Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
A planning tool plus the thinking behind it: years of income replacement, debt coverage, education funding, and existing protection.
Add together what your income would replace, then subtract what's already available. Precision isn't required—term amounts are set in increments, and the target is really just a number that maintains household stability during critical years.
Coverage estimate
Total = income × period + liabilities + schooling costs − existing coverage, rounded to $5,000. This is your starting estimate, not personalized advice.
Why those inputs
Years of income. The usual recommendation spans 10 to 20 years of earnings; pick based on how long dependents would need financial support. In Redondo Beach, families with young children typically pick the longer options since combined expenses for childcare, housing, and school peak during those years.
Loans and outstanding debts. For most households, the mortgage represents the biggest liability. Coverage sufficient to pay this off gives survivors the freedom to choose their living situation rather than being forced by money.
Schooling costs. Budget an approximate amount per dependent in current dollars. Planning now makes more sense than buying an extra policy later.
Current coverage. Savings available for spending, plus employer-provided coverage. Since workplace benefits terminate when employment ends, many people include only a portion of that amount.
Once you decide on a target amount, use the quote tool to compare costs across 10- to 30-year terms from every carrier. Most people buy somewhat more than they calculate because premiums at younger ages don't increase dramatically.