Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
An interactive calculator plus the thinking: income coverage years, what you owe, education costs, and existing protection.
A straightforward approach: total what your paycheck supported, then deduct resources already available. This isn't a science, and precision isn't required—insurance is priced in increments anyway, and you're aiming for a number that would maintain stability during the years when your dependents need it most.
Coverage estimate
Quick math: (income × years) + debts + college savings − existing coverage, then round to the nearest $5,000. This is a starting place to explore, not guidance from an adviser.
Why those inputs
Coverage duration. A range of ten to twenty years covers income; the right span depends on how many years your family would need support. Fullerton families with young children often select twenty or thirty years, since childcare, housing expenses, and education costs bunch together.
Outstanding debts. For many households, a home loan is the biggest obligation. Insurance proceeds that would settle it give the people you support the choice to stay or move, rather than forcing a decision based on money.
College costs. A ballpark amount per child in current dollars. It's simpler to include it in your initial coverage than to buy additional protection later.
Current protection. Accessible savings and workplace insurance programs. Keep in mind that employer-provided benefits typically end if you leave the job, so many people include only a fraction of that in their planning.
Once you've settled on an amount, the quote tool demonstrates the cost from each carrier for 10-, 15-, 20-, 25-, and 30-year periods. Many people opt for coverage slightly above their calculation because the monthly cost difference is modest when applying in your thirties or forties.