Guide
Term vs. permanent life insurance
What each kind is for, what it costs, and why most families start with term.
Term life gives a flat death payout if you pass away in a defined time window—typically 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years—for a steady monthly or annual rate. Once the time is up, the coverage is gone, or you can renew it at a much steeper cost. For a family wanting a big benefit during the years that matter most, it's the cheapest way to go.
Permanent life (whole life, universal life, and similar types) works your entire life and has a cash pot that grows inside it. Monthly payments are much higher for the same death payout, and the cash part builds slowly at first. It fits people with needs that never stop: someone who will need care for life, money needed to settle an estate, or a business that needs transition planning.
How to choose
Think about what you actually need, not which product sounds good. When the need stops—when the mortgage is gone or the kids grow up—term insurance lines up perfectly. If you need lifetime protection, permanent insurance or a convertible term policy could work. A lot of companies allow you to switch term into permanent without new health checks during a window; the quote tool lists each carrier's rules.
What people in Antioch often do
Most households opt for a 20- or 30-year term sized to what they actually owe, and check it again if life shifts. Keeping costs down lets you get enough protection today, which is the key thing. If something permanent fits your life, Susman Insurance Agency is ready to talk about it.