Why do some Americans pay such high rates for life insurance<\/a>, particularly when their friends, relatives or colleagues at work do not pay the same? If you\u2019re stuck wondering, consult an insurer and ask to specifically compare the policy about which you\u2019ve heard to your own. The reasons for the cost differential may become apparent when comparisons are made through the same policies.<\/p>\n Five key factors have the potential to affect insurance premiums: dog or large animal ownership; occupation and lifestyle; history of past insurance claims; credit score; and smoking habits. While some of these factors may seem surprising at first, they make sense when one understands the reasoning behind them.<\/p>\n Dog insurance claims cost millions of dollars every year. For example, California insurers paid out $480 million for dog bite claims in 2011 alone. Claims like these fall under the umbrella of renter\u2019s or homeowner\u2019s insurance, so if you want coverage, an (more…)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Why do some Americans pay such high rates for life insurance, particularly when their friends, relatives or colleagues at work do not pay the same? If you\u2019re stuck wondering, consult an insurer and ask to specifically compare the policy about…<\/span><\/p>\n