Agent Reviewed
There are a number of factors that go into determining life insurance rates, even your weekend hobbies. Unfortunately, some of the hobbies meant to add excitement to your life can also add to the amount you pay for life insurance.
It’s important to understand why life insurance companies think the way they do. And while there are no set-in-stone rules for what you would pay for life insurance if you participate in high-risk hobbies, you can learn more about how more dangerous pastimes can impact your life insurance rates.
Types of Activities That Can Impact Life Insurance Rates
Each life insurance company has its own rules and process for establishing risk factors. Inherently dangerous activities can make you at a higher risk to a life insurance carrier, but below are a few examples of high-risk hobbies that could have an impact on your life insurance rates:
- Rock climbing – Going up, down or across natural or artificial rock formations.
- Hang-gliding – An air sport where you fly a light, non-motorized foot-launched aircraft, utilizing the wind to glide through the sky.
- Scuba diving – A mode of underwater diving where breathing equipment is used to support air supply. The word “scuba” in scuba diving actually stands for the acronym “self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.”
- Motorsports – Racing of motor vehicles, typically cars and motorcycles.
- Skydiving – Jumping from an aircraft and free-falling in the air before landing with the support of a parachute.
- Hot air ballooning – A hot air balloon consists of a bag (also known as an envelope) that contains heated air caused by burning liquid propane.
Why do I have to pay more for life insurance because of my hobbies?
When you participate in extreme sports or high-risk hobbies, life insurance companies consider you to be a bigger risk to insure. Even if you’re extremely cautious or careful, there’s a greater chance you’ll die of unnatural causes. So whether it’s a risky-health condition or hobby, you can likely expect your life insurance premiums to be higher.
Why You Should Still Buy a Life Insurance Policy
Regardless of the activities you enjoy, you still need life insurance. Having a hobby that could put you in danger is all the more reason to have a plan. It’s a great way to make sure your loved ones are financially secure should something happen to you. In the event you were to pass away—whether of natural causes or an unexpected incident—knowing your family is supported is one of the easiest ways to gain peace of mind.
Let SelectQuote Help You Shop for Life Insurance
Life insurance companies don’t assess risk the same. One life insurance company can be more lenient for some hobbies and strict on others. At SelectQuote, we can compare life insurance rates for you from some of the most trusted life insurance carriers in just minutes. We’ll consider all of your needs and hobbies, making sure you’re connected to the right carrier with the right coverage for you.
