guaranteed throughout the entire term and will never change.
What is a beneficiary?
A beneficiary is the person, will, or trust designated as the recipient of the funds after a claim is made on the life insurance policy.
Who should I choose to be my beneficiary?
A beneficiary should be a person or entity that stands to incur serious financial harm if you were to pass away. This could be a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or business partner. A beneficiary can also be an estate or other entity, such as a will or trust.
Can I have multiple beneficiaries?
Yes, it is possible to name more than one beneficiary. It is important to identify your beneficiaries as clearly as possible so we can reach them.
Can I get a refund?
You are eligible for a refund during the first 31 days that your policy has been active. If you request a refund outside that 31 days, a review will be conducted to determine whether a refund is required.
How can I cancel my policy?
To cancel your policy, please speak with one of our representatives at 415-903-8467 or email us at accounts@getethos.com.
Can only the beneficiary submit the claim?
The listed beneficiary must be the one to complete all claim requirements in order to receive the benefit amount. However, the initial notification of the claim does not have to come from the beneficiary.
Is there a chance the payout won't be paid?
A claim may not be paid out if we find that parts of the application were not answered truthfully or if the claim is the result of suicide in the first two years of the policy being in force.
What happens after you submit the claim?
After the claim is submitted, we go to work processing the claim and may reach out to beneficiaries for various documents.
When the insured person passes away, how do you file a claim?
In the event of the insured's death, our team can be contacted at 415-903-8467 to report the claim. We require that the beneficiary of the insured complete all claim requirements. Information needed during the claims process includes: relationship to the insured, personal information about the insured and beneficiary including social security number, the insured's date of death, policy number, and a death certificate for the insured.