Simple Actions That Can Save You Big on Premiums

Introduction: Why Your Habits Matter More Than You Think

When it comes to getting life insurance, many people think their age or family history is the biggest factor in what they’ll pay. But what you do every day—your lifestyle choices—plays a huge role in how insurers rate your risk. The food you eat, whether you smoke or drink, how much you exercise, and even how well you sleep all get factored into your policy’s premium. The good news? That means you have a lot of control over your rates.

Tobacco Use: The Price of a Puff

If you smoke cigarettes, use cigars, chew tobacco, or vape, you’ll pay significantly more for life insurance. In fact, smokers often pay 2 to 4 times more than non-smokers. Insurers consider all tobacco use a major risk factor because it’s linked to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illness. But there’s good news—most insurers will reclassify you as a non-smoker if you’ve quit for at least 12 months and pass a nicotine test. Quitting now doesn’t just benefit your health—it could also cut your premiums in half over time.

Alcohol Consumption: Moderation Is Key

Enjoying a glass of wine with dinner isn’t a deal-breaker, but heavy or frequent drinking is another red flag for insurers. If you’re drinking daily, or if your medical records show signs of liver damage or past alcohol-related treatment, your premiums can skyrocket—or you could be denied altogether. Staying within moderate drinking guidelines and being honest on your application will help you avoid issues.

Body Weight and BMI: The Hidden Rate Changer

Your weight relative to your height—measured by your Body Mass Index (BMI)—is a key number insurers use to classify your health. A high BMI increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems, and most companies have strict cutoffs. Some insurers are more flexible if you’re muscular or actively losing weight, so if you’re working toward a healthier lifestyle, it’s worth waiting a few months before applying. Dropping even 10 to 20 pounds can mean the difference between a standard and a preferred rate.

Exercise and Physical Activity: It Adds Up

You don’t need to be an athlete, but regular physical activity is a major plus in the eyes of life insurance companies. Exercise improves heart health, lowers blood pressure, and helps regulate weight—all things insurers love to see. Even walking 30 minutes a day can make a difference. If you’ve recently added exercise to your routine, document it and share it with your agent. A fit lifestyle equals longer life expectancy, which often leads to lower premiums.

Diet and Nutrition: Fueling Better Rates

What you eat shows up in your bloodwork. High cholesterol, high glucose, and nutrient deficiencies can all impact your risk profile. If your diet is heavy in processed foods and sugar, insurers might label you a higher risk—even if you look healthy. Switching to a whole food-based diet and getting regular checkups can improve your lab results and open the door to better rates. Some insurers even offer wellness-based underwriting that rewards people who track healthy habits.

Sleep Habits and Stress: The Silent Premium Risers

Lack of sleep and chronic stress may not seem like insurance concerns, but they’re linked to high blood pressure, poor immune function, and mental health issues. If your medical history includes anxiety, depression, or insomnia, underwriters will pay attention. Getting good sleep, managing stress with therapy or exercise, and using consistent routines can show insurers that you’re managing your wellness. Stability matters—emotionally and physically.

Recreational Activities: Risky Hobbies Raise Rates

Do you skydive, scuba dive, race motorcycles, or climb mountains? Adrenaline hobbies may be fun, but they raise your life insurance premiums. Insurers assess your lifestyle as a whole—including what you do on weekends. If your hobbies carry a higher risk of fatal accidents, you can expect either higher rates or exclusions written into your policy. Not willing to give them up? Shop for insurers who specialize in high-risk coverage.

Driving Record: Your Risk Behind the Wheel

Your driving history says a lot about your risk profile. Too many speeding tickets, DUIs, or at-fault accidents in recent years can raise your life insurance costs or even result in a declined application. Insurance companies want to know that you’re a responsible driver. If your record is clean, make sure the insurer knows it. If it’s not, wait until old violations fall off—usually after three to five years.

Medication and Medical Follow-Ups: Compliance Is Key

It’s not always about whether you have a condition—it’s how you manage it. Life insurance companies like to see applicants who take prescribed medication, go to regular checkups, and follow doctor-recommended lifestyle changes. Skipping medications or appointments can raise red flags. Consistency tells the insurer that you’re taking your health seriously, which can lead to better rates, even with a chronic diagnosis.

Final Thoughts: Small Changes, Big Savings

Your lifestyle choices aren’t just about feeling better—they’re about paying less for protection. By quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, and sticking to smart daily habits, you show insurers that you’re lower risk. The result? Better underwriting classes and cheaper premiums. And since many life insurance policies lock in your rate for decades, making changes now pays off for years.
Whether you’re getting life insurance for the first time or thinking of updating your policy, take a look at your habits. A healthier lifestyle isn’t just a goal—it’s a strategy that makes your life insurance work better for you.