As someone who is self-employed, you don't get all the options available to people who are employed by large corporations; that's where life insurance brokers step in. By working with a knowledgeable broker, you, too, can have access to affordable insurance. Life insurance acts as a benefit to your loved ones, payable on your death, and also as a retirement vehicle, otherwise known as an annuity.

A life insurance broker or agent can help you find what you're looking for, but brokers may be able to give you a wider range of options (as compared with agents). Brokers are not obligated to any specific company so they are free to give you exactly what you need. Consider the following:

1. Try to find a life insurance brokerage in your area. If you prefer to deal face-to-face, this is your best option.

2. Consider getting quotes from an online life insurance broker. This works well if you need help narrowing down your options before you buy.

3. Apply online when you've made a decision. This is convenient for those who don't have the time to drive to a local office.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a life insurance brokerage in your area

There are many folks who just don't like to do business online. Rest assured, you can almost always find a multitude of qualified brokers in any city. If you live in a small town, you may have to drive to the closest metro area to gain access to these brokers, but if you'd prefer to explore your options with someone face-to-face, finding a local agent is the way to go.

I recommend: Locate a Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance office in your area. Use InsurancePages convenient lookup feature to find a licensed life insurance broker in your area.

Get quotes from online life insurance brokerage companies

One of the quickest ways to narrow down your options is to get quotes online. Simply fill out a bit of information about yourself and get instant quotes. Use these estimates to compare life insurance policies to find one that fits your needs as well as your budget.

I recommend: Get term life insurance quotes from Lehrman Group. Fill out a quote request form at NAA Life.

Apply online for a policy from a life insurance broker

After you've considered your options, you can get an online application to submit to the company you've chosen. This makes the process much quicker than filling out paperwork and mailing it in.

I recommend: Compare rates and apply online for life insurance through Efinancial Insurance Services. Select which type of life insurance policy you're looking for using LifeInsure.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before submitting information to online life insurance brokers, check their privacy policies to ensure that your information is safe. Chances are, it is, but it's better to be safe than sorry.