If you’re shopping for disability insurance, you might notice something surprising: the disability insurance premiums look very similar—sometimes exactly the same—no matter which agent or website you go to. You might even wonder, “Can I get a better deal somewhere else?”
Here’s the truth: insurance agents can’t change or discount your price. It doesn’t matter who you buy from. The cost is the same.
Let’s break down why that is—and what you need to watch out for when comparing quotes.
Insurance Companies Set the Price—Not the Agent
Disability insurance premiums are set by the insurance companies, not the agents. Every insurer—whether it’s Guardian, MassMutual, Principal, or others—files their rates with each state’s Department of Insurance.
That means:
- The company creates the rates.
- The state insurance commissioner must approve them.
- Once approved, those rates are locked in.
No insurance agent, broker, or financial advisor can discount, change, or “mark down” those rates. It’s not allowed.
So, when you see a price that’s lower than others, it’s not because that agent has a secret deal or insider discount. It’s something else entirely—and often, it’s not good.
Why Some Quotes Look Cheaper (But Aren’t)
If you’re getting quotes from multiple agents and one looks cheaper, be careful. It may seem like a better deal, but often it’s because something important was removed.
Here are the two most common reasons disability insurance premiums look lower:
1. A Key Benefit Was Removed
Some agents will take off important features—like the own-occupation definition of disability, the residual (partial disability) benefit, or the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)—just to make the price look better.
That lowers the premium. But it also weakens the coverage.
It’s kind of like showing you a cheaper car without telling you it doesn’t come with airbags or anti-lock brakes.
2. They Quoted the Wrong Occupation Class
Insurance companies assign your job to an occupation class, which directly affects your rate. A neurosurgeon, for example, is in a different class than a pediatrician. A general dentist is different from an oral surgeon.
Sometimes agents will quote a cheaper class—either by mistake or to make the price look more attractive.
But here’s the problem: once underwriting is complete, the company assigns the correct occupation class. If your quote was based on the wrong class, you’ll get hit with a higher premium later.
At DoctorDisability, we’ve seen this happen many times. A doctor thinks they’re getting a great deal, applies, and then gets frustrated when the final rate is higher than expected. That’s not right—and we don’t do business that way.
Our Promise at DoctorDisability
We don’t cut corners to make the price look better.
We quote the right policy, with all the important features you need. We match your job to the correct occupation class. And we walk you through each part of the plan so you understand what you’re getting—and why it matters.
We’re not trying to “sell” you something.
We’re here to help you protect your income the right way. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just honest advice and rock-solid coverage.
Because in the end, your policy is only as good as what it will actually do when you need it most.
Final Thought
When comparing disability insurance, don’t just look at the price. Look at what you’re getting for that price. And remember: the cost is the same no matter who you buy it from—so make sure you’re working with someone who has your back.
If you’d like a second opinion or want to make sure your quotes are accurate and complete, we’re happy to help.
Let’s make sure your policy is done right.
Ready to protect your future?
Get a personalized side-by-side policy comparison of the leading disability insurance companies from an independent insurance broker.
