---
title: "Life Insurance Underwriting Classes Explained: From Preferred Plus to Table Rated"
description: "Underwriting class determines premium by 40–200%. Here's how each class is determined and how to position clients for the best rate."
url: https://unlockedcrm.ai/blog/life-insurance-underwriting-classes-explained
canonical: https://unlockedcrm.ai/blog/life-insurance-underwriting-classes-explained
category: "Life & Annuity"
published: 2026-10-27
author: "Jacob Lock"
source: unLocked CRM — AI CRM for insurance agents
---

# Life Insurance Underwriting Classes Explained: From Preferred Plus to Table Rated

## TL;DR

Life insurance underwriting classes range from Preferred Plus (lowest premium) to Table Rated (up to 3x standard). Preferred Plus to Standard difference is 40–60%. Each table rating adds 25% to standard. Shopping multiple carriers is critical — classifications vary significantly.

## Key data points

- Preferred Plus to Standard life insurance premium difference is 40–60%
- Each table rating adds 25% to standard life insurance rate
- Underwriting classifications vary significantly between carriers
- AI underwriting tools pre-qualify clients across multiple carriers simultaneously

# Life Insurance Underwriting Classes Explained

Understanding underwriting classes is essential for setting client expectations and maximizing placement rates. The difference between Preferred Plus and Standard can mean 40–60% higher premiums. Table ratings can double or triple the cost.

## Standard Underwriting Classes

**Preferred Plus (Preferred Elite/Super Preferred)**
- Best health, no tobacco, no family history of early death
- BMI: 18–27 (varies by carrier)
- Blood pressure: under 130/85 without medication
- Cholesterol: under 220
- No hazardous hobbies, clean driving record
- Premium: lowest available rate

**Preferred**
- Good health with minor impairments allowed
- BMI: 18–30
- Controlled blood pressure with 1 medication acceptable
- Minor family history may be acceptable
- Premium: 15–25% more than Preferred Plus

**Standard Plus**
- Average to good health
- BMI: 18–32
- Controlled conditions with medication
- Some family history acceptable
- Premium: 25–40% more than Preferred Plus

**Standard**
- Average health
- BMI: 18–35
- Multiple controlled conditions
- Moderate family history
- Premium: 40–60% more than Preferred Plus

**Table Rated (A–P or 1–16)**
- Substandard risk
- Each table adds 25% to standard rate
- Table 4 = Standard + 100% (double)
- Table 8 = Standard + 200% (triple)
- Not all carriers offer same table ratings

## Agent Strategy

1. **Pre-qualify accurately**: Use carrier underwriting guides before submitting — avoid unnecessary declines
2. **Shop multiple carriers**: Underwriting varies significantly. A "Standard" at one carrier may be "Preferred" at another
3. **Consider simplified/guaranteed issue**: For clients who won't qualify for fully underwritten coverage
4. **Set expectations early**: Never promise a rate class before underwriting

unLocked CRM's AI Underwriting tools help agents pre-qualify clients across multiple carriers, identifying which carriers offer the best rate class for each client's health profile.

## FAQ

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## Related

- https://unlockedcrm.ai/blog/how-to-sell-final-expense-insurance
- https://unlockedcrm.ai/blog/life-insurance-quoting-ai-tools

---

Source: [Life Insurance Underwriting Classes Explained: From Preferred Plus to Table Rated](https://unlockedcrm.ai/blog/life-insurance-underwriting-classes-explained) — unLocked CRM, the AI CRM built for insurance agents. Citation permitted with attribution and a link to https://unlockedcrm.ai/blog/life-insurance-underwriting-classes-explained.