Watch CBS News

Do you have enough life insurance? How to find out

do-you-have-enough-life-insurance-how-to-find-out.jpg
Just because you have life insurance, that doesn't necessarily mean it's enough to keep your family financially secure.  /Getty Images

Life is unpredictable. We never know what's going to happen next, and it's essential to be prepared for any unfortunate situation that might come your way. One of the most important ways to ensure your family is taken care of should the unexpected occur is to have proper life insurance.

But just because you have coverage, it doesn't necessarily mean it's enough to keep your family financially secure if you die. You may not have gotten sufficient coverage when you first took out your policy, or your life circumstances may have changed, leading to a need for additional coverage.

That's why it's a wise idea to review your current life insurance coverage today and make sure it's still sufficient.

Get a free life insurance quote online now.

Do you have enough life insurance? How to find out

Make sure your family will be taken care of if you pass away by taking the following steps.

Determine your life insurance needs

The first step in determining if you have enough life insurance coverage is to calculate your insurance needs. You should have enough life insurance to replace your income for a certain number of years to support your family, as well as to pay for any funeral expenses. Look at your budget and determine how much money your family would need to live comfortably if you were to pass away. 

You should also evaluate your assets and liabilities. Your assets include savings, investments and retirement accounts, while your liabilities include outstanding debts, such as a mortgage, auto loan or credit card balances. If your assets are enough to cover your liabilities and provide for your loved ones, you may not require additional life insurance coverage.

Consider life changes

Life changes — such as getting married, having children or purchasing a home — can impact your life insurance needs. If you've experienced a significant life change, it's essential to review your life insurance coverage and adjust your policy as needed. Your coverage amount may need to increase to account for new expenses such as childcare or mortgage payments.

Evaluate your current life insurance coverage

Next, you need to evaluate your current life insurance policy. Take a look at your coverage amount and the policy terms and conditions. Make sure you understand what your policy covers and how much it will pay out in case of your death. If the coverage amount isn't high enough, you can consider adding additional coverage, such as a term or whole life insurance policy

Request a free life insurance quote online today.

Speak with a licensed insurance agent

If you're unsure about your life insurance needs, working with a licensed insurance professional can be helpful. They have the knowledge and experience to evaluate your life circumstances and help you choose the right coverage for your family. They can also help you obtain quotes from different insurance companies to compare policies and their costs.

The bottom line

Life insurance is one of the most important investments you can make if you have loved ones who rely on you for financial support. The above steps can help you determine the right level of protection to secure your family's future.

That said, life circumstances change, and your life insurance coverage should change with it. So, it's essential to review your policy regularly to ensure it still provides the coverage you need. It may take a little extra time, but it will be well worth the peace of mind of knowing your family will be taken care of in your absence.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.