Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
A tool to calculate coverage need plus the logic behind it: how many years of income, debt obligations, education costs and existing coverage matter.
The most widely used approach is straightforward: total what your income would replace, then subtract whatever protection you already have. Precision isn't required—term policies sell in round amounts, and the point is picking a number that would sustain your household through the years when it needs you most.
Coverage estimate
Quick formula: (income × years) + debts + education costs − existing coverage, rounded to $5,000. This is a starting estimate, not financial guidance.
Why those inputs
Income years. Planners typically calculate between ten and twenty years of income replacement; your specific number depends on when dependents will be self-sufficient. Families with young children in Vallejo often prefer longer terms because their expenses for school, childcare and housing all concentrate in the same years.
Debts. For most households, the mortgage is the biggest one. Life insurance proceeds that pay it off give your family the choice of staying or moving forward without being forced by money.
Education. Set aside a rough amount per child in current dollars. Including it in your initial coverage beats adding a separate policy afterwards.
What you have. Existing savings and group coverage from your employer count here. Since group coverage terminates when you leave the job, many people count only a fraction of it.
Once you've settled on a figure, the quote tool will show you what each carrier charges for that amount across 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30-year terms. Many people choose a higher amount because the monthly cost difference is modest when you're younger.