Insurance is expensive, but if you need it, you can't afford not to have it. There are ways to cut insurance costs.

• Start by comparison shopping. List details abut each policy, such as premium amount, death benefits, and cash surrender value. Insurance companies vary in what they charge for the same amount of coverage.
• If possible, pay your premiums once a year instead of every month or on a credit plan. Doing so could save money.
• Buy one large policy because larger policies often sell for less per thousand dollars of coverage. Avoid getting several different insurance policies.
• Check out group insurance. Group insurance often costs less than individual insurance, especially if your employer helps pay the premiums. But remember, a group insurance plan alone may not offer enough life insurance to meet your needs.

Many companies give you at least 10 days to examine a policy and return it for a refund if you aren't satisfied. Ask your company or agent about this option.

Insurance is complicated. Even when you have studied the choices, a well-trained insurance agent can help you. Be sure you check out and understand insurance options. Before you visit an agent, find out about insurance options. See other circulars in this series on life insurance. You need to know enough about the coverage to decide when suggestions made by an agent are in your best interest.

You can learn more about insurance through the National Insurance Consumer Organization (NICO), which is a not-for-profit educational organization. For information, write NICO, 121 N. Payne Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; or call (703) 549-8050.

You also can get information about insurance from the American Council of Life Insurance (ACLI). For free booklets about insurance, write ACLI, 1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004-2284; or call toll-free, 1-800-423-8000.