Term life insurance lasts for a specified number of years and then ends. You choose the term when you take out the policy, with common terms being 10, 20, or 30 years. The best-term life insurance policies balance affordability with long-term financial strength.
Types of Term Life Insurance:
Term life insurance is attractive to young people with children because parents can obtain large amounts of coverage at reasonably low costs. Upon the death of a parent, a significant benefit can replace lost income.
These policies are also well-suited for people who temporarily need specific amounts of life insurance. For example, the policyholder may calculate that by the time the policy expires, their survivors will no longer need extra financial protection or will have accumulated enough liquid assets to self-insure.
Term life insurance is for a predetermined period, typically between 10 and 30 years. Term policies may be renewed after they end, with premiums recalculated based on the holder’s age, life expectancy, and health. By contrast, whole life insurance covers the entire life of the holder. Unlike a term life policy, whole life insurance includes a savings component, where the cash value of the contract accumulates for the holder. The holder can withdraw or borrow against the savings portion of their policy, where it can serve as a source of equity.
Whole life insurance, also known as traditional life insurance, provides permanent death benefit coverage for the life of the insured. In addition to paying a death benefit, whole life insurance also contains a savings component in which cash value may accumulate. Interest accrues at a fixed rate and on a tax-deferred basis.
Whole life insurance policies are one type of permanent life insurance. Universal life, indexed universal life, and variable universal life are others. Whole life insurance is the original life insurance policy, but it does not equal permanent life insurance as there are many types of permanent life insurance.
Universal life insurance and whole life insurance are both permanent life insurance types that offer guaranteed death benefits for the life of the insured. However, a universal life policy allows the policyholder to adjust the death benefit as well as the premiums. As one might expect, higher death benefits require higher premiums. Universal life policyholders can also use their accumulated cash value to pay premiums, provided the balance is sufficient to cover the minimum due. Whole life insurance, alternatively, does not allow for changes to the death benefit or premiums, which are set upon issue.
Universal life (UL) insurance is permanent life insurance (lasting the lifetime of the insured) that has an investment savings element and low premiums similar to those of term life insurance. Most UL insurance policies contain a flexible-premium option. However, some require a single premium (single lump-sum payment) or fixed premiums (scheduled fixed payments).
Unlike term life, UL insurance policies can accumulate interest-bearing funds like a savings account. Additionally, policyholders can adjust their premiums and death benefits. Those paying extra toward their premium receive interest on that excess.
If you want to build tax-deferred savings and don’t expect to tap into the funds for a long time, universal life may be a suitable option. The cash value option that’s part of a universal life policy may be available for you to withdraw or borrow against in an emergency.
It’s a good idea to talk with your insurance provider to better understand your life insurance options. They can help you review your personal situation and long-term goals to choose a policy that’s a good fit for you and your family.
Car insurance is essential for protecting you, your passengers, and your vehicle from financial loss due to accidents, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. It covers repairs, replacement costs, and liability if you are responsible for injury or damage to others. Whether you’re driving across town or across the country, having the right car insurance provides peace of mind and protection on the road.
Car insurance policies typically include liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage, as well as optional collision and comprehensive coverage for your own vehicle. These coverages work together to ensure that you’re financially protected from a wide range of potential risks, whether caused by a collision, theft, storm, or even an unexpected event like a falling tree branch.
Imagine getting into an accident that damages not only your car but also another driver’s vehicle. Without insurance, you would have to cover all repair costs, medical bills, and legal fees out of pocket. With the right car insurance in place, your policy helps manage these expenses, protecting your finances and reducing stress during difficult situations.
Car insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. From choosing higher liability limits to adding coverage like roadside assistance or rental reimbursement, customizing your policy ensures you have protection that fits your lifestyle and driving habits. Working with an experienced agent helps you build a plan that covers what matters most.
Motorcycle insurance offers critical protection for riders, their bikes, and others on the road. It provides coverage for accidents, theft, vandalism, and liability if you’re involved in an accident that causes injury or damage. Riding without insurance exposes you to financial risk and legal penalties — motorcycle insurance gives you the freedom to enjoy the road with confidence.
Motorcycle policies can be tailored to include liability coverage, collision and comprehensive protection, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and even custom parts and accessories coverage. These options ensure that your bike — and the gear and upgrades you’ve invested in — are fully protected from accidents and unforeseen events.
Imagine your motorcycle gets stolen while you’re dining out, or you lay it down avoiding a road hazard. Without the right coverage, repairs or replacement could cost thousands of dollars. Motorcycle insurance helps you recover quickly, covering repairs, medical expenses, and losses so you can get back on the road with minimal financial strain.
A good motorcycle policy does more than protect your bike. It protects your lifestyle, your finances, and your future. Choosing additional coverages like trip interruption insurance, towing, and rental reimbursement ensures you’re ready for whatever the road brings, wherever your adventures take you.
Home insurance provides essential financial protection for your property, belongings, and family. It covers damage caused by fire, theft, storms, vandalism, and other unexpected events. Whether you own a house, condo, or rental property, home insurance ensures that your most important asset stays protected from major losses.
A standard home insurance policy includes dwelling coverage for the structure, personal property protection for your belongings, and liability coverage if someone is injured on your property. These coverages work together to safeguard you from financial risks — from a broken window caused by a storm to an unexpected injury claim.
Imagine a kitchen fire that spreads quickly, damaging cabinets, appliances, and flooring. Without home insurance, repairs could cost tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket. With the right policy, your insurance helps cover the damage, ensuring your home is restored and your finances are protected.
Home insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. You can customize your policy with additional coverage options like flood insurance, earthquake protection, personal valuables coverage, or extended dwelling protection. Working with an experienced agent ensures your home is fully protected and your policy fits your lifestyle and budget.
Renters insurance protects your personal belongings from fire, theft, water damage, and more — even though you don’t own the building. It also includes liability coverage if someone gets hurt in your rental or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property.
From electronics and furniture to clothing and valuables, renters insurance ensures your items are covered whether damage happens at home or even while you’re traveling. Liability protection keeps you financially safe if an accident or unexpected event leads to injury or property damage.
Imagine a pipe bursts in your apartment, damaging your furniture, electronics, and clothes. Without renters insurance, replacing everything would be extremely expensive. With the right policy, your belongings are covered, helping you recover quickly with minimal financial stress.
Renters insurance can be upgraded with additional coverage for high-value items, identity theft protection, or increased liability limits. These add-ons ensure you’re protected from modern risks and unexpected emergencies.
Commercial insurance provides essential protection for businesses of all sizes, covering property, equipment, employees, and daily operations. Whether you run a small startup or a large company, commercial insurance helps safeguard your business from financial loss caused by accidents, lawsuits, property damage, or unexpected interruptions.
Policies can include general liability, property coverage, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, business interruption insurance, and more. These coverages work together to protect your business from risks such as employee injuries, damaged equipment, legal claims, or loss of income due to unforeseen events.
Imagine a customer slipping and falling inside your business, resulting in medical bills and a potential lawsuit. Without commercial insurance, you would be responsible for all costs, which could severely impact your business. With the right policy, liability coverage helps handle these expenses, keeping your business financially stable and protected.
Every business is unique, and your insurance should be too. From adding cyber liability protection to insuring specialized equipment or expanding your commercial auto coverage, customizing your policy ensures you are fully protected. An experienced agent can help tailor a plan that fits your industry, operations, and long-term goals.
Commercial auto insurance protects vehicles used for business purposes, including cars, vans, trucks, and specialized work vehicles. It provides coverage for accidents, liability, property damage, and medical expenses, ensuring your business stays protected while on the road.
Whether your team makes deliveries, transports equipment, or travels to job sites, commercial auto coverage ensures that your vehicles, drivers, and cargo are protected. Policies can be expanded to include comprehensive, collision, uninsured motorist coverage, and equipment or tools stored in the vehicle.
Imagine one of your employees gets into an accident while driving a company vehicle. Without proper commercial auto insurance, repair costs, medical bills, and liability claims could create serious financial strain. With the right coverage, your insurance helps manage these expenses, protecting both your business and your employees.
From contractors to delivery services to real estate professionals, businesses rely on vehicles every day. Customizing your commercial auto policy ensures coverage for the specific risks your business faces, giving you peace of mind and keeping your operations running smoothly.