ApplyForLife

Coverage Calculator

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

Most families are underinsured by $250,000 or more. Answer five quick questions and get a coverage number based on your real life.

Coverage Calculator

Recommended coverage

$850,000

Coverage bracket: $500,000-$1,000,000

This is a planning estimate, not a quote. Your licensed agent can refine the exact number for your situation, free.

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The Formula Behind the Number

Your coverage number = income replacement + what you owe + what it costs to close out a life, minus what you already have.

Income replacement

10-12x your annual income is the standard. It keeps your family in the same house, same schools, same life.

Debts and mortgage

Life insurance pays off what you owe. A paid-off mortgage removes the single biggest bill your family faces.

Final expenses and college

Funerals run $8,000-$12,000. Add education costs if you want to fund your kids' college no matter what.

Minus what you have

Existing policies, savings, and investments reduce the gap. The calculator subtracts these automatically.

What Your Number Costs

Verified monthly rates for 20-year term, best health rating:

$250K

from $11/mo

at age 30

$500K

from $16/mo

at age 30

$1M

from $23/mo

at age 30

See the full coverage amount table →

How Much Coverage: FAQs

Is 10x my salary enough life insurance?

For most families, yes, that is the starting point. Add your mortgage and debts on top. If you have young children or a spouse who doesn't work, lean toward the higher end of 10-12x.

Why do I need life insurance if I have savings?

Savings cover a chapter, not a lifetime. Life insurance replaces years of income in one tax-free payment, so your family doesn't have to drain retirement accounts or sell the house during their hardest year.

Can I change my coverage amount later?

Yes. Many term policies include conversion options, and you can always add coverage with a new policy. Buying more than you need now locks in younger rates, which is why the calculator rounds up.

Do stay-at-home parents need life insurance?

Absolutely. Replacing childcare, housework, and home management can cost $40,000-$80,000 a year. A stay-at-home parent's coverage protects the family's ability to function after a loss.

Ready to Protect What Matters Most?

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