Lost income until the youngest child is independent
The mortgage or rent
Childcare and household help a surviving parent would need
Education costs
Why term is the usual starting point
Family needs are large but temporary, which is what term insurance is priced for. A term that runs until the children are grown and the mortgage is paid covers the years of greatest risk.
Cover both parents
A stay-at-home parent provides care that would be expensive to replace. Many families insure both adults, with amounts matched to what each one's absence would cost.
Common questions
Is coverage through my job enough?
Employer coverage is often one or two times salary and usually ends when you leave. Many families treat it as a supplement.
This page is general information, not insurance, legal or tax advice. Policy terms, eligibility and pricing vary by insurer and state. A licensed insurance agent can explain the specific products they offer.
