How to decide how much Insurance to buy
From India Infoline
Life Insurance can also act as an
important tool in wealth creation for an individual helping him achieve long
and short term financial goals.
When it comes
to buying insurance, many people face a dilemma: Am I buying too much of
coverage, or is it enough?
How do you determine your exact insurance coverage
while ensuring you don't waste money on unneeded coverage – or worse, leave
your family exposed?
Everyone needs insurance. But unfortunately, most Indians are either uninsured or underinsured.
Everyone needs insurance. But unfortunately, most Indians are either uninsured or underinsured.
More so, many still think that life insurance is just for
financial protection in the event of untimely death of a family breadwinner
though it should be the first step in financial planning journey.
Life Insurance can also act as an important tool in wealth creation for an individual helping him achieve long and short term financial goals.
Life Insurance can also act as an important tool in wealth creation for an individual helping him achieve long and short term financial goals.
But have
you, however, ever thought how much insurance is actually good enough for you?
You may have several insurance policies but are you also adequately insured? It
is important to know and understand insurance policies with respect to your
finances before you commit to one.
One critical determinant insurance advisers point out is the human life value, which is nothing but a method of calculating life insurance based on the contribution that an individual makes and would have made to the family in case of a sudden demise keeping in mind the present inflation and bank rates.
It is an estimate of insurance cover required as on date to protect the income earners' economic value to their families including their future earning potential and capacity.
One critical determinant insurance advisers point out is the human life value, which is nothing but a method of calculating life insurance based on the contribution that an individual makes and would have made to the family in case of a sudden demise keeping in mind the present inflation and bank rates.
It is an estimate of insurance cover required as on date to protect the income earners' economic value to their families including their future earning potential and capacity.
The amount of insurance one should purchase
depends on the policyholder’s economic value or the HLV.
To illustrate, let’s
say AA has monthly income of Rs 10,000. After deducting Rs. 5,000 for his/her personal expenses he/she provides Rs. 5,000 to his/her family every month.
Annually that translates to Rs. 60,000. So, in order to keep the current finance available to his family he will need to roughly make an investment of Rs. 9, 00,000, which at a risk free rate of return of, let's say, 7% would give Rs. 63,000.
Annually that translates to Rs. 60,000. So, in order to keep the current finance available to his family he will need to roughly make an investment of Rs. 9, 00,000, which at a risk free rate of return of, let's say, 7% would give Rs. 63,000.
Hence, A’s HLV would be Rs 9,00,000.
In this scenario inflation
has not been factored but in reality that also needs to be considered apart
from any tax implications on the income.
 |
This method can help in terms of deciding your life cover.
Need analysis is also an important factor to consider while buying insurance. Typically a person would purchase insurance for protection, wealth accumulation, maintenance and retirement. Each need will have a different insurance requirement. Policies should be bought in accordance with the suitability of the need.
Remember, having too little insurance could mean that your family is not being financially secure in case of untimely death. And having too much could mean that your money is being spent in paying premiums at the cost of other lifestyle spend.
Need analysis is also an important factor to consider while buying insurance. Typically a person would purchase insurance for protection, wealth accumulation, maintenance and retirement. Each need will have a different insurance requirement. Policies should be bought in accordance with the suitability of the need.
Remember, having too little insurance could mean that your family is not being financially secure in case of untimely death. And having too much could mean that your money is being spent in paying premiums at the cost of other lifestyle spend.
For more details
S Karthikeyan, FChFP
Insurance & Investment Consultant.S Karthikeyan, FChFP
GF B.Sai Kripa Apts.,,
37,Tharamani 100ft.Rd,,
Velachery,Chennai - 600042.,
Tel : 044 - 2243 5757 / Mob: 98400 40041,
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