Guide
Term vs. permanent life insurance
What each kind is for, what it costs, and why most families start with term.
Term life insures you for a fixed period—usually 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years—at a set cost. When the term runs out, coverage ends or renews at a much higher cost. It's the lowest-cost way to have substantial coverage during peak family years.
Permanent life (whole, universal, and hybrids) stays throughout your life and accrues cash value. Prices are much higher per dollar of benefit, and cash value builds slowly at first. Best for lifelong needs: a dependent needing ongoing care, passing assets to heirs, or keeping a business stable after you.
How to choose
Start by deciding what your family needs, not which product. If the need ends (mortgage paid off, kids independent), term life fits. If you'll always have the need, a permanent policy or convertible term might be right. Many carriers allow converting term to permanent without health re-qualification; check each carrier's window in the quote tool.
What people in Martinez often do
Twenty or 30 years is typical: pick a term matching your family's needs, and re-evaluate as your life changes. This keeps the cost reasonable so you can buy enough, which is the bottom line. Susman Insurance Agency can explore permanent life if a forever need applies.