When purchasing life insurance, the difference in premiums between preferred rates and standard rates can be substantial. While most people understand that smoking or serious health problems will increase rates, many other lifestyle issues can increase your life insurance premiums:
Mental health - If you are taking antidepressant medication, it could substantially increase your premiums.
Driving record - Typically, even a couple of speeding tickets within a five-year period can increase rates. The insurance company's concern is that a bad driving record indicates a risky driver, who is more likely to get in a serious accident.
Family health history - Even if you are healthy, an insurance company will be concerned if a parent or sibling had cancer or a heart attack before age 60.
Credit history - Most insurance companies don't break even on an insurance policy for a few years, so they are concerned that an individual with a bad credit history may not be able to continue making premiums.
Hobbies - People who engage in dangerous hobbies, such as flying an airplane, mountain climbing, scuba diving, bike racing, and skydiving, are considered a higher risk.