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 local life insurance agents step in. By working with a knowledgeable agent, 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 local life insurance agency can help you find what you're looking for. Searching for life insurance agents by metro areas who can help you get the best deal available in your area. Consider the following:

1. Find a local life insurance agency in your area. If you prefer to deal face-to-face, this is your best option.

2. Consider getting quotes online from life insurance agents. This is convenient for those who don't have the time to drive to the local offices.

3. Use a local life insurance agency to buy annuities. This type of insurance serves as an investment account.

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

Find a local life insurance agency 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 agents 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 agents, 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: Visit a Miami State Farm office to enroll in a life insurance policy. Find a life insurance agent by metro area at Prudential Financial.

Get online quotes from a local life insurance provider

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: Fill out a quote form at Liberty Mutual to get an idea of what your rates will be; then, submit the quote to a local agent to set up your policy. Seattle residents can use the quote form at Spangler Insurance.

Locate a local life insurance provider that sell annuities

Annuities are a unique type of life insurance. You pay into it for a set period of time and when you reach retirement age, you get a disbursement from your account every month. In addition, most annuities have a death benefit that is payable to your loved ones upon your death.

I recommend: Find a Guardian Life agent in your municipality. If you live in the Melbourne/Cocoa area of Florida, check out the offerings from Brevard Agencies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

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