Extreme Sports And Insurance

Certain activities can be dangerous, and taking part in these high risk activities can make it more complicated when applying for life cover. Life insurance companies believe it is more risky for them to take on people who take part in extreme sports due to the danger involved.

These companies will deal with high risk activities in two ways. They can decide to charge a higher premium, or they may decline the application if they feel like there is too much risk involved. People are often shocked at having to pay more than expected for life insurance due to their hazardous hobbies.

DO I NEED TO DISCLOSE ANY EXTREME SPORTS I DO?

You should disclose any high risk or dangerous activities at the beginning of your application process, even though it may result in your premium being slightly higher. This eliminates the chances of your family not being paid out on your death due to non-disclosure.

Usually, the insurance provider will supply you with a questionnaire relating to whatever hazardous activity you have disclosed on your application. They may send this out to you along with the application form if you let them know before the application is sent out, which will make the process quicker. The insurance company will then send the questionnaire on to the underwriters, who in turn decide the amount of risk that is involved with your application and make a decision accordingly. It is important to answer all questions honestly and truthfully!

MOTORSPORTS

Motorsports is a dangerous sport but has become a favourite for many adrenaline junkies across the country. If you take part in any motorsports, you need to disclose this during your application process. The main things the insurance provider will need to find out in the questionnaire are license type, vehicle type, engine size, whether you are a professional or if you take part in events.

SCUBA DIVING

This is the most frequently disclosed pastime. No one wants to rule out the idea of diving in the red sea in the future. If you scuba dive or intend to in the future, then the life company is looking for frequency information, depth information and qualifications you might have. Also, scuba instructors would need to disclose how frequently they teach and the dive depths.

The type of diving that you participate in will also play a major role in the risk assessment. Diving deeper than 30m, cave or wreck diving are more dangerous and more risky for the life company to take on, so therefore they may lead to an increased premium. Diving in open water less than 30m in depth is less risky, making it more likely for the life company to accept you at standard terms.

PRIVATE AVIATION

You will need to disclose what aviation qualifications you have. The type of aircraft you fly, license you hold and whether or not you take part in competitions may also impact the cover decision. The life company will also view helicopter flying differently to light aircraft, so this is something you would need to tell us. If you are a pilot on chartered jets, then usually they do not see this as something that would affect your premium, but everyone's situation can be different depending on what they fly and how frequently.

HORSE RIDING

This activity can also be considered high risk by life companies, depending on what type of horse riding you take part in, e.g. dressage, flat racing, hunting, point-to-point etc. The number of events you take part in per year is also an important consideration.

WATER SPORTS

From jet skiing to wakeboarding, there are many water sports that involve a fairly significant risk. As a result, it’s important to disclose that you take part in these to your insurance provider. The frequency you take part, specific sport you do and level at which you compete is all information that the company needs to know in order to give you an accurate quote, so don’t leave any information out!

WINTER SPORTS

Winter sports can often bring with them risks, no matter how fun they may be. From mountaineering and skiing to bobsledding or snowboarding, it’s important to disclose how often and at what level you take part in these sports. If you’re more of a ski-holiday-once-a-year person, then you won’t need to let them know, but if these activities are a big part of your life then the life insurance provider needs to know.

OTHER INFORMATION TO DISCLOSE

Certain occupations may also affect you when taking out life cover so it is important to also disclose this. High risk occupations include armed forces, mining, fishing industry, oil and gas rig work.

It cannot be stressed enough how important disclosing all information during the application process is. You need to make sure you are properly covered for your lifestyle. By paying a slightly higher premium for your cover, you will have peace of mind that you are fully covered and it will be worth it in the long run should anything happen to you.