It turns out that for life insurance, the solution to the puzzle of "how much" can be found with some basic calculations. The reason for purchasing life insurance, of course, is to provide your family with long-term financial security. To come up with a dollar figure that will provide that security, you should begin with a careful review of your financial situation.

Essentially, there are two categories that you should consider—what your family's immediate needs will be if something happens to you, and what their ongoing needs will be.

• Immediate needs can include the final expenses associated with a terminal illness, burial costs, estate taxes, the balance of an unpaid mortgage and even relocation expenses.
• Ongoing needs might include monthly bills and expenses, mortgage payments, daycare costs, education, income replacement and retirement.

Most people aren't so anxious to figure out how their family will replace the income lost if they die, or even to tackle such details as how much their own funeral will cost, or if the family will have to sell their home should such an event occur, and what the marketplace will be like if selling the home is neccesary.  One way to start the process is to consider this basic rule of thumb for life insurance:

• In general, most people should have life insurance that is equal to five to seven times their annual gross income.

Life insurance comes in two basic forms. There is:

• Term life insurance and
• Permanent life insurance (also known as Cash-Value). Knowing which one is appropriate for you means understanding what your needs are and what you are protecting.

You should elect an amount necessary to meet the needs you are trying to satisfy.

Learn More...

Life Insurance Overview | Understanding The Basics | Term & Cash Value
Coverage Amounts | Reading Policies | Planning Concerns | Life Calculator | Life Glossary

Please Note: The information contained in this Web site is provided solely as a source of general  information and resource.  It is a not a statement of contract and coverage may not apply in all areas or circumstances.  For a complete description of coverages, always read the insurance policy, including all endorsements.