Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
A tool showing how to think through income replacement, major debts, education funding, and current savings.
The typical approach adds up income needed minus existing resources. This need not be exact—term insurance sells in round figures, and your goal is simply an amount that sustains your family through the critical years.
Coverage estimate
Rough estimate: (income × years) + debts + education costs − existing savings, rounded to $5,000. Use it as a reference point, not professional guidance.
Why those inputs
Income years. Most advisors suggest 10 to 20 years; your choice hinges on how long dependents need support. San Bruno families with young children frequently pick 20 or 25 years since childcare, housing, and school costs cluster in those years.
Debts. For most households, a mortgage is the biggest obligation. Sufficient coverage to pay it off allows survivors to remain in the home without financial pressure.
Education. Estimate a per-child amount in current dollars. Folding this in now is simpler than expanding coverage later.
What you have. Liquid savings and employer-provided coverage. Keep in mind employer coverage typically lapses upon job change, so many count only a portion.
Once you pick a coverage amount, the quote tool displays monthly costs across all carriers for 10 to 30 year terms. Many people select slightly above their estimate; the additional monthly cost is modest early on.