How Many Years Of Term Life Insurance Do I Need?
When it comes to choosing a term life insurance policy, the length of the term plays a significant role in determining the premium you pay. The most common term lengths for term life insurance policies are five, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years, although some providers offer 40-year term policies. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the right term length:
| Term Length | Who it might be a good fit for |
|---|---|
| Annual renewable term | People with short-term financial obligations or those who want to cover a gap in employment |
| 5-year term | People with small loans or college fees |
| 10-year term | Parents or guardians with older children who still rely on their income or someone approaching retirement who needs to cover the last leg of their employment |
| 20-year term | New parents or newlyweds with growing families who want to cover their income |
| 30-year term | People with large, long-term financial obligations such as a mortgage or college debt or young applicants who want to cover the majority of their earning years |
If your longest-lasting financial obligation falls in between available term periods, round up. For instance, if your mortgage will be paid off in 17 years, choose a 20-year term to ensure coverage until the mortgage is paid off.
When deciding on the length of your term life policy, consider the following factors:
- The length of your mortgage
- The number of years until your children are on their own
- The number of years until you retire
By evaluating these factors, you can determine the term length that best fits your financial needs. Keep in mind that the longer the term length, the higher the premium. However, a longer term may provide more comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.
