Life Insurance

In plain English

What life insurance actually does.

Life insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company. You pay a premium, usually monthly. If you pass away while the policy is active, the company pays a lump sum, called the death benefit, to the people you choose. Those people are your beneficiaries.

Your family can use that money for whatever they need most: replacing your paycheck, paying off the mortgage, clearing debts, or covering your kids' education. In most cases, the death benefit is paid to beneficiaries free of federal income tax.

And it isn't only for later. Permanent policies also build cash value that you can use during your own lifetime.

Family together representing life insurance protection

Two main typesTerm and whole life

Who gets paidThe beneficiaries you choose

How it paysA lump sum, generally income-tax-free

While you're livingPermanent policies build cash value

Step by step

How getting covered works.

We talk through your needs

On a quick call, we look at your income, debts, mortgage, and who depends on you to find how much coverage makes sense.

We compare your options

We explain the options that fit your health and budget in plain English, so you know exactly what you're choosing.

You apply

The application asks health and lifestyle questions. Depending on the policy and amount, the carrier may ask for a short medical exam, or none at all.

You're covered

Once you're approved and the first premium is paid, your coverage is active. You'll also have a free-look period to review the policy and cancel for a full refund.

The two main types

Term vs. whole life.

Most families choose one of these, or a mix of both. The right answer depends on how long you need coverage and what you want it to do.

Coverage for a set time

Term Life

Term life covers you for a set number of years, usually 10, 20, or 30. It's the most affordable way to get a large amount of coverage, which is why it's popular while you're raising kids or paying off a home. If you outlive the term, coverage ends and nothing is paid out. Many term policies let you convert to permanent coverage later without a new medical exam.

Coverage for life

Whole Life

Whole life covers you for your entire life, as long as premiums are paid. Your premium never goes up, and the policy builds cash value at a guaranteed rate that you can borrow against. It costs more than term for the same death benefit, but it never expires.

	Term Life	Whole Life
How long it lasts	A set term, usually 10 to 30 years	Your whole life
Cost	Lowest cost for the most coverage	Higher, but the premium never increases
Cash value	None	Builds at a guaranteed rate
If you outlive it	Coverage ends	You're still covered
Often used for	Replacing income while people depend on you	Lifelong coverage, building cash value, and leaving a legacy

Living benefits

Life insurance you can use while you're alive.

Life insurance isn't only about what your family receives someday. Permanent policies build cash value over time that you can borrow against for a down payment, a child's education, starting a business, an emergency, or extra income in retirement.

Steady and guaranteed

Whole Life Cash Value

Grows at a guaranteed rate set in your policy. Some whole life policies can also earn dividends, which aren't guaranteed but can add to your cash value over time.

Growth linked to the market

Indexed Universal Life

Cash value growth is linked to a market index like the S&P 500, up to a cap, with a floor that protects your credited interest in down years.

Learn how it works →

If you get sick

Living Benefit Riders

Many policies, including many term policies, offer riders that let you use part of your death benefit early if you're diagnosed with a qualifying terminal, chronic, or critical illness.

Policy loans accrue interest, and any unpaid balance is subtracted from the death benefit. Rider availability and terms vary by carrier and state.

How much coverage?

A simple way to find your number.

A common starting point is the DIME method. Add up your Debts, enough Income to support your family for the years they'd need it, your Mortgage balance, and future Education costs for your kids.

Another quick rule of thumb is 10 to 15 times your yearly income. These are starting points, not answers. On the call, we'll land on a number that fits your family and a premium that fits your budget.

Is it right for you?

Life insurance is worth a look if you're...

A parent with kids at home
A homeowner with a mortgage
Supporting a spouse, partner, or family on your income
A business owner protecting a partner or a loan
Relying only on the coverage from your job
Wanting to leave money to family or a cause you care about

Good to know

Before you apply.

Younger and healthier usually means cheaper. Your rate is based largely on your age and health when you apply, so waiting tends to cost more.
Term coverage has an end date. If you still need coverage when the term ends, you'd need to renew at a higher price, convert the policy, or apply for a new one.
Borrowing against cash value has a cost. Policy loans charge interest, and any unpaid balance is subtracted from the death benefit.
Be completely honest on your application. Incorrect answers can give the insurer grounds to deny a claim, especially in the first two years of the policy.

Common questions

Questions people ask us.

Isn't the life insurance from my job enough?

Coverage through work is often only one or two times your salary, and it usually ends when you leave your job. That's why many families add a personal policy, so their protection doesn't depend on their employer.

Can I get coverage if I have health issues?

Often, yes. Conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes don't automatically disqualify you. They may affect your rate or which policy fits best, which is why we look at your options together.

Can I have more than one policy?

Yes. A common setup is a term policy for your working years paired with a permanent policy that stays in place for life and builds cash value.

How quickly does my family get paid?

After your beneficiary files a claim with a death certificate, many claims are paid within a few weeks.