HomeTerm life insurance
Term Life Insurance
If someone depends on your income, term life insurance is the simplest way to protect them. It's usually far more affordable than people expect, and the earlier you lock in a rate, the better.
Why term life
Term life pays a death benefit, generally free of income tax, to the people you choose if you die during the policy's term. Most families use it for the years their obligations are largest: while the kids are growing up and the mortgage is being paid down. When the term ends, the need is usually much smaller.
How I help
- Size the need. We work out how much coverage and how long a term actually fit your income, debts and goals.
- Compare carriers. I quote several highly rated life insurers and show you estimated annual premiums side by side.
- Apply with the right one. Each carrier treats health histories differently, so I match your application to the carrier most likely to give you its best rate.
- See it through. I follow underwriting until the policy is issued and make sure you understand what you bought.
Quotes are estimates until underwriting
A life insurance quote assumes a health class. Your final rate is set after the carrier reviews your application and records, which is why I'm careful to quote realistically rather than show a best-case number you won't get.
Pair it with the rest of your plan
Life insurance protects your family's income. Your home, auto and umbrella coverage protect what you've already built. I'm glad to review them together.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between term and permanent life insurance?
Term life covers you for a set period, such as 20 or 30 years, and pays a death benefit if you die during that term. Permanent life lasts your whole life and builds cash value, but costs much more for the same death benefit. For most families protecting an income and a mortgage, term is the better fit.
How much life insurance do I need?
Enough to replace your income for the years your family would depend on it, pay off the mortgage and other debts, and fund goals like college. I'll walk through the numbers with you rather than use a one-size rule of thumb.
Do I need a medical exam?
Not always. Many carriers now offer accelerated underwriting, which can approve qualifying applicants using health records and data checks instead of an exam. Others ask for a short exam with a blood draw and a urinalysis, usually scheduled at your home or office.
How long does it take to get a policy?
With accelerated underwriting, sometimes days. With a full exam, it's commonly a few weeks, depending on how quickly records come back from your doctors.
Can I change my mind after the policy is issued?
Yes. Maryland law gives you at least 10 days after a life policy is delivered to review it and return it, and 30 days if the policy replaces one you already have. The policy's right-to-examine section spells out the exact terms and refund.
Why buy through an independent agent?
Life insurers price health histories very differently. The carrier that's cheapest for one person can be expensive for the next. As an independent agent I can compare several carriers and steer your application to the one most likely to approve you at the best rate.
Related coverage
Want a second opinion on your coverage?
Send me your current declarations page. I'll tell you honestly whether you can do better on price, coverage or both.