Questions? 1.800.239.0356

X
1.800.239.0356
Back to Top
Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?

Do You Have Enough Life Insurance?

Published: August 07, 2017

A 2016 survey found that two out of five U.S. households have no life insurance protection. And many households who do have insurance think they need a higher level of coverage.1

The most common reason survey respondents gave for not purchasing life insurance was that it was too expensive, yet consumers tend to overestimate the cost.2 If you think you need more coverage or have no coverage at all, it’s worth exploring the true costs and available options.

How Much Do You Need?

A common guideline suggests having a policy worth at least seven to ten times the insured’s annual salary, but some people may need more. There is no universal formula, and the amount you need depends on your family’s living expenses and other sources of income. Your insurance agent can help you assess your needs more comprehensively.

You may have group life insurance through work, but the face value of employer-based policies is generally low — typically one or two times your annual salary. Just as important as the amount of your coverage is the continuity; you might lose coverage if you change employers. An individual policy is yours to keep for as long as you pay the premiums.

Term vs. Perm

Two basic types of individual life insurance are available. Term insurance is generally the most affordable. As the name suggests, this type of coverage offers a death benefit if you die within the covered time period, which could range from one to 30 years. Premiums may adjust each year or remain fixed for the full term. You might be able to continue coverage beyond the original term at a higher premium, or possibly convert to a permanent policy (subject to age restrictions and policy minimums) while the policy is in force.

Permanent life insurance (also called whole life) offers lifetime protection and a guaranteed death benefit as long as you keep the policy in force by paying the premiums. Although the premium is usually higher than for term insurance, it typically remains level for the rest of your life.

A portion of the permanent life insurance premium goes into a cash-value account, which accumulates on a tax-deferred basis throughout the life of the policy. You might be able to borrow against the cash value during your lifetime to help pay for retirement, education, emergencies, or other needs.

Withdrawals of the accumulated cash value, up to the amount of the premiums paid, are not subject to income tax. Loans (as long as they are repaid) are also free of income tax. Loans and withdrawals from a permanent life insurance policy will reduce the policy’s cash value and death benefit, and may require additional premium payments to keep the policy in force. Any guarantees are contingent on the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

The cost and availability of life insurance depend on factors such as age, health, and the type and amount of insurance purchased. Policies commonly have mortality and administrative charges beyond the cost of premiums. If a permanent life policy is surrendered prematurely, there may be surrender charges and income tax implications.

1–2) LIMRA, 2016

This information is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice or recommendations, and it may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent professional advisor. The content is derived from sources believed to be accurate. Neither the information presented nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. This material was written and prepared by Broadridge Advisor Solutions. © 2017 Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc.