Guide
Health classes explained
What rate classes mean and how to understand the classes: Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard.
Insurers price term coverage using rate class. While terminology changes slightly between companies, the framework is standardized: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, then higher-risk ratings for applicants with significant medical concerns. Tobacco users are put in a separate, costlier set of classes.
What underwriters look at
Your proportions, weight and blood pressure, cholesterol levels, family history of disease before age 60, vehicle history, prescription record, profession and hobbies, and any smoking or nicotine products. Preferred Plus needs excellent marks across nearly all factors; Preferred allows more variation; Standard Plus and Standard both allow managed ailments including controlled blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question asks you to be truthful about yourself: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus and Average with Standard. Your quotes will reflect this category; the carrier establishes your actual class after evaluation. If you're unsure, request quotes for two categories to compare, and your application will determine the real outcome. Picking a higher category than warranted won't reduce the final cost; it just makes your estimate less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency can help determine which carriers look most favorably on your health situation, which frequently makes a bigger difference than comparing advertised rates.