Understanding Why We're Underinsured
Alex Stanton
Many of us have experienced that nagging feeling—knowing we should get life insurance, yet somehow, it slips through the cracks. It's not uncommon to have the best intentions about securing a policy, but then life happens, and it gets pushed down the to-do list. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. This tendency is a shared experience rooted in deeper psychological reasons beyond mere procrastination. Recognizing these mental patterns can empower you to take more confident steps towards financial security.

Normalcy Bias

Often, we get caught in the belief that because things have always been fine, they always will be. This is known as normalcy bias. It's the mindset that keeps us from preparing for emergencies that seem unlikely in our current experience. For example, if you've never faced a significant health issue, it might feel unnecessary to buy insurance because it seems like those problems happen to other people—not you. This bias can prevent us from recognizing the need for protective measures like life insurance.

Optimism Bias

Optimism bias is another mental hurdle. It leads us to believe we're less at risk than others for major crises like illness or loss. This sense of invulnerability often leads to delaying critical actions like securing life insurance. While having a positive outlook is beneficial in many life areas, it shouldn't prevent us from planning for the unexpected.

Cost Misperception

There's a widespread belief that life insurance is prohibitively expensive. In reality, statistics reveal that 72% of Americans overestimate the cost of life insurance policies. This misperception can become a formidable barrier, keeping people from even exploring available options, when in fact, many policies are more affordable than assumed. Understanding these psychological tendencies is an essential first step. By recognizing them, you're on the path to overcoming these obstacles and moving towards securing your future. Whether it's reaching out to get a quote, researching different policy options, or simply starting a conversation about life insurance, take action today. Your future self will thank you.