How much does term life insurance cost by age? A healthy 30-year-old pays approximately $15-$25 per month for a $250,000 20-year term life insurance policy, while a 50-year-old pays $65-$95 monthly for the same coverage. Term life insurance premiums increase significantly with age—rates roughly double every decade—because mortality risk rises as you get older. Understanding how age affects your life insurance costs is essential for securing affordable coverage while you’re still young and healthy.
Age is the single most important factor determining your term life insurance premium, accounting for 40-60% of your total cost. A 25-year-old can purchase $500,000 in coverage for the price of a daily coffee ($20-30/month), while a 60-year-old might pay $250-350 monthly for identical coverage—more than 10 times higher. This dramatic cost difference makes purchasing term life insurance early one of the smartest financial decisions you can make to protect your family’s future.
This comprehensive 2025 guide breaks down term life insurance rates by age for coverage amounts from $250,000 to $1 million, explains why costs increase with age, compares rates between 10-year, 20-year, and 30-year policies, and provides strategies to secure the lowest possible premiums at any age. Whether you’re in your 20s planning ahead or your 60s seeking coverage, you’ll find exactly what you can expect to pay for term life insurance based on your age.
Understanding Term Life Insurance: The Basics
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period—typically 10, 20, or 30 years—paying a death benefit to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term. Unlike whole life insurance with cash value accumulation, term life is pure insurance protection, making it the most affordable life insurance option for most people.
How Term Life Insurance Works:
You choose a coverage amount (death benefit) and term length based on your family’s needs. If you die during the policy term, your beneficiaries receive the full death benefit tax-free. If you outlive the term, the policy expires with no payout or refund, though most policies offer renewal options at significantly higher rates.
Why Age Matters So Much:
Insurance companies base premiums on mortality risk—the statistical probability you’ll die during the policy term. According to the Social Security Administration’s actuarial tables, a 30-year-old has a 0.13% chance of dying in the next year, while a 60-year-old faces a 1.38% chance—more than 10 times higher. This mathematical reality directly translates to higher premiums as you age.
Additional Age-Related Factors:
Beyond pure mortality statistics, older applicants are more likely to have developed health conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease) that further increase premiums. Many insurers use accelerated underwriting with no medical exam for younger applicants but require full medical exams for applicants over 50-55, potentially uncovering issues that raise rates or lead to denial.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides consumer guides on understanding life insurance policies.
Term Life Insurance Rates by Age: Complete 2025 Price Tables
The following tables show monthly premiums for healthy, non-smoking applicants purchasing 20-year term life insurance policies in 2025. Rates are averages from top-rated insurers including State Farm, Nationwide, Protective, Banner Life, and Mutual of Omaha.
$250,000 Coverage – 20-Year Term
| Age | Male Monthly Premium | Female Monthly Premium | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | $12 – $18 | $10 – $15 | Baseline |
| 25 | $13 – $19 | $11 – $16 | 8% |
| 30 | $15 – $22 | $13 – $18 | 15% |
| 35 | $18 – $26 | $15 – $22 | 20% |
| 40 | $24 – $34 | $20 – $28 | 33% |
| 45 | $36 – $48 | $30 – $40 | 50% |
| 50 | $58 – $78 | $46 – $62 | 61% |
| 55 | $94 – $124 | $72 – $94 | 62% |
| 60 | $152 – $198 | $112 – $146 | 62% |
| 65 | $268 – $342 | $188 – $238 | 76% |
| 70 | $498 – $622 | $342 – $428 | 86% |
$500,000 Coverage – 20-Year Term
| Age | Male Monthly Premium | Female Monthly Premium | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | $18 – $28 | $15 – $24 | Baseline |
| 25 | $20 – $30 | $17 – $26 | 11% |
| 30 | $24 – $36 | $20 – $30 | 20% |
| 35 | $30 – $44 | $25 – $36 | 25% |
| 40 | $42 – $60 | $34 – $48 | 40% |
| 45 | $66 – $88 | $52 – $72 | 57% |
| 50 | $108 – $144 | $86 – $116 | 64% |
| 55 | $178 – $236 | $136 – $178 | 65% |
| 60 | $294 – $382 | $216 – $282 | 65% |
| 65 | $524 – $668 | $368 – $468 | 78% |
| 70 | $984 – $1,228 | $672 – $842 | 88% |
$1,000,000 Coverage – 20-Year Term
| Age | Male Monthly Premium | Female Monthly Premium | Annual Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | $32 – $48 | $26 – $40 | Baseline |
| 25 | $36 – $54 | $30 – $46 | 13% |
| 30 | $42 – $64 | $35 – $54 | 17% |
| 35 | $54 – $80 | $44 – $65 | 29% |
| 40 | $78 – $112 | $62 – $88 | 44% |
| 45 | $126 – $168 | $98 – $136 | 62% |
| 50 | $210 – $280 | $166 – $224 | 67% |
| 55 | $350 – $464 | $266 – $348 | 67% |
| 60 | $580 – $756 | $426 – $556 | 66% |
| 65 | $1,040 – $1,328 | $728 – $928 | 79% |
| 70 | $1,960 – $2,448 | $1,336 – $1,676 | 88% |
Key Observations:
- Premiums double approximately every 10-12 years of age
- Women pay 15-25% less than men at all ages due to longer life expectancy
- The 50-55 age bracket shows the steepest premium increases
- Doubling coverage (from $500K to $1M) typically increases premiums by 90-95%, not 100%, due to volume discounts
Term Life Insurance Rates: 10-Year vs 20-Year vs 30-Year Policies
The term length you choose significantly impacts both your monthly premium and total cost over time. Shorter terms cost less monthly but provide protection for fewer years, while longer terms cost more monthly but lock in your rate for decades.
Rate Comparison by Term Length (Age 35, $500,000 Coverage)
10-Year Term:
- Male: $22-$32/month ($264-$384/year)
- Female: $19-$28/month ($228-$336/year)
- Total cost over 10 years: $2,640-$3,840 (male)
20-Year Term:
- Male: $30-$44/month ($360-$528/year)
- Female: $25-$36/month ($300-$432/year)
- Total cost over 20 years: $7,200-$10,560 (male)
30-Year Term:
- Male: $48-$68/month ($576-$816/year)
- Female: $40-$56/month ($480-$672/year)
- Total cost over 30 years: $17,280-$24,480 (male)
When to Choose Each Term Length:
10-Year Term Best For:
- Covering short-term debts (car loan, small business loan)
- Temporary income replacement during children’s early years
- Bridging gap until mortgage is paid off
- Supplementing employer life insurance temporarily
- Lower budget constraints
20-Year Term Best For (Most Popular):
- Covering mortgage duration (typical 15-30 year mortgages)
- Protecting income until children finish college
- Most balanced cost-to-coverage ratio
- Standard recommendation for working adults with dependents
- Covers most “risk years” of family dependency
30-Year Term Best For:
- Locking in low rates while young (under 35)
- Very young children (covering until independence)
- Long-term income replacement needs
- Avoiding future health-related rate increases
- Maximum protection period
The Math on Longer Terms:
While a 30-year term costs 60% more monthly than a 20-year term at age 35, it’s still dramatically cheaper than buying a new 10-year term at age 55. A 35-year-old male paying $48/month for 30-year coverage locks in that rate until age 65. If he instead buys a 20-year term and renews at 55, his monthly premium jumps to $178-236—nearly 5 times higher.
Why Term Life Insurance Gets More Expensive with Age
Understanding the factors driving age-based premium increases helps you make informed decisions about when to buy and how much coverage to secure.
Factor 1: Increased Mortality Risk
Life insurance pricing is fundamentally mathematical. Actuaries use decades of mortality data to calculate the probability of death at each age. According to the Society of Actuaries’ 2023 mortality tables:
- Age 30: 0.13% annual mortality rate
- Age 40: 0.22% annual mortality rate (69% increase)
- Age 50: 0.52% annual mortality rate (136% increase from 40)
- Age 60: 1.38% annual mortality rate (165% increase from 50)
- Age 70: 3.82% annual mortality rate (177% increase from 60)
These compounding increases explain why premiums don’t just rise—they accelerate dramatically in your 50s and beyond.
According to the Social Security Administration’s actuarial life tables, mortality rates increase exponentially with age.
Factor 2: Health Deterioration
The probability of developing serious health conditions increases with age:
- High blood pressure: 25% of adults in their 40s, 60% in their 60s
- Diabetes: 15% of adults 45-64, 25% of adults 65+
- Heart disease: 8% of adults 40-59, 20% of adults 60+
- Cancer history: Risk doubles every decade after 40
Even minor health changes can significantly impact rates. A 35-year-old with perfect health gets preferred rates, but if they develop controlled high blood pressure by 45, they might move from “preferred” to “standard” rating class, increasing premiums 25-40%.
Factor 3: Gender-Based Pricing
Women consistently pay 15-30% less than men at every age because they live approximately 5 years longer on average (81 years vs 76 years in the U.S.). This mortality advantage is most pronounced in middle age when male death rates from heart disease, accidents, and certain cancers exceed female rates significantly.
Factor 4: Underwriting Complexity
Younger applicants (under 40-45) often qualify for “accelerated underwriting” with no medical exam, just health questions. Older applicants typically face:
- Mandatory medical exams (blood, urine, blood pressure, height/weight)
- Detailed medical records requests
- More invasive testing for high coverage amounts ($1M+)
- Longer underwriting timelines (3-6 weeks vs 1-3 days for young applicants)
These additional requirements increase the chance of uncovering rate-increasing conditions.
How to Get the Lowest Term Life Insurance Rates at Any Age
While you can’t change your age, several strategies can help you secure the best possible rates regardless of when you apply.
Strategy 1: Buy Coverage While You’re Young and Healthy
The single most effective way to minimize lifetime life insurance costs is buying coverage early. A 30-year-old who purchases a 30-year, $500,000 term policy pays approximately $24-36/month ($8,640-12,960 over 30 years). If they wait until age 40 to buy a 20-year policy for the same coverage, they’ll pay $42-60/month ($10,080-14,400 over 20 years) for 10 fewer years of protection.
Even if you don’t currently “need” life insurance, buying a convertible term policy in your 20s or early 30s locks in excellent rates and provides the option to convert to permanent insurance later without medical underwriting.
Strategy 2: Improve Your Health Before Applying
Making targeted health improvements 3-6 months before applying can move you into better rating classes:
For Better Blood Pressure (Target: Under 130/85):
- Reduce sodium intake to under 2,000mg daily
- Exercise 30 minutes 5x weekly
- Lose 5-10% of body weight if overweight
- Limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks maximum
- Potential savings: 15-25%
For Better Cholesterol (Target: Total under 200, LDL under 130):
- Increase fiber intake to 25-30g daily
- Eliminate trans fats completely
- Add omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flax, walnuts)
- Exercise regularly
- Potential savings: 10-20%
For BMI Improvement (Target: 18.5-27):
- Lose excess weight before exam
- Each BMI point reduction can improve rating
- Potential savings: 10-30% if moving rating classes
Strategy 3: Shop Multiple Insurance Companies
Rates vary 25-50% between insurers for identical coverage due to different underwriting philosophies and target markets. Some insurers specialize in specific age groups or health profiles:
- Best for young adults (20-35): Haven Life, Bestow, Ladder (simplified issue, fast approval)
- Best for middle age (35-50): State Farm, Nationwide, Mutual of Omaha (balanced underwriting)
- Best for older adults (50-65): Protective, Banner Life, Principal (competitive senior rates)
- Best for health issues: Mutual of Omaha, Prudential (more lenient underwriting)
Working with an independent agent who quotes 10-15 carriers typically yields rates 15-25% lower than going directly to one insurer.
Strategy 4: Choose the Right Coverage Amount
While more coverage seems expensive, insurers offer volume discounts:
- $250,000 coverage: $30/month baseline
- $500,000 coverage: $48/month (only 60% more for double coverage)
- $1,000,000 coverage: $86/month (only 79% more for double again)
Buying adequate coverage upfront is usually cheaper than adding policies later at older ages.
Strategy 5: Consider Annual Payment
Many insurers offer 5-8% discounts for paying annually instead of monthly. If you can afford the lump sum, a $500/year policy paid annually costs $460-475—saving $25-40 per year with no effort.
Strategy 6: Avoid Smoking for 12+ Months Before Applying
Smokers pay 2-3 times more than non-smokers at every age. A 40-year-old male non-smoker pays $42-60/month for $500,000 coverage; a smoker pays $110-180/month for identical coverage. Most insurers require 12 consecutive months tobacco-free to qualify for non-smoker rates, including:
- Cigarettes, cigars, pipes
- Chewing tobacco, snuff
- E-cigarettes and vaping (most insurers)
- Nicotine patches/gum (some insurers)
Quitting for a year before applying can save $8,000-14,000 over a 20-year term.
Strategy 7: Take Advantage of Employer Group Life Insurance
Many employers offer group term life insurance at 1-2x your annual salary for free, plus options to purchase additional coverage at group rates (often 20-40% below individual market rates). However, group coverage typically:
- Ends when you leave the job
- Doesn’t follow you to new employment
- Has limited coverage amounts (usually maxes at $500,000)
- May require evidence of insurability for amounts over $250,000-500,000
Best strategy: Accept employer coverage but purchase an individual term policy for the coverage gap. Individual policies are portable—they stay with you regardless of employment changes.
Term Life Insurance Cost Factors Beyond Age
While age is the primary driver of term life insurance costs, several other factors significantly impact your premium:
Gender (15-30% Impact)
Women pay 15-30% less than men at all ages due to longer average lifespan. At age 40, this translates to real savings: a $500,000, 20-year term costs men $42-60/month but women only $34-48/month—saving women $96-144 annually.
Smoking Status (100-200% Impact)
Smoking is the single largest controllable factor affecting life insurance rates. Smokers pay 2-3 times more than non-smokers:
- 40-year-old male non-smoker: $42-60/month for $500K
- 40-year-old male smoker: $110-180/month for $500K
- Difference: $68-120/month ($16,320-28,800 over 20 years)
Most insurers define “smoker” as any tobacco use in the past 12 months, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and often vaping/e-cigarettes.
Health Conditions (10-100% Impact)
Medical conditions move you from “preferred” to “standard” or “substandard” rating classes:
- Well-controlled conditions (10-25% increase): Treated high blood pressure, high cholesterol, controlled diabetes
- Moderate conditions (25-50% increase): Sleep apnea, obesity (BMI 32-35), mental health conditions on medication
- Serious conditions (50-150% increase): Cancer history, heart disease, poorly controlled diabetes, stroke history
- Severe conditions: May result in denial or extremely high rates
Family Medical History (5-20% Impact)
Insurers consider immediate family (parents, siblings) history of:
- Heart disease before age 60
- Cancer before age 60
- Diabetes before age 60
- Stroke before age 60
Multiple early deaths in the family can increase premiums 10-20% or prevent “preferred plus” rating qualification.
Occupation and Hobbies (0-50% Impact)
High-risk occupations and hobbies may increase rates:
Higher-risk occupations:
- Pilots (especially private aviation)
- Underwater workers
- High-rise construction workers
- Loggers and fishermen
- Law enforcement (SWAT, narcotics)
Higher-risk hobbies:
- Skydiving and BASE jumping
- Rock climbing (especially free climbing)
- Scuba diving (below recreational depths)
- Auto racing
- Aviation (private piloting)
Some activities result in exclusions (death during activity not covered) while others increase base premiums 25-50%.
Driving Record (5-25% Impact)
DUIs and multiple moving violations can increase premiums significantly:
- One DUI in past 5 years: 20-30% increase
- Multiple DUIs: 50-100% increase or denial
- Multiple speeding tickets (3+ in 3 years): 10-20% increase
Clean driving records often qualify for preferred rates.
When to Buy Term Life Insurance at Different Ages
The “right” time to buy term life insurance depends on your life stage, but general guidelines exist for different age groups.
Ages 20-29: Establish Foundation Coverage
Even without dependents, your 20s are ideal for securing life insurance:
Why buy now:
- Lowest possible rates (lock in for 20-30 years)
- Insurability guaranteed while healthy
- Covers student loan debt (private loans may fall to cosigners)
- Covers funeral expenses ($7,000-12,000 average)
- Convertibility option preserves future insurability
Recommended coverage: $250,000-500,000 for 20-30 year term Monthly cost: $15-30 (less than streaming services)
Ages 30-39: Family Protection Phase
Most people in their 30s are in peak life insurance need:
Life events requiring coverage:
- Marriage and mortgage ($300,000-600,000 average)
- Birth of children (18-22 years to independence)
- Rising income (replacing higher earning potential)
- Business ownership (key person insurance)
Recommended coverage: $500,000-$1,000,000 for 20-30 year term Monthly cost: $24-80 depending on age and amount
Ages 40-49: Peak Earning Years
Your 40s represent maximum financial responsibility:
Coverage priorities:
- Mortgage balance ($200,000-500,000 remaining)
- Children’s college costs ($100,000-200,000 per child)
- Income replacement (5-10x annual income recommended)
- Retirement account protection for surviving spouse
Recommended coverage: $750,000-$1,500,000 for 15-20 year term Monthly cost: $60-200 depending on coverage
Ages 50-59: Transition Planning
Your 50s are the last decade to secure affordable term coverage:
Coverage considerations:
- Reducing mortgage balance
- Children becoming independent
- Retirement savings accumulation
- Potential early retirement
Recommended coverage: $500,000-$750,000 for 10-15 year term Monthly cost: $108-280
Ages 60-69: Legacy and Final Expense
Coverage in your 60s focuses on specific needs:
Common coverage goals:
- Final expenses ($10,000-25,000)
- Estate planning and taxes
- Legacy gifts to children/grandchildren
- Remaining debt payoff
Recommended coverage: $100,000-500,000 for 10-year term or permanent insurance Monthly cost: $150-600 for term; varies widely for permanent
Ages 70+: Final Expense Focus
Term life insurance becomes prohibitively expensive after 70. Most people switch to:
- Final expense insurance ($5,000-25,000)
- Guaranteed issue whole life
- Simplified issue policies
- Converting existing term policies to permanent insurance
Frequently Asked Questions About Term Life Insurance Rates by Age
At what age should I buy term life insurance?
The best age to buy term life insurance is as soon as you have anyone who depends on your income—typically in your late 20s or early 30s. However, the absolute best time is now, regardless of your age, because premiums only increase with time. A 25-year-old pays roughly half what a 35-year-old pays for identical coverage, and a 35-year-old pays half what a 50-year-old pays. Every year you wait, premiums increase 5-10%, and you risk developing health conditions that further raise rates or disqualify you entirely. Even if you don’t have dependents yet, buying a convertible term policy in your 20s locks in excellent rates and guarantees future insurability.
How much does term life insurance cost for a 40-year-old?
A healthy 40-year-old non-smoking male pays approximately $42-60 per month for a $500,000, 20-year term life insurance policy, while a female pays $34-48 monthly for the same coverage. For $1 million in coverage, expect to pay $78-112 monthly (male) or $62-88 monthly (female). These rates assume excellent health with no significant medical conditions. Smokers pay 2-3 times these amounts, and health issues like controlled high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity can increase premiums 25-75%. Your actual rate depends on your specific health profile, family medical history, occupation, and which insurance company you choose—rates vary 25-40% between insurers for identical coverage.
Why do term life insurance rates increase with age?
Term life insurance rates increase with age because the statistical probability of dying rises every year, and insurance premiums directly reflect mortality risk. According to actuarial tables, a 30-year-old has a 0.13% chance of dying in the next year, while a 60-year-old faces a 1.38% chance—more than 10 times higher. Insurance companies must charge higher premiums to older applicants to maintain sufficient reserves to pay death claims. Additionally, older applicants are more likely to have developed health conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease) that further increase risk. The combination of higher base mortality rates and increased health issues causes premiums to roughly double every decade after age 40.
Can I get term life insurance after age 60?
Yes, you can purchase term life insurance after age 60, though it becomes significantly more expensive and options become more limited. Most insurers offer term life insurance up to age 70-75, with maximum term lengths of 10-20 years depending on your age at application. A healthy 60-year-old male can expect to pay $294-382 monthly for $500,000 in 20-year coverage, while a 65-year-old pays $524-668 monthly. At these ages, insurers typically require medical exams and detailed health questionnaires. Many people over 60 find better value in permanent life insurance (whole life or guaranteed universal life) rather than term insurance, especially if they need lifelong coverage rather than temporary protection.
Is it worth buying term life insurance at age 50?
Yes, buying term life insurance at age 50 is often worthwhile if you have outstanding debts, dependents, or insufficient retirement savings to support a surviving spouse. A 50-year-old can still secure 15-20 years of coverage at reasonable rates—typically $108-144 monthly for $500,000 in coverage. This protection can cover your mortgage until it’s paid off, replace income until retirement, or ensure your spouse’s financial security. However, if your children are independent, your mortgage is nearly paid, and your retirement savings are substantial, you may not need term insurance. Instead, consider a smaller permanent policy for final expenses. The decision depends on your specific financial obligations and whether your family could maintain their lifestyle without your income.
Do term life insurance rates differ between men and women?
Yes, women pay 15-30% less than men for term life insurance at all ages because they have longer average life expectancy (approximately 81 years vs 76 years for men in the U.S.). At age 40, a woman pays $34-48 monthly for $500,000 in 20-year term coverage while a man pays $42-60 monthly—saving women roughly $96-144 annually. This pricing difference reflects pure mortality statistics: women have lower death rates at every age, particularly from heart disease, accidents, and certain cancers. The gap is most pronounced in middle age (40-60) when male mortality rates significantly exceed female rates. These savings accumulate over the policy term—a 40-year-old woman saves approximately $1,920-2,880 over a 20-year policy compared to a man of identical age and health.
Can I lock in term life insurance rates for 30 years?
Yes, 30-year term life insurance policies lock in your premium for the entire 30-year period—your rate remains unchanged regardless of age or health changes during that time. This is why buying long-term coverage while young is advantageous: a 30-year-old who purchases a 30-year, $500,000 policy pays approximately $42-64 monthly for coverage lasting until age 60. If they instead bought 10-year terms and renewed every decade, their third renewal at age 50 would cost $108-144 monthly—triple their original rate. Long-term policies protect against future insurability issues; even if you develop serious health conditions during the term, your rate cannot increase. Most 30-year term policies are only available to applicants under age 50-55, making early purchase essential.
What happens to my term life insurance rates when the term ends?
When your term life insurance policy ends, you typically have three options. First, you can let the policy lapse and walk away with no further obligation—most people choose this if they no longer need coverage. Second, you can convert to permanent insurance (whole life or universal life) without medical underwriting, though at significantly higher premiums based on your attained age. Third, you can renew your term policy annually at substantially higher “renewal rates”—typically 5-10 times your original premium. For example, if you paid $50/month for a 20-year term, annual renewal might cost $250-500/month. Most people who still need coverage at term end find better value by applying for a new term policy with current medical underwriting rather than accepting expensive renewal rates.
Conclusion: Securing Affordable Term Life Insurance at Any Age
Term life insurance rates increase substantially with every passing year, making early purchase one of the most financially beneficial decisions you can make for your family’s protection. A 30-year-old pays half what a 40-year-old pays for identical coverage, and a 40-year-old pays less than half what a 60-year-old pays—the cost difference over a 20-30 year term can exceed $50,000 to $100,000.
The key insights for securing the lowest possible rates are straightforward: buy coverage as young as possible, improve your health before applying, quit smoking at least 12 months before application, shop multiple insurance companies through an independent agent, and choose term lengths that lock in low rates through your highest-risk years.
While this guide provides average rates across major insurers, your actual premium depends on your specific health profile, family history, occupation, and lifestyle. The only way to know your precise rate is to apply—most insurers provide instant quotes online or through agents, with final approval in 1-3 days for accelerated underwriting or 3-6 weeks for traditional underwriting with medical exams.
Don’t let cost concerns delay protecting your family. Term life insurance remains remarkably affordable even as you age—a healthy 50-year-old can still secure $500,000 in coverage for roughly $4 per day. Compared to the financial devastation your family would face without adequate life insurance, this modest investment provides irreplaceable peace of mind and financial security.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about term life insurance rates and should not be construed as financial or insurance advice. Rates vary significantly based on individual health, lifestyle, and insurer underwriting standards. The rate ranges provided are estimates based on 2025 market averages and may not reflect your actual premiums. For personalized quotes, consult licensed insurance agents representing multiple carriers. Life insurance rates and product availability change frequently; verify current offerings with insurers or agents.