Hello all, I went today to pay my car insurance, my policy is with state farm and have had no problems and really think it is a great business( a local agent)but today the agent asked me if I would like some life insurance quotes so I said sure he said that he would send them in the mail to me. But he asked me if I was a smoker I said no and left. As I was driving home I thought well I dont smoke but I do snuff. I have yet to get the quotes but am curious what others are doing to let there inusrance co’s know or do you just not say anything. I dont know if I am going to purchase the insurance policy but am interested because now is the best time I’m 19 and in great health, also it will be a discount having multiple accounts but what should I do about the snuff? Any help you guys have to offer would be greatly appreciated. Vince

I’d ask him if it made a difference that you used snuff, because if it does, and you die without having mentioned it to them, they can probably use it to either reduce or totally deny any compensation from the life insurance policy.

Yeah that is what I was afraid of, so just ask him. Okay I will see what the quote says, go from there. Thanks vince

My Life insurance only made the distinction between smoker/nonsmoker. My health insurance asked if I used tobacco AT ALL (any form) and penalized me in that regard. I’d clear it up before you answer. You may get a reduced-tobacco user rate with just snuff?

Many insurance companies do a cotinine test for nicotine use with the physical. A positive test is treated the same regardless of source. They may ask if you live with a smoker or to repeat the test. Stop a few days and the test should clear unless they’re testing hair follicles. They consider all nicotine use the same. You might want to be forthright rather than give them an excuse down the line. Their primary job is not to pay if at all possible, so you might bear that in mind.

That is dumb what if you chew that nicotine gum, my uncle used it to quit smoking and chewed if for about 2 years after dunno why its so bloddy expensive?

@ibook7537: I can only tell you how it works in SA. Insurance companies do not worry about the nicotine, it’s the actual smoking which causes lung and cardiac problems. Nicotine and tar is set free in your lungs when you smoke. This might cause cancer. The tar and nicotine are transfered to your bloodstream and the veins are blocked. I have 5 stents in my chest and one in my leg because of that. That is what kills you. If anyone wants to see how much tar is in a cigarette, take a draw and blow the smoke through a white handkerchief. I sell insurance myself and the questions on the application forms are: “Do you smoke” and if yes: “What do you smoke and how much”. If your rep should ask you:“Do you use tobacco in any form” it is obvious that you will have to tell him about snuffing. Otherwise I will just keep quiet.

Life insurance is usually only concerned with smoking. Health insurance is more nosy and will in some cases actually test you for nicotine. There is an old thread here that linked to an article regarding life insurance. As I recall, it says you are a non smoker and that’s that.

Thanks for all the info guys I didnt want to lie to them and risk getting in some sort of trouble thats why I asked I will have to look at teh forms when they come in for more info. Thanks everyone Vince

Lie, that’s my advice. They have to proof that your illness, or in this case death was a result of your tobacco use. Since it is so unlikely that snuff will cause your demise, there is really no reason to mention it and get screwed.

Insurance in the US is good till you need it, then you have to fight to have the insurance pay what they promised… When i go to the dentist they ask me if i use tobacco “yes” i reply… The conversation then goes, “do you smoke”? “no”! “do you chew”? “no”! “funny look on dr.s face”!!! “You told me you use tobacco”. “I do” says I,!!! “well if you dont smoke and you dont chew, then how is you can do tobacco”? “funny look on dr.s face” again!!! “I SNUFF” Proudly smiling !!! “Snuff”? “What is Snuff”? “And you call yourself a DR.”!!! Then I bust out a tin and ask if they would like a pinch, after a brief demonstration on how to use SNUFF!!!

better than pulling out an IV needle. I agree. LIE. They need to prove (to my wife, who never gives up) that tobacco killed me (LIFE) or hurt me (HEALTH) and the fact of the matter is that they can’t. I decided long ago, nobody is testing me for drugs for any reason. If it’s for employment, I wont work there. If it’s for insurance, go **** yourself. Not happening. Cops? Well I am not driving under the influence, so see above.

I think all doctors and hospitals should ask patients if they eat doughnuts and if they do, put that down as a contributing cause to whatever disease they have. Insurance companies could then charge extra to insure doughnut eaters and we could get LARGE donations to fight doughnut use.