Here are some helpful tips to consider when purchasing a new life insurance product, replacing an existing life insurance contract and choosing an insurance provider or agent.

When deciding which product to purchase:

• Don't rush into a decision because you feel pressured.
• Choose a contract or combination of contracts that most closely fit your needs.
• Be sure you can handle the premium payments on an ongoing basis.

• Never sign an insurance application until you've reviewed it carefully to be sure all information is complete and accurate.
• Make your check payable to the insurance organization and ask for a receipt.
• Read the contract carefully. Ask about anything unclear to you.
• Remember you have a "free-look" period to review and accept the contract, usually 10 days.
• Keep your life insurance contract. It can be very costly to quit during the early years of a contract.
• Exchanging a current contract for another can be costly. Contact your company or agent before you make the decision to change your coverage.
• If you have a complaint, contact the customer service division of the insurance company. You can contact your state's insurance department for help if you aren't satisfied with the outcome.
• Take time to review your contract and update your coverage to meet your changing needs

When replacing a contract

• Check to see if you can make changes to your current contract before replacing it.
• Always ask your current agent or company for updated illustrations, contract performance information and determine how the contract's coverage matches your plans.
• Consult a tax adviser to see if changing to the new contract may be taxable in any way.
• Understand that starting a new contract usually means paying start-up costs again.
• Premiums usually increase with age. Those insured who are older may face higher premiums and may not be insurable at standard rates.
• Rights and benefits in your present contract may not be included in a new contract.
• Understand that when new contracts are issued, they may not pay benefits for some causes of death.
• Don't cancel your old contract until you've received the new one.
• During the "free look period," decide if the new contract is what you want.

Qualifications to Look for in an Insurance Provider
When choosing an insurance provider, consider the rating service reports of the insurance companies. Five firms are recognized for rating insurers:

• A.M. Best rates for overall performance and the company's ability to meet its financial obligations.
• Fitch and Weiss rate for claims-paying ability.
• Moody's and Standard and Poor's rate for financial strength.

Choose an insurer that consistently earns very high ratings from at least two of the rating firms. You can also view our ratings online.

Qualifications to Look for in an Agent

• Your insurance agent should be licensed to sell life insurance in the state where you live.
• That person's additional qualifications might include membership in the National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU) indicating the agent is committed to the life insurance industry's ethical and professional standards.
• Professional designations that follow an agent's name such as FIC (Fraternal Insurance Counselor), CLU ( Chartered Life Underwriter) and LUTCF (Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow). Many of these designations mean the agent has studied life insurance and family financial courses to better serve your needs.
• If you're considering the purchase of a life insurance policy that is also a securities product, such as variable universal life, besides having a state insurance license, the agent must also hold a securities license.
• Your agent should listen carefully to your needs. He or she may ask questions to help determine your eligibility for insurance coverage.
• He or she should be very knowledgeable about the industry and should be responsive to your request for information and service needs.

When the agent visits

• The life insurance agent should offer to help you determine the amount of life insurance you need.
• Many agents use an analysis tool to help you understand your present life insurance needs and anticipate your future needs. For example, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has customized financial needs analysis tools to help you and your family uncover your personal and family needs for life insurance and other products to help meet present goals and plan for the future.

Finding a Thrivent Financial representative
Locate your Thrivent Financial representative online, and begin planning your personal life insurance program today.