When it comes to California life insurance and cigarette smoking, the carrier with the best value or type of coverage cannot be predicted. Although rates for smokers are higher than those for people who do not smoke, the difference is raised even more as one grows older. Age and gender play a important role in establishing which carrier is the best.

What should you discuss when it comes to your smoking habits? The short answer is to never be dishonest. The two drugs that insurance companies always test for are cocaine and nicotine. These are very sophisticated tests and can tell the difference between current use and second hand smoke. Remember that more often than not, there is a two year contestability clause per policy that handles fraud in the application.

Is there any company that provides non-smoker rates to smokers? However, this is only on permanent policies. If you have stopped smoking during that period of time, you have the option of continuing with the lower premium, or else the rate will increase to smoker rates.

Cigar or pipe smokers aren’t necessarily placed into a smoker’s category, and the differences can be dramatic. This also applies to those trying to quit smoking through the use of a nicotine patch.

If a smoker remains nicotine-free after one year, most insurance companies will allow them to obtain a non-smoker rating, which can improve with time. A good, professional agent will discuss your tobacco history in depth preior to suggeting the best rate for your specific needs.

In my experience, more smokers than not want to stop. In order to qualify for term insurance at non-smoker rates, previous cigarette smokers must have stopped for a minimum of one year. Let your physician know if you have recently stopped smoking, and ask that an appropriate notation be made in your record.

If you’re in this situation, you could consider the purchase of a 10 year term policy. It is generally less expensive that a shorter term policy, and there is no reason you should pay for a longer guarantee.

Do not forget that you will generally be able to get a better rating in a couple of years, and a lower premium to boot, despite the fact that you are older. Consequently, in most cases, there is no reason to pay for a longer guarantee on a policy you plan on replacing.