Frequently asked questions
Answers, in plain English.
The questions families actually ask. Answered straight. Still stuck? One call.
Getting Started
What is Checkmate Financial Group?
We’re a licensed, in-house insurance agency that helps U.S. families find life insurance, final expense, IUL, and retirement coverage. Our state-licensed agents work directly with you. No lead reselling and no anonymous call centers.
How do I get started?
Request a free quote or book a consultation. Share a few basics, and a licensed agent will reach out to talk through your options. Usually within one business day.
Do you use AI? Will I still talk to a real person?
Both. And that’s the point. Our AI does the heavy lifting behind the scenes, instantly shopping 40+ A-rated carriers and matching your profile to the strongest options. But a licensed human always reviews the recommendation and answers your questions. The AI assists; a real person is accountable for the advice. We don’t use bots to give you coverage guidance.
Where are you licensed?
Our agents are licensed across all 50 states. Specific products and carriers vary by state, and your agent will only present options available where you live.
How long does the application take?
The initial request takes about two minutes. From there, simplified policies can be approved the same day or the next business day; fully underwritten cases take longer. We’ll set clear expectations up front.
Coverage & Policy
What products do you offer?
Term life, whole life, IUL, final expense, and annuities, plus mortgage protection and coverage tailored to ACA and Medicare situations. See them all on our coverage page.
What’s the difference between term and whole life?
Term covers a set number of years at the lowest cost. Ideal for income replacement. Whole life lasts your entire life and builds guaranteed cash value. Many families use a mix; we’ll help you balance them.
What is an IUL?
Indexed Universal Life is permanent coverage whose cash value grows with a market index, protected by a floor so a down year means 0% growth. Not a loss. It offers flexible premiums and tax-advantaged access to value. Learn more.
How much coverage do I need?
A common starting point is enough to replace several years of income, plus debts like a mortgage and future costs such as education. Your agent will right-size it to your family rather than a rule of thumb.
Can my policy change as my life changes?
Often, yes. Many term policies can convert to permanent coverage without a new exam, and permanent policies may let you adjust premiums or benefits. We review your coverage with you as life evolves.
What is final expense insurance?
A smaller whole-life policy designed to cover funeral costs, medical bills, and final expenses, so your family isn’t left with the bill. It’s simple to qualify for and often requires no medical exam.
Money & Pricing
How does Checkmate Financial Group get paid?
The insurance carriers pay us. When you buy a policy, the issuing carrier pays Checkmate a commission. You never pay us directly, and because premiums are state-filed rates, a policy costs the same through us as it does anywhere else.
Do I pay more by using an agent?
No. Life insurance rates are filed with each state, so a given policy costs the same whether you buy it through an agent or straight from the carrier. Our advice is free. The price is not ours to change.
Why is there no pricing on this site?
Because life insurance is priced person by person. Your rate depends on your age, health, and coverage amount, set through each carrier’s underwriting, so a generic table would only guess. A licensed agent quotes your real rate across 40+ A-rated carriers in one call.
Is the quote or the call really free?
Yes. Both. Quotes, advice, and claims help cost you nothing, and there is no obligation to buy anything. If you do choose a policy, the carrier pays us, never you.
Underwriting
Will I need a medical exam?
Not always. Many carriers offer no-exam paths that use a short health questionnaire and database checks, especially at moderate coverage amounts. Larger amounts, or certain health histories, may call for an exam. Your agent will tell you which path each carrier offers before you apply.
What if I have a health condition?
You still have options. Underwriting standards differ widely between carriers: a condition one company rates up, another treats as routine. Your agent shops 40+ A-rated carriers to find the ones that view your health most favorably. Coverage is always subject to underwriting approval.
What happens if a carrier declines me?
Your agent re-shops the case. A decline from one carrier is not a decline from all 40+; each has its own underwriting rules, and some specialize in the exact condition that stopped the first. If fully underwritten coverage is not available, simplified issue and guaranteed issue policies accept applicants within their stated age and amount limits.
Living Benefits
What are living benefits?
Living benefits let you access part of your policy while you’re still alive. For example, in the event of a qualifying terminal, chronic, or critical illness. They turn life insurance into protection you may use yourself.
What is cash value?
Cash value is a savings component that builds inside permanent policies like whole life and IUL. It grows over time and can be borrowed against or withdrawn, subject to the policy’s terms.
Can a policy provide retirement income?
Permanent policies with cash value, such as IUL, can supplement retirement through policy loans that are often tax-advantaged when structured correctly. We’ll model how it fits alongside your other income.
What is an accelerated death benefit?
It’s a feature that lets you receive a portion of your death benefit early if you’re diagnosed with a qualifying serious illness. Helping with care costs when you need it most.
What’s the difference between a loan and a withdrawal?
A policy loan borrows against your cash value and is repaid with interest, leaving the policy intact. A withdrawal permanently removes value and can reduce your death benefit. Your agent will explain the trade-offs for your policy.
Retirement Planning
What is an annuity?
An annuity is a contract that turns savings into income. Often for life. You fund it, it grows tax-deferred, and later it pays you back on a schedule you choose. Read more.
Fixed vs. indexed. What’s the difference?
A fixed annuity earns a guaranteed interest rate for predictability. A fixed-indexed annuity ties growth to a market index with a protective floor. More upside potential, still no market losses.
Annuity or life insurance. Which do I need?
Life insurance protects your family if you pass away; an annuity protects you from outliving your money. Many people benefit from both. We’ll help you decide based on your goals.
When should I start?
Many families look at annuities within 5–10 years of retirement, but earlier can mean more tax-deferred growth. The right timing depends on your savings and income plan.
How are annuity payments taxed?
Growth is tax-deferred while it accumulates; the earnings portion of income payments is taxed as ordinary income. Treatment depends on how the annuity was funded. Confirm specifics with your tax advisor.
Policyholder Maintenance
How do I update my beneficiary?
Contact us or your carrier to request a beneficiary change form. It’s quick, and we recommend reviewing your beneficiaries after major life events like a marriage, birth, or divorce.
How do I change my address or contact info?
Reach out at (833) 997-6934 or Info@Checkmatefinancialgroup.com and we’ll update your details with the carrier so your documents and notices always reach you.
How do I access my policy documents?
Most carriers provide an online portal for statements and documents. If you can’t find something, contact us and we’ll help you retrieve it.
When should I review my coverage?
At least once a year, and after big changes. A new home, a new child, a marriage, or a career shift. A quick review keeps your coverage matched to your life.
What if I move to another state?
Your existing policy generally stays in force. Let us know so we can confirm any state-specific details and make sure future recommendations reflect your new home.
Billing & Payments
How do I pay my premium?
Most carriers accept bank draft, debit, or credit, set up during your application. We’ll walk you through the options when your policy is issued.
What payment frequencies are available?
Typically monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual. Paying less frequently can sometimes lower the total cost. Ask your agent.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Most policies include a grace period before any lapse. If you’re worried about a missed payment, contact us right away. We can often help you keep coverage in force.
Will my premium increase over time?
Level term and whole life premiums are fixed for the stated period. Some flexible policies can change based on how they’re funded. Your agent will tell you exactly which applies to your policy.
Claims & Support
How do I file a claim?
Call us at (833) 997-6934 and we’ll guide you through it, or file directly with the carrier. We stay involved to make sure the process moves smoothly for your family.
How long do payouts take?
Once a complete claim is submitted, many life insurance benefits are paid within a few weeks. Timing depends on the carrier and the documentation provided.
What documents are needed?
Typically a certified death certificate and a claim form, sometimes with additional details depending on the policy. We’ll give you a clear checklist so nothing is missed.
Who do I contact for support?
Reach our team at (833) 997-6934 or Info@Checkmatefinancialgroup.com, Monday through Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM Eastern.
Cancellations
How do I file a complaint?
Tell us directly at (833) 997-6934 or Info@Checkmatefinancialgroup.com. We take concerns seriously and will work to resolve them quickly.
How does escalation work?
If your concern isn’t resolved at first contact, we escalate it to a manager and, where appropriate, coordinate with the carrier on your behalf until it’s addressed.
How do I cancel my policy?
Contact us and we’ll process your request with the carrier. We’ll also make sure you understand any impact before anything is finalized.
What is the free-look period?
Most new policies include a free-look window (often 10–30 days, by state) during which you can cancel for a full refund of premium. Your policy documents state the exact length.
Will I get a refund?
If you cancel within the free-look period, premiums are typically refunded. Outside that window, refunds depend on the policy type and any accumulated value. We’ll explain your specifics.
Agent Questions
How do I join CFG as an agent?
Apply on our agents page. A two-minute form starts the process, and our team follows up within one business day.
Do I need a license already?
A life insurance license is required to write business, but you can apply before you’re licensed. We’ll point you toward the steps to get there.
What do you provide your agents?
High-intent inbound calls from people who called to buy, 40+ A-rated carriers to quote, daily live training, and a portal that runs your day. New or experienced, you get the same table. See the offer.
What carriers will I have access to?
CFG agents contract with 40+ A-rated carriers, so you can match each client to the right product rather than forcing a single carrier’s fit.
What is the agent portal?
It’s your business hub. CRM, assigned leads, training, and commission statements in one place. Existing agents sign in at the Agent Portal.
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