What does life insurance do?
Life insurance may pay a death benefit to the beneficiaries you choose, subject to the terms and conditions of an issued policy. Families often use that money for everyday living expenses, a mortgage, debts, childcare, college, or final expenses.
Protect your family
If your partner or kids depend on you, coverage can help them stay in their home and keep their plans on track. Many families look at term life insurance for the years when the kids are young and the mortgage is large.
Protect your income
Your ability to earn is one of your biggest assets. Life insurance can help replace income your family counts on. Some policies also offer optional riders — for example, living benefits that may allow access to part of the death benefit for a qualifying terminal, chronic, or critical illness, depending on the policy and state.
Protect your business
Business owners may use life insurance for key-person coverage, to help fund a buy-sell agreement between partners, or to protect a business loan. These strategies should be coordinated with your attorney and tax professional.
Term or permanent?
Term life generally covers a specific period (such as 10–30 years). Permanent life — including whole life and universal life — is designed for longer-term coverage and may build cash value, depending on the policy. Many people use a mix.
Frequently asked questions
Do I actually need life insurance?
It depends on who relies on you. If a spouse, children, aging parents, or a business partner would struggle financially without your income or support, life insurance may help cover living expenses, debts, and future goals. If no one depends on you financially, you may need little or none. A quick conversation can help you figure out where you land.
What's the difference between term and whole life insurance?
Term life insurance generally covers you for a set period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years, and is often the lower-cost way to get a larger amount of coverage. Whole life is a type of permanent insurance designed to last your lifetime, typically with level premiums and cash value that grows over time. Other permanent options, such as universal life, work differently. The right fit depends on your budget, goals, and how long you need coverage.
Why do people get denied for life insurance?
Insurers review factors like health history, prescriptions, tobacco use, driving record, occupation, and hobbies. Someone might be declined or offered a higher rate by one company and approved by another, because each insurer uses its own underwriting guidelines. Being honest on the application and comparing options can make a real difference.
How much life insurance coverage should I consider?
A common starting point is to add up what your family would need: income replacement for a number of years, your mortgage or rent, other debts, childcare, education goals, and final expenses — then subtract savings and any existing coverage. There's no one-size-fits-all number, which is why I walk through it with you.
How much does life insurance cost?
Price depends on your age, health, coverage amount, policy type, term length, and the insurance company. Term coverage is usually less expensive than permanent coverage for the same death benefit. The only way to know your actual price is to apply and go through underwriting.
Do I need a medical exam?
Not always. Some policies use a paramedical exam, while others may be available with health questions and database checks only. Availability depends on your age, the amount of coverage, and the insurer.
Does it cost anything to talk with you?
No. Meetings are free and there's no obligation. Agents are typically paid by the insurance company when a policy is placed, not by you for a consultation.