We did go over this awhile back, but it has come to the forefront for me and I'm looking for some advice.

1. What companies are "Cigar Friendly?"

2. If you tell them you smoke an "Occasional" cigar, roughly how much will they raise your premiums?

I had a friend tell me that for big policies, they will investigate upon payment (my death) heavily. They will interview all my aquaintances and nullify payment if they discover any discrepencies in regards to my application.

Sounds like there is no point in pretending to be a non-tobacco product user. I know people who do. Hopefully their benefactors will not run into any problems if they are unfortunate enough to kick off early. What's the point paying a premium, if it's going to be nullified due to fraud.

The answers to these questions and any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Sketcha,

Here is a list that I cut and pasted from an online source:

Aetna Life Friendly (Cigar Aficionado, 1995)

American General Hostile (company representative)

Blue Cross of Oregon Friendly (reader)

Blue Cross of Florida Hostile (reader)

Blue Cross of Texas Hostile (reader)

Equitable Life Assurance Friendly (Cigar Aficionado, 1995)

Farmer's Hostile (reader)

First Colony Life Friendly (reader)

Great West Life (Canada) Friendly (reader)

Guardian Life Friendly (Cigar Aficionado, 1995)

Issue Insurance Co. Friendly (reader)

Illinois Mutual Friendly (reader)

Manufacturers Life of Canada Friendly (Cigar Aficionado, 1995)

Massachusetts Mutual Friendly (reader)

Metropolitan Life Friendly (Cigar Aficionado, 1995)

Midland National Life Friendly (reader)

Mutual Life of New York Friendly (Cigar Aficionado, 1995)

Northwestern Mutual Life Hostile (reader)

Ohio Life Insurance Co. Friendly (reader)

Pacific Mutual Friendly (reader)

Phoenix Home Life Friendly (reader)

Principal Mutual Life Friendly (Cigar Aficionado, 1995)

Prudential Friendly (company representative)

State Farm Hostile (Various)

Savings Bank Life Insurance Hostile (reader)

US Life Insurance Hostile (company representative

Thanks, pims.

^

Heya Sketcha. I signed a policy a couple years back. There is no way to hide the fact that you're a cigar smoker. If you happen to expire and an autopsy is performed or you die of suspicious circumstances that might be attributed to cigar smoking then your non smoker policy is void. I think emphysima, heart attacks, and strokes are some of the major killers of smokers. I can't remember the others. I approached my insurance agent honest and openly and asked if there was any way to be considered a nonsmoker, even if I only smoke one cigar every couple weeks, and they said no. Us cigar smokers unfortunately get clumped under a giant umbrella that encompasses all tobacco users; including dippers, chewers, and cigarettes smokers. I personally did not want to risk leaving my family with NOTHING so I opted for a short term smokers policy. It is about 1.4 times the cost of a nonsmoker policy. But the peace of mind is worth it. Good luck with your decision.

Hey Sketcha - I've been in the business for over 20 years (insurance) - what Puffyourcares... said is absolutely correct. You are better off being honest and forthright to be certain your benefits are paid -

That said i hope everone is buying plenty of Life Insurance - as ell as disability - it is such an important thing to have!!

JSD - I would like to ask you a few questions. Could you email me at smokinafuente at MSN dot com? Thanks man.

Do the "friendly" insurers distinguish cigar smokers from other tobacco users, or are their premiums that same for tobacco users and non-tobacco users?

^

It just seems ridiculous to pay so much extra money because I smoke 10 cigars or so a week. According to the studies I've looked at, this use poses little quantifiable health risk, but they want to jack up my insurance premiums anyway? It just doesn't make sense, other than that the insurance companies are making a killing on us.

Another question - what if I got insurance prior to smoking cigars? Do I need to inform that company of my lifestyle change?

That is a good question. Tank and I got insurance about 6 years ago. The only time we hear from them is a note every year or so saying how much our rate is going up. Since he did not smoke cigars at the time, we did not think about it when we signed up. I did not see them on the list so I don't know how they feel about cigars...

Hmmm...

I'm wondering the same thing too. Although I THINK you are okay if you were a non smoker at the time the policy went into effect.

I would call my agent and ask but I'm afraid he'd say "why do you ask".

Maybe I'm whistling in the graveyard on this one. If I find out my policy isn't viable any longer, I can always cash it out and buy RJ Reynolds or Phillip Morris stock with the proceeds.

Here is an interesting take on this thread. About fifteen years ago I had a life insurance policy given by to me by company and at the time I was a non-smoker including cigars.

When I entered upper management one of the benefits was an increased policy with super benefits. The only catch was an intensive medical check-up which I passed until lastly I was informed I would be tested for nicotine. Would you like to know how I tested negative? If yes, email me: [email protected]

They test you for nicotine? What's the point? I could easily not smoke for a week before such a test, but my concern is about the other end - i.e. if they test me after I drop dead from a heart attack. Can't exactly plan to not smoke for a week before that happens, but would it mean my wife wouldn't get any money?

PuffYourCaresAway is correct. Insurance companies are looking for any reason to raise your rate. Tobacco use of any kind is more than enough reason.

Brother Bob