I applied for a $500,000 term life insurance policy to protect my family. During the phone interview, they asked about “Hazardous Activities.” I mentioned I commute on an Electric Unicycle. The quote came back rated “Table 4” (High Risk)—doubling my premium, grouping me with sky divers and scuba divers.
Key Takeaways
- Disclosure is Mandatory: If you don’t disclose “hazardous hobbies” and die doing them, the insurer can deny the payout (during the 2-year contestability period).
- Commuting vs. Sport: How you frame it matters. “I use an electric scooter to commute 3 miles” is often viewed differently than “I race electric unicycles off-road.”
- Carrier Selection: Some carriers (Prudential, Lincoln) are more lenient with “aviation/motorsport” risks than others.
- Accidental Death Riders: If you can’t get affordable standard life insurance, an “Accidental Death & Dismemberment” (AD&D) policy is cheap and specifically covers crashes.
The “Why” (Mortality Tables)
Insurers look at statistics. Motorcyclists die more often than car drivers. PEV riders are statistically similar to motorcyclists in their eyes.
The Investigation: The ” hazardous” Interview
I shopped 3 carriers.
1. Banner Life
- Rating: Strict. They flagged “motorized scooter” usage and asked for speed/frequency. Rated up.
2. Prudential
- Rating: Fair. They focused on “Professional Racing.” Since I wasn’t a pro racer, they gave me Standard rates.
3. Health IQ (Broker)
- Rating: Best. They market to “active people.” They argued that my riding was part of a healthy lifestyle (outdoors) and secured a better rate.
Comparison Table
| Carrier Strategy | Monthly Cost ($500k Term) | PEV View |
| Standard/Conservative | $80 | High Risk |
| Lenient/Specialist | $40 | Standard Commuter |
| Undisclosed (Fraud) | $40 | Denial Risk |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Use a Broker: Do not apply directly online. Use a human broker who can “shop the risk” anonymously to underwriters before you formally apply.
- Define “Commuter”: Emphasize safety gear, low speeds, and utility use. Distinguish yourself from the “adrenaline junkie.”
- Consider AD&D: If life insurance is too expensive, buy a standalone AD&D policy for $10/month that covers $200k if you die in an accident.
FAQ
What if I take up riding AFTER I buy the policy?
Generally, you are covered. Life insurance rates are locked at inception based on current lifestyle. If you start skydiving a year later, they usually can’t raise rates (Check policy terms).
[IMAGE: Life Insurance application form with the “Hazardous Activities” checkbox highlighted]