Guide
Term vs. permanent life insurance
What each kind is for, what it costs, and why most families start with term.
Term insurance delivers a set death payment if you pass during a fixed timeframe—usually 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years—for a consistent premium. Once the period concludes, coverage either ceases or gets renewed at a dramatically higher rate. This is the affordable way to secure substantial protection during your household's most vulnerable decade.
Permanent insurance (whole life, universal life and comparable products) runs for your entire life and accumulates value over time. Monthly payments run substantially more for the same benefit, and buildup moves slowly initially. It makes sense for permanent obligations: a dependent needing ongoing support, transferring estate funds, or handling business continuity.
How to choose
Start with the need, not the coverage type. Term insurance is ideal if your need has a finish line—a house to pay off, children growing independent. When your need doesn't end, permanent coverage or convertible term might be right. Conversion riders on term policies let you switch to permanent later without additional medical exams; this page shows each carrier's conversion rules.
What people in Sacramento often do
The typical route: obtain 20- or 30-year term insurance at the level your household actually needs, and update it if major life shifts occur. This maintains low rates while you buy sufficient coverage now—the most critical element. Contact Susman Insurance Agency if lifelong protection looks like the right fit.