Who Needs Life Insurance and How Much Do You Need?

It’s an unfortunate fact that life expectancy in the US has dropped recently. This has led many people to examine whether or not they should have a life insurance policy and, if so, how much coverage they should have. Here are some basics about life insurance, intended to help you decide whether it’s the right protection for you and your loved ones.


Do I Need Life Insurance?


Life insurance pays out when you die, providing funds for whomever you name as a beneficiary in the policy. Usually, beneficiaries are spouses or partners and children, although they can be anyone who depends on your income financially to survive, like grandchildren or a sibling with a disability.


Would your family’s home be at risk without you there to provide for them? Would your children be able to attend college? If they would be unable to pay for the things they have now or have planned for the future, life insurance is a must. It will give everyone involved peace of mind knowing they will be okay financially even if the worst happens.


How Much Life Insurance Should I Get?


The general rule of thumb is you should provide at least 6-10 times your income with a life insurance policy. However, you may wish to have more than that if you have a large number of dependents, an expensive mortgage, or other expenses that would be hard for your family to meet after your passing.


A substantial life insurance policy can be very difficult and costly to obtain the older you get because the risk of you needing the policy increases with age. Therefore, starting your policy while you’re still young and healthy is best, giving you time to let it grow without it being a financial burden and to minimize the chance that you’ll be turned down for coverage due to poor health or advanced age.


What Are the Different Kinds of Life Insurance?



There are three basic kinds of life insurance:

  • Term life insurance - coverage for a specific period of time
  • Whole life insurance - coverage for your entire lifetime
  • Universal life insurance - a mix of term and whole life with more flexible premiums


It can be challenging to decide what kind of insurance to purchase and exactly how much to get. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced insurance agent and not simply buy any old policy online.


Need help finding the personal insurance coverage that’s right for you? Call The Cusmano Agency at 203-394-6645 to get the personalized help you want.


By Chris Uzzo June 5, 2026
Starting and growing a family comes with many exciting milestones, but it also brings new responsibilities and financial risks. Between busy schedules, growing expenses, and changing priorities, insurance coverage is often overlooked. Unfortunately, small gaps in coverage can create major problems when the unexpected happens. Keeping the Same Coverage for Too Long Many young families continue using the same insurance policies they had before getting married, buying a home, or having children. As life changes, insurance needs often change as well. Coverage that worked a few years ago may no longer provide enough protection today. Underinsuring Personal Property Families tend to accumulate furniture, electronics, appliances, toys, and other belongings quickly. Many people underestimate the total value of their personal property until they experience a major loss. Creating a home inventory can make it easier to understand how much coverage may be needed. Choosing Coverage Based Only on Price It is natural to want affordable insurance, especially with the expenses that come with raising children. However, choosing the lowest-priced policy without understanding the coverage can lead to unexpected out-of-pocket costs later. Deductibles, liability limits, exclusions, and coverage options all matter. Not Updating Beneficiaries Life insurance and other financial accounts often require beneficiary updates after major life events such as marriage or the birth of a child. Forgetting to review this information can create complications later and may not reflect your current wishes. Many young families delay purchasing life insurance because they assume it is too expensive or unnecessary. In reality, life insurance can help provide financial stability for a spouse or children if something unexpected happens. Policies are often more affordable when purchased at a younger age. Ignoring Liability Protection  As families grow, liability risks can increase as well. Owning a home, hosting guests, having pets, or adding teenage drivers can all increase exposure to liability claims. Reviewing liability limits and discussing umbrella insurance may be worthwhile for some families. Forgetting to Review Coverage Regularly Insurance should not be treated as a one-time purchase. Families often experience changes in vehicles, income, home value, and lifestyle over time. Regular policy reviews can help identify gaps and ensure coverage continues to match current needs. Insurance may not always be top of mind during busy stages of life, but having the right coverage in place can help provide peace of mind and financial protection for your family. Taking a little time to review your policies now can help prevent larger problems later. Contact us today to review your insurance coverage and make sure your family is properly protected.
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