Chewing Tobacco and Life Insurance

**isukendall** · 10-21-2010, 03:04 PM

I have a question for any insurance-savvy people out there:

My wife and I have a joint life insurance policy. At the time we signed up for the policy, I was a smoker, however I haven't smoked for almost a year and a half. I still do chew occasionally, mostly on weekends but a tin will last me a couple weeks.

Because I paid a premium rate in the beginning for being a smoker, I'm wondering if I can get a preferred rate now. I remember our agent saying they classified all tobacco users the same, but I'm not sure how strict that is, or if there is some in-between level.

I know the easy answer is to just quit chewing, so I'll save time for the first person who wants to post that reply.

Any suggestions/thoughts?

**GeronimusClone** · 10-21-2010, 03:08 PM

Will they be taking a blood test for the insurance to test tobacco use?

**3TrueFans** · 10-21-2010, 03:08 PM

You should just quit chewing.

**GeronimusClone** · 10-21-2010, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by 3TrueFans

You should just quit chewing.

Here Kendall,

**simply1** · 10-21-2010, 03:11 PM

Get Rich: Quit Smoking - Spending - Deals - SmartMoney.com

The problem is the blood test or urinalysis would show nicotine, but there are companies that offer preferred non-smoker but tobacco user rates.

**Knownothing** · 10-21-2010, 03:11 PM

I sell life insurance. Your screwed until you quit chewing. They will search your blood for nicotine.

**3TrueFans** · 10-21-2010, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by GeronimusClone

Here Kendall,

Hey he just said he wanted to save my time, I'm ok with wasting a little for such a good cause.

**enolcyc** · 10-21-2010, 03:17 PM

[QUOTE=isukendall;1954151]I have a question for any insurance-savvy people out there:

If you do not have a copy of your policy, ask for one. I am sure the agent doesn't know all of the written information in a policy for all of the carriers he markets.

Most policies do not include chewing tobacco along with smoking. Actually, if you have quit smoking, you would most likely qualify for a discounted premium.

I chew, work for an insurance carrier, and have never been asked if I chew - just if I smoke, which I can answer honestly "no".

**cstrunk** · 10-21-2010, 03:17 PM

I just indicated that I was a tobacco user since I chew occassionally.

**CycoCyclone** · 10-21-2010, 03:17 PM

occasional tobacco use could get you off the "rated tables".

But any urinalysis or blood work will show nicotine.

**cyclones500** · 10-21-2010, 03:28 PM

I have chewed tobacco, but have never chewed life insurance.

Did that help?

**isukendall** · 10-21-2010, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by Knownothing

I sell life insurance. Your screwed until you quit chewing. They will search your blood for nicotine.

So say I do quit chewing. How long should I wait before I call my insurance carrier to get a retest?

**isukendall** · 10-21-2010, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by GeronimusClone

Will they be taking a blood test for the insurance to test tobacco use?

When we signed up, they just did a lip/saliva test to confirm that I was a tobacco user. Actually, they didn't even have me do a physical because I was going to get the high rate no matter what. My wife did do a physical to get the premium rate, and I'm sure they drew blood there.