According to the Toronto Star, Toronto’s population has grown by 38,000 over the past 12 months, and Toronto ha overtaken Chicago as the fourth largest city in North America.
More residents means more people with insurance needs, and there’s no one better to serve those in need of life insurance than LSM Insurance’s Tamara Humphries. Humphries is also our Non-Medical Insurance Specialist. Many brokers shy away from hard to insure clients because they do not want to put in the time necessary to find them the right solution.
Insurance companies are constantly changing their underwriting criteria and many companies have come out with new plans, such as Equitable Life Simplified Issue Whole Life plan for applicants 40-80. Other carriers such as Assumption Life and Industrial Alliance are constantly refining their product portfolio. Canada Protection Plan recently made the height and weight tables much more liberal on there Simplified Issue Term plans. An example of this a male / female who is 5″6 can qualify for immediate issue coverage with a weight of up to 234 pounds. Someone 6″0 can qualify at a weight up to 279 pounds.
Tamara also points out the wording of a cancer or heart related question can vary from company to company. The nuance of these differences can mean the difference between your family being protected or out in the cold.
Tamara finished her MBA at Toronto’s York University, completing a double major in finance and marketing keeps on top of these changes and make sure finds the best solutions for her clients. In 1998, Tamara also completed the Certified Financial Planner designation and spent 12 years training and mentoring new advisors in the industry. She uses this experience and vast knowledge, to make sure she finds the policy that’s right for you — especially if you may be difficult to insure. Tamara offers a full range of Simplified Issue and Guaranteed Issue policies.
Plus, Humphries has a stellar reputation when it comes to going the extra mile for her clients. When Carolyn Davis-Jardine’s fiancé, Dan, died in a tragic accident, it was Humphries who stood in the gap on Davis-Jardine’s behalf.
“Even before the trying times, Tamara was the biggest sweetheart I’ve ever met. She made a special financial planning book for me and Dan and told us what to put in it. She constantly would email us to say, ‘How are you doing?’ ‘Merry Christmas,’ and ‘Happy Birthday,'” says Davis-Jardine.
“When this happened, she literally was there. She was so helpful to me. My brain wasn’t really working at that time, but I do remember she came over and I do remember she was there to comfort me. I remember that, and I couldn’t believe it.”
Humphries still keeps in contact to this day, even though Davis-Jardine has moved, just to make sure things are okay in her life and to see if she needs anything.
This type of attention to details is really what separates Tamara from other brokers. Tamara learned early in her career that delivering service above and beyond what people are expecting is really the key to growing in this business. By exceeding client expectations you not only feel good about yourself but you make yourself more referable. The world is filled with information people can find pages and pages of information on Term Insurance, Whole Life or Universal Life Insurance but it’s the brokers ability to condense and explain this information to their clients that helps separates them from their competitors. One of the many things Tamara does well is relate to people – she studies what advisors within the industry and outside the industry do well and not so well and helps bring that wealth of experience to the table when delivering insurance solutions.
Post sale service is also crucial. If a client wants to change their beneficiary of their banking they don’t want to be shuffled off to a call centre where the have to wait on hold for 15 minutes and than are shuffled off to another department. People have less time and Tamara believes in finding ways to simplify her clients lives not make things more cumbersome. She views a client needing service as an opportunity to deliver on her promises and show what seperates her from other brokers.
To find out how the LSM Team can help call us at 1-866-899-4849, ask for our standout broker, Tamara Humphries.
I have a an old Unity Life policy I can’t find their phone number can you help did someone purchase them
Hi Orville, Thanks for the note Unity Life was purchased by Foresters Life Insurance Company their contact details are here https://lsminsurance.ca/canadian-life-insurance-companies/unity-life-canada
My husband had a heart attack 6 years ago I want life insurance for but no waiting period and I don’t want to spend more than $75 a month
Thanks Paula. The premiums will depend on his date of birth, smoking status and type of plan. If it was 6 year ago he could qualify for a Simplified Issue plan or possibly a traditional fully underwritten plan.
Hi there,
Glad to know you are a broker that is willing to go the extra mile in helping clients. I am probably a hard to insure client because I am a smoker, how will I know if the broker I have chosen is going the extra mile like Tamara in assisting me with the best possible insurance policy out there?
Thanks for the note. You are charged a higher premium for being a smoker but this does not make you a hard to insure client. Rates can vary widely for smokers and Tamara would be happy to review your existing plans / needs.
Hi George, Thanks, There are some goods insights on Bill 157 here https://lsminsurance.ca/life-insurance-canada/2014/03/insurance-experts-weigh. Many people we’ve chatted with think the bill needs to have more teeth – there are too many exceptions.
Any thoughts on Bill 157 and did you think it will improve things for fellow CFPs
Thanks for the note Lisa. Unity Life is now Foresters and it depends on the wording of the policy. The main benefit of a conversion option is it waves the medical requirements of the insured if they want to go from Term to Permanent insurance.
Does the conversion option on my Unity policy expire at certain point in time does it give me any special rates what is the main advantage. Ty for your help.
I want to look at life insurance again but I’m a little gun shy from my last experience – how can find out more or what is the best way to reach Tamara
Thanks Francis. You can reach Tamara via the ask us section on our website and you can also find out more on her background here https://lsminsurance.ca/about/lsm-team-bios#tamara-humphries.
The advocis website also has an interesting article on finding the right advisor https://www.advocis.ca/forPublic/SB-choose.html
I had a really sh… experience with …..
I called in to stop a payment I was told it was done and now I’m charged over $50 by the bank and insurance company.
I’m really pissed just letting others know. Be sure you get some type of confirmation or mark down who you were speaking to
Thanks Kubel. I’m sorry to hear this. Getting a confirmation and noting who you were speaking to is good advice when dealing with life insurance or any company for that matter. Thanks again.
What is meant by guaranteed renewable do I have to renew my policy or do they
Hi Tom, Life Insurance is a unilateral contract the insurance company has to renew per the details of your policy but you can cancel anytime.
Which company will issue a Whole Life policy on a 80 year old
Thanks for the note George. Depending on the 80 year old health. You have several options Wawanessa, Western Life, Manulife, BMO Insurance and Assumption Life.
Can I convert my Term 20 policy to aTerm 30 policy. I don’t want to have to go through the whole meeting with a nrse again
Thanks Judith – most life insurance policies do not allow you to convert from a Term 20 to Term 30 life insurance without additional underwriting.
Can I get a quote of $300,000 Equaitable Term 20 my wife has a similar policy we took out 4 years ago. I.m 53
We are happy yo help the premiums will be based on your age nearest age and your smoking status. We will be in touch by email. Thanks,
Do you offer a Life and Long Term Care policy in one.
Desjardins Financial just came out with a combination Long Term Care and Life Insurance policy. The Long Term Care benefit is treated as an advance against the Life Insurance Face Amount we will email you more details.
Can I get a Whole Life plan that is paid up in 3 years?
Ji Jury,
You would have to overfund the policy some Whole Life plans allow this Universal ife is more often used in this instance. We will email you to get some more details.
Does Foresters still sell the Easy Term is it available as a Term 20 or only a Term 10.
Yes they still sell the Easy Term and its only available as a Term 10.
How much more is a Universal Life policy than a Term policy and what happens to the extra money if I cancel the policy eraly
Steve, The premiums depend on the amount of coverage, the insured’s DOB and smoking status. Universal Life plans vary in cost based on carrier and type of plan. Some policies are limited pay type plans. Where the insured is covered for life but stops paying in a limited number of years. Most Universal Life plans have surrender changes in the first 7 to 10 years so it is a long term purchase generally used to cover a Permanent need
Tamara, Can I get a quote on a $100,000 Term 20 coverage for a 41 year old. I’m in good health
Thanks Harold. The premiums will depend on your actual date of birth. Most insurance companies use age nearest pricing, as well your actual date of birth. We will be in touch by email.
Can you give me a quote on the BMO plan I received in the mail. I would rather talk with someone than just complete the application by mail
Thanks Betty. The plan you received info / application for may be one of their direct plans. The do not work with advisors for these plans they are only sold direct. Having that you will likely be able to get a better value on an individual plan offered by a licensed broker. They can meet with you in person and show you scenarios from a variety of insurance companies rather than just one company. We will be in touch by email.
My mom is in her early 50’s. She has been cancer free for 20 years, is healthy, non-smoker, fit and still her premiums are outrageous.
What is the average cost for $100,000 worth of life insurance.
Do I have to make mention that I started smoking again. I have had my policy 3 years but had a beer and you how the rest of the story goes.
I want to make sure muy policy stays good. You know
Hi Fiona
Yes it is possible for a corporation (or proprietorship) to own an insurance policy. Generally key person insurance or buy-sell insurance is owned corporately (or less often by the partnership or proprietorship). It really depends on whether the need for insurance is by the business or the individual. If the purpose of the insurance is for business overhead expenses, assignment to pay off a loan or health care expenses it makes sense for the corporation to owne the policy because in those cases the premiums become tax deductible.
What would be the advantage if I owe my insurance policy through my company and is this possible
Hi Diya
It is very wise to have personally owned insurance instead of through your lender. The personal coverage will protect your family. Mortgage insurance with the bank protects the lender.
The sequence of events is very important. Please be sure to have your new coverage fully in place and in force before you cancel your coverage at the bank. You do not want to be unprotected during the switch.
There is no charge or fee to cancel your mortgage insurance once you have your new coverage in force. You simply need to notify your mortgage carrier (usually in writing).
The good news with personally owned coverage is not only is it better, it usually saves you money too.
Hi Kirkland
The great news is that 9 years post heart attack gives you a great stability period which the underwriters need in order to approve. You may also want to consider non-medical policies. Non -medical policies can be less expensive than a regular policy if the regular insurance has a moderate or severe rating. Ratings are when the underwriter charges more because they feel you are riskier than the general population. You can also do a preliminary assessment to see if you have a good chance of appoval ahead of time. The great news is that insurers are willing to consider people up to age 85 even non-medically. I hope this is helpful.
Tamara, What would be the process if I wanted to switch my mortgage insurance to a life insurance policy. Are there any penalties how much notice to I have to give the bank.
What company would be best for an 80 year old with no current health issues. I had a heart attack 9 years ago but not probs now.
How do I know how much is the amount of life insurance to buy. I bought $500,000 it seems like a good amount but I’m not really sure, I think I might be over insure my self
You could check out our life insurance needs analysis calculator this is a good place to start https://lsminsurance.ca/tools/bmi-calculator
My mother recently passed away and she had a policy with Crown Life. I can’t find their details do they still exist is the policy still valid?
Hi Rachel, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Crown Life was purchased by Canada Life.
Their contact details are below and they can confirm if the policy is still inforce
1901 Scarth Street
Regina, SK
S4P L44
Toll Free: 1-888-252-1847
Phone: 416-597-6981
Fax: 416-204-2369
Web Address: http://www.canadalife.com
Im thinking of life ins. for my son. I’m a little confused on the difference beweteen Whole Life and Universal Life.
Thanks Regina. Whole Life Insurance bundles the cash value and insurance into one premium and offers more guarantees. Universal Life which comes with level and increasing cost of insurance unbundles the cash value from the premium provides more flexibility and less guarantees.
What is an adjustable whole plan. I have a plan from 20 years and the premiums have now increased twice. Can they afjust downward or just upward
Hi Kerry,
The rates on most Adjustable Whole Policies can adjust upward or downward. This is usually done on a class wide basis.
In low interest rate environment like today’s the rates are more likely to adjust upward. Some plans have a maximum increase amount others have no guarantees. You could ask your broker or insurance company if they can supply you in writing the maximum the premiums can be increased by.
Can I convert my Universal Life policy to a Term 15 or 20 plan I can’t afford the premiums any more and don’t want to lose what I put in.
Most Universal Life policies will not have an option to convert the coverage to a Term policy. Most Universal Life policies also have surrender charges in the early policy years against any cash values if the plan is cancelled. You may be able to reduce your existing plan and add additional Term coverage to lower your premiums.
Hi Stephen, We can send a preliminary inquiry to some of the insurance carriers if we get your specifics. A Simplified Life policy may also be a solution. Those policies have no medical tests and short series of questions.The more questions you answer “no” the better the plan you can qualify for. We will send you a separate email now.
I have declined for life insurance. I think rather unfairly. I had two DUIs over 10 years ago. I still have the occasional drink but only socially. What can you get me. I don’t want to leave my wife behind the 8 ball.
Hi Lorraine
Your husband is able to get non-medical insurance. These plans work a little differently than regular insurance. Basically, instead of asking medical questions, they will accept your husband without question but there will be a 2 year limited benefit provision to it. In other words, the coverage will pay the death benefit in full for accidental death only. Once the policy is in force for 2 years it will pay the death benefit for any reason. If there is a death other than accidental in the first 2 years the premiums are refunded with interest tax free. The timing of the policy becomes critical so it is important that if you want to proceed you do so quickly so the 2 year provision gets started sooner as opposed to later. In order to have $100,000 of benefit you may have to use a few plans in combination.
I’m looking into 100,000 for my husband. He has Angina and a stent put in last year. Can I get life insuranve for him and which company is best. Thks
You ask a very good question: Can I change my benefiiary without their permission. I just got remarried and I would like to add my wife to my policy but I don’t want to upset my kids.
As long as the original designation was revocable you can change the beneficiary at your discretion. YOu can also name multiple beneficiaries if you want your new wife and your children to have a part of the benefit. The percentage does not have to be equal it just has to add up to 100%. Be very clear when designating who gets what %. You will need to send a form to the insurer with your original signature, the insurance carrier will not accept faxes or electonic forms for a material change like beneficiary designation.
Can I change my benefiiary without their permission. I just got remarried and I would like to add my wife to my policy but I don’t want to upset my kids.
Hi Karl,
You can change a policy with revocable beneficiary without their permission. If the beneficiary is irrevocable they must sign off.
Why would insurance company charge me a smoker rate when I had my last cigarette 4 months ago and eventhan I was a light smoker. I was told I have to quit for 12 months to get non smoker rates. What about the person who hasn’t smoked for 12 months but had smoked a pack a day for 30 years
Thanks for the note. You’re correct most insurance companies require the insured to stop smoking for 12 months until they can get smokers rates.
You also make a good point that is not entirely fairly that a person who smoked heavily for 30 years can still get non smoker rates but smoking that long could of led to other issues which would be on the insurance application and would be underwritten.
Can I cancel my life insurance policy without my beneficiaries consent?
If it is a revocable and not an irrevocable benefiary you can cancel the policy without their consent.
Hi Jacqueline,
Just a side note also, most insurance companies will even give you a discount on your monthly policy fees if you hold multiple policies with the same company.
Hopefully that helps. Thanks
Hi Tamara, Can I have more than one life insurance policy?
My friend said that I would be covered even if I have multiple planz
Thanks for the note Jacqueline. But your friend is misinformed you can have multiple policies with multiple carriers. Having said that if any applications asks a question to inforce coverage you must state any policies you have in force. Many companies use a multiple of somewhere inn the 20 times annual income as the maximum coverage range.
My mother passed away in Dec. and …. has taken over 4 months and the claim is not paid they said they are still waiting on information from her dr. He has already written them twice. I’m frustrated and not sure what to do next.
Hi Lesley,
I’m sorry to hear about that. I realize this must be very frustrating. You may want to call the doctor directly and find out what information is still needed. Doctors are often more responsive to their patients than insurance companies.
I’m looking at BMO Insurance Preferred Term policy. The policy says preferred but it does look like I got preferred rates. Can you send me a quote on $300,000 for a healthy 48 female NS, have had high blood pressure in the past but it’s good now.
I agree this can be confusing. Preferred Term is the name of the policy and does not refer to the classification. Your policy should say if you received preferred rates or you can call BMO at 1-800-387-9855
We will send you a separate email now. Thanks
Thanks for your quote request Laura. Tamara will be in touch by email shortly.
I live in Downtown Toronto but I would like the intial quotes by email.
I have a good handle on what I’m after. Can you give quotes on $300,000, $400,000 and $500,000 Term 20 and 30 renewable and convertible with a disability waiver benefit. I am a 39 year old Female Non Smoker only take medication for high blood pressure. Thanks for your help!!