Looking for affordable term life insurance?  Here's a warning for online life insurance shoppers:  the industry's great low life insurance rates may not be available to you if you can't meet the underwriting guidelines.  Instead, you should use the Internet to learn benchmark life insurance rates and for research - then call the quote service and ask. Remember, life insurance companies reserve the lowest rates for the healthiest people.  And it's not just your medical condition that's under scrutiny.  Insurers want to know about your parents and siblings too. In addition, they want to know if you have:  high cholesterol?  heart disease?  use tobacco?  Participate in risky hobbies (scuba, skydiving, private pilot)?  weight?  medications? foreign travel? income? bankruptcy filings? driving record? Even a speeding ticket could mean a higher rate.  There are so many factors to consider, that's why we recommend speaking with an agent who knows the underwriting guidelines for a wide range of companies. If you're shopping online for life insurance, here are some money-saving tips: -          Find a Web site that asks detailed questions. Steer clear of sites asking only about your height/weight, age, gender, state of residence and smoking status. -          Be truthful about your medical history. The life insurance quote is only as good as the information collected so there is no need try and misrepresent yourself. -          The lowest price may not represent the best value. Life insurance is not a commodity product and one size doesn't fit all. There are significant differences in quality and product design. -          Shop for top-rated life insurance companies. Life insurance companies are rated on financial stability.  Look for a rating of A or better.  Check independent rating services such as A.M. Best or Moody's, found online or in the library. -         Look for a Phone Number. Bargain hunters may like the Internet's speed, but the truth is not everyone can qualify for the industry's rock bottom life insurance rates.  Call and ask what's best for you.