Guide
Health classes explained
The meaning of Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard rate classes, and what factors determine which class you fall into.
Carriers assign each quote a rate class. While names differ slightly between companies, the hierarchy remains consistent: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, followed by additional table ratings for elevated risk. Tobacco users face a separate tier of classes at higher costs.
What underwriters look at
Underwriting considers build (height and weight), blood pressure and cholesterol levels, family history of heart disease or cancer before age 60, driving record, prescription history, occupation and activities, and tobacco or nicotine use. Preferred Plus requires nearly clean marks across all factors. Preferred allows a few minor findings. Standard Plus and Standard accommodate more issues, including controlled conditions like treated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question asks you to be truthful about your condition: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Your quote reflects your stated class; the carrier confirms the actual class during underwriting. If you are uncertain, requesting quotes at two different classes lets you compare; the application then determines your true class. Overstating your health does not reduce your eventual premium—it only makes the estimate wrong.
Susman Insurance Agency can point you toward carriers with more favorable underwriting rules for your specific circumstances—a step that typically matters more than comparing rates alone.