Best Life Insurance in Missouri for 2025 (Top 10 Companies Ranked)
With $24 per month rates and a 20% bundling discount, Guardian, State Farm, and Nationwide offer the best life insurance in Missouri for affordability and coverage.
Guardian leads with an A++ rating, an 11% bundling discount, and high customer satisfaction, making it excellent for individuals looking for financial stability. State Farm offers a 17% bundling discount, an extensive agent network, and whole-life policies starting at $70, providing personalized service.
Company | Rank | Bundling Discount | A.M. Best | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
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#1 | 11% | A++ | Customer Satisfaction | Guardian Life |
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#2 | 17% | B | Agent Network | State Farm |
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#3 | 20% | A+ | Affordable Policies | Nationwide |
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#4 | 4% | A+ | Affordable Rates | Mutual of Omaha |
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#5 | 13% | A+ | Wide Coverage | Prudential |
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#6 | 6% | A++ | Customizable Policies | MassMutual |
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#7 | 6% | A+ | Reliable Options | Transamerica |
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#8 | 5% | A+ | Estate Planning | Pacific Life |
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#9 | 10% | A+ | Financial Stability | Lincoln |
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#10 | 10% | A+ | Vitality Program | John Hancock |
Nationwide stands out with A+ financial strength, affordable term policies, and flexible coverage options, making it the most budget-friendly choice.
Entering your ZIP code into our tool will provide you with free quotations from the best life insurance companies, ensuring financial protection for your loved ones.
What You Should Know
- Guardian ranks top pick with an A++ rating and strong customer satisfaction
- Get affordable life insurance in Missouri with rates starting at $24 per month
- Nationwide offers the best bundling discount at 20% for added savings on coverage
#1 – Guardian Life: Top Overall Pick
Pros
- Exceptional Financial Strength: Guardian Life holds an A++ rating and is backed by over 160 years of industry experience, making it one of the most financially stable life insurance providers in Missouri.
- Competitive Bundling Discount: Offers an 11% discount for customers who bundle their life insurance in Missouri with other policies like disability or dental insurance.
- High Claim Payout Ratio: With a 97% claim approval rate, Guardian ensures beneficiaries receive their life insurance in Missouri payouts quickly, typically within 30 days.
Cons
- Fewer No-Exam Policy Options: Guardian offers limited no-medical-exam life insurance in Missouri, requiring most applicants to undergo full underwriting compared to competitors with simplified issue policies.
- Limited Digital Access: Lacks an interactive online quote tool, requiring direct contact with an agent to finalize life insurance in Missouri applications. Discover how much life insurance costs and find the best plan for your needs.
#2 – State Farm: Best for Agent Network
Pros
- Largest Agent Network: With 18,000+ licensed agents nationwide, State Farm offers personalized service for life insurance in Missouri customers who prefer face-to-face interactions.
- Significant Bundling Savings: Provides a 17% bundling discount, reducing costs when combining life insurance in Missouri with home or auto policies.
- Diverse Policy Selection: Offers term, whole, and universal life policies with flexible term lengths of 10, 20, and 30 years, ensuring tailored life insurance in Missouri solutions.
Cons
- Weaker Financial Rating: Holds only a B rating, indicating lower financial security compared to Guardian’s A++ rating for life insurance in Missouri. Get full ratings in our Get full ratings in our State Farm review.
- No Instant Online Quotes: Customers must schedule an appointment with an agent to receive personalized life insurance in Missouri at the same price as competitors offering instant digital quotes.
#3 – Nationwide: Best for Affordable Policies
Pros
- Wide Range of Coverage Options: Nationwide provides term, whole, and universal life insurance in Missouri, with customizable plans to meet a variety of financial needs.
- Best Bundling Discount Available: When you combine life insurance in Missouri with auto or homeowners insurance, you can save 20% on your premiums.
- Strong Financial Backing: Holds an A+ rating, proving its ability to pay claims reliably, with a claim approval rate exceeding 95%. Discover more about offerings in our Nationwide insurance review.
Cons
- Limited Whole Life Options: Primarily focuses on term policies, with fewer permanent life insurance in Missouri plans available compared to MassMutual or Prudential.
- Lengthy Underwriting Process: Approval for life insurance in Missouri can take four to six weeks, particularly for policies requiring a medical exam.
#4 – Mutual of Omaha: Best for Affordable Rates
Pros
- Affordable Coverage: Life insurance in Missouri can be purchased for as low as $25 a month, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.
- Financially Stable: With an A+ rating, the company has a long history of timely claim payment.
- **No Medical Exam Option: Simplified issue life insurance in Missouri allows applicants to skip the medical exam for coverage up to $250,000.
Cons
- Minimal Bundling Discount: Offers only a 4% discount, significantly lower than Nationwide’s 20% discount for life insurance in Missouri bundling.
- Higher Whole Life Premiums: Whole life insurance rates start at $62 per month, higher than Lincoln’s $60 per month for similar coverage. Explore affordable solutions for securing higher-risk life insurance today.
#5 – Prudential: Best for Wide Coverage
Pros
- Up to $10M in Coverage: Prudential is one of the few insurers offering life insurance policies exceeding $1M, ideal for high-income earners in Missouri.
- Lenient Underwriting for Health Issues: More forgiving for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma, leading to higher approval rates for Missouri life insurance.
- Best Variable Universal Life (VUL) Selection: Policyholders can invest in over 50 mutual fund options, giving Missouri residents more control over policy growth.
Cons
- Expensive Permanent Life Policies: A $1M universal life policy starts at $380 monthly, which is more costly than similar coverage from MassMutual or Pacific Life in Missouri.
- Stricter Requirements for Large Policies: Missouri applicants must provide full financial disclosure, including verification of net worth, for coverage over $5M.
#6 – MassMutual: Best for Customizable Policies
Pros
- Highest Dividend Payouts: Policyholders receive annual dividends, which can be used to lower premiums or reinvest in Missouri life insurance.
- A++ Financial Strength: One of the most financially sound organizations, providing long-term stability to Missouri policyholders.
- Flexible Universal Life Plans: Allows partial withdrawals and premium adjustments, making it highly adaptable for Missouri residents.
Cons
- High Initial Whole Life Costs: Premiums for $250K whole life policies start at $380 per month, which is more expensive than Guardian or Nationwide in Missouri.
- Limited No-Medical Exam Options: Only offers simplified issues for the whole life, up to $50K, restricting accessibility for Missouri seniors. Discover the steps involved in buying life insurance for someone else today.
#7 – Transamerica: Best for Reliable Options
Pros
- Affordable Term Coverage: Offers $250K term policies for $27 per month, making it a budget-friendly option for Missouri life insurance.
- Best High-Risk Applicant Approval Rates: More likely to approve applicants with pre-existing conditions like hypertension or past cancer in Missouri.
- Longer Term Lengths Available: Offers 40-year term policies, uncommon among other Missouri life insurance providers.
Cons
- Minimal Agent Support: Primarily online-based, leading to fewer in-person agent consultations in Missouri. Find out how the best companies that offer hybrid life insurance/long-term care policies can protect your family and future.
- Higher Whole Life Costs for Seniors: A $250K whole life policy costs $370 per month, exceeding Nationwide’s $350 monthly in Missouri.
#8 – Pacific Life: Best for Estate Planning
Pros
- Top Choice for High-Net-Worth Individuals: Specializes in wealth transfer policies, protecting estates from Missouri estate taxes.
- Competitive Second-to-Die Policies: This company offers survivorship life insurance that covers two people under one policy, ideal for Missouri couples.
- Strong Financial Strength Rating: With over 150 years of financial stability and an A+ rating from A.M. Best, Pacific Life guarantees dependable Missouri life insurance payouts.
Cons
- Not Ideal for Small Policies: Most coverage options start at $250K, making it less accessible for Missouri low-income families. Discover how to find affordable health insurance that fits your budget today.
- Expensive Term Policies: $250K term life insurance starts at $29 per month, higher than Nationwide’s $24 monthly in Missouri.
#9 – Lincoln Financial: Best for Financial Stability
Pros
- Highly Rated for Financial Strength: Maintains an A+ rating, proving its ability to pay large death benefits on time, with a claim approval rate of 98% within 60 days for life insurance in Missouri.
- Lowest Term Life Premiums: Offers $24 per month term life insurance in Missouri, matching Nationwide as one of the most budget-friendly providers for term policies.
- Moderate Bundling Discounts: Offers customers a 10% discount when they combine Missouri life insurance with Lincoln's annuity or disability products.
Cons
- Limited Term Coverage Lengths: Only offers 10-, 15-, and 20-year terms, restricting options for Missouri applicants who need longer coverage.
- Higher Whole Life Premiums: Whole life policies start at $60 per month, making them more expensive than Guardian's in Missouri. Explore what happens if you outlive your term life insurance and what steps you can take next.
#10 – John Hancock: Best for Vitality Program
Pros
- Premium Discounts for Healthy Habits: Policyholders can earn up to 15% in premium savings through the Vitality Program in Missouri.
- Excellent Financial Strength Rating: A.M. Best awards an A+ rating, confirming long-term financial security and claim reliability for Missouri life insurance policyholders.
- Innovative Wellness Integration: Policyholders receive free Fitbits and Apple Watches, tracking health to unlock life insurance in Missouri discounts. Explore top options for the best life insurance for parents today.
Cons
- Premiums Higher for Passive Policyholders: Those not engaging with the Vitality Program pay higher Missouri life insurance premiums.
- Whole Life Rates Start Higher Than Competitors: A $250K whole life policy starts at $375 per month, which is higher than Pacific Life's $360 in Missouri.
Missouri Life Insurance Rates: Top Providers Compared
Life insurance rates in Missouri vary depending on insurer, policy type, and available discounts. Term insurance gives lower premiums with temporary coverage, while whole-life policies provide permanent protection and cash value growth.
Insurance Company | Term Policy | Whole Policy |
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$26 | $64 |
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$32 | $76 |
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$24 | $60 |
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$31 | $75 |
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$25 | $62 |
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$30 | $74 |
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$29 | $71 |
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$33 | $78 |
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$28 | $70 |
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$27 | $67 |
Lincoln offers the lowest term rate at $24 per month, making it the most budget-friendly option, while Prudential has the highest at $33 per month, reflecting stricter underwriting. Guardian, rated A++ by A.M. Best, provides term coverage at $26 and whole life at $64, combining strong financial backing with affordability. Nationwide’s $30 term life insurance policy includes a 20% bundling discount, reducing overall insurance costs.
Whole life rates start at $60 with Lincoln, making it the cheapest permanent coverage, while Prudential’s $78 per month policy is the most expensive. Mutual of Omaha and State Farm offer mid-tier rates, with term policies at $25 and $28 per month, respectively, ensuring a balance of cost and coverage for Missouri residents.
Top Life Insurance Discounts Available in Missouri
Bundling, healthy lifestyle incentives, employer-sponsored plans, and auto-pay discounts are ways for Missourians to reduce the cost of life insurance; each insurer offers a different savings percentage, so it's critical to compare options before choosing a policy.
Insurance Company | Bundling | Healthy Lifestyle | Group/Employer | Auto-Pay |
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10% | 28% | 12% | 15% |
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20% | 30% | 12% | 16% |
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12% | 30% | 10% | 14% |
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20% | 28% | 18% | 14% |
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25% | 22% | 20% | 20% |
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18% | 27% | 22% | 19% |
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22% | 25% | 15% | 18% |
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15% | 20% | 10% | 12% |
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17% | 18% | 12% | 15% |
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10% | 29% | 14% | 12% |
MassMutual offers the greatest policy bundling discount of 25%, which considerably reduces expenses when paired with other coverage. Pacific Life is a close second with 22%, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to save for many policies. Healthy lifestyle discounts peak at 30% with Guardian and John Hancock, rewarding policyholders for maintaining wellness through fitness tracking and medical exams.
Mutual of Omaha leads in employer-sponsored discounts at 22%, benefiting employees enrolled in group life insurance. Self-insurance can also be a consideration for those looking to build their financial safety net instead of relying solely on traditional policies. MassMutual leads in auto-pay savings at 20%, while Nationwide and State Farm offer lower 10% bundling discounts, making them less competitive in Missouri.
Maximizing Life Insurance Coverage Options in Missouri
Choosing the right life insurance policy in Missouri requires understanding different coverage types, including universal, indexed universal, guaranteed issue, variable, and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. Some insurers provide full-spectrum coverage, while others restrict policies like guaranteed issues for high-risk applicants or variable life for investment growth.
Insurance Company | Universal | Indexed Universal | Guaranteed Issue | Variable | AD&D |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
For those wanting complete coverage flexibility, Nationwide, John Hancock, Lincoln, MassMutual, Prudential, and Transamerica offer all five policy types, ensuring Missouri residents can access universal life with flexible premiums, indexed universal for market-linked growth, guaranteed issue for no-medical-exam coverage, variable life for investment potential, and AD&D for extra accident protection. Guardian and Pacific Life lack guaranteed issue coverage, limiting options for those with pre-existing conditions.
Mutual of Omaha and State Farm lack variable life options, making them less suitable for those seeking cash value growth tied to market performance. The well-rounded coverage provided by Nationwide and Prudential, which includes variable life with a wide range of investment options and indexed universal life with market protections, makes them the best options for Missourians seeking long-term financial stability and growth possibilities.
(Read more: Ultimate Life Insurance Guide)
Comparing Policy Types for Missouri Life Insurance
Life insurance in Missouri comes in different forms, from universal life with flexible payments to variable life policies that let you invest. Some plans, like guaranteed issues, don’t require a medical exam, while others focus on cash value growth or accident protection. Since every insurer offers a different mix, it’s important to compare options based on life insurance classifications before choosing the best fit.
Insurance Company | Term Life | Whole Life | Universal Life | Final Expense | Guaranteed Issue |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
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✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
For the most extensive coverage, Nationwide, John Hancock, Lincoln, MassMutual, Prudential, and Transamerica provide all five policy types, making them ideal for Missouri residents seeking flexible premium structures and investment-linked options. Guardian and Pacific Life lack guaranteed issue policies, while Mutual of Omaha and State Farm don’t offer variable life, limiting market-driven cash growth.
Nationwide offers one of the strongest indexed universal life plans, with minimum 0% returns to prevent losses, while Prudential’s variable life insurance includes a wide selection of mutual fund investments, giving Missouri policyholders better wealth-building options. For those wanting no-medical-exam coverage, Mutual of Omaha leads with one of the most accessible guaranteed issue policies, ensuring approval without extensive health screenings.
Top-Ranked Life Insurance Companies in Missouri
The best life insurance companies in Missouri are Guardian, State Farm, and Nationwide; they provide flexible policy options that meet a range of needs, competitive discounts, and solid financial stability.
With an impressive A++ rating and a 20% bundle discount, Guardian is a great option for people who are combining policies. State Farm provides a 17% bundling discount and whole-life policies starting at $70 monthly, ensuring solid protection with in-person agent support. Nationwide offers the lowest term life rate at $24 per month and a 20% bundling discount, making it the most affordable option.
In Kansas, these same insurers offer similar coverage, with Guardian and State Farm maintaining strong agent networks. The best way to find affordable coverage is by comparing multiple life insurance quotes online, ensuring the right balance of cost, modified life insurance coverage, and financial strength. Use our free comparison tool now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average monthly cost of life insurance in Missouri?
Missouri's average monthly cost of life insurance varies by provider and policy type. Still, term policies start around $24 per month, while whole-life plans typically range from $60 to $78 monthly.
How much life insurance do you need in Missouri?
Determining how much life insurance you need in Missouri depends on your annual income, outstanding debts, mortgage, dependents, and future expenses like college tuition or retirement for your spouse. Most experts recommend 10–15 times your income for adequate coverage.
How much per month is a million-dollar life insurance policy in Missouri?
Missouri's million-dollar life insurance policy typically costs between $50 and $300 per month, depending on age, health, policy duration, and term or whole life insurance. Term policies are cheaper, while whole-life plans are more expensive due to cash value accumulation.
Is life insurance more expensive in Missouri?
Yes, life insurance in Missouri can be higher than the national average due to state-specific health trends, insurance regulations, and market demand. However, rates vary based on age, lifestyle, and policy type, with term policies often being more affordable.
What are the factors that impact the cost of your life insurance in Missouri?
Age, health, tobacco use, coverage type, and occupation affect costs. A 35-year-old non-smoker in Missouri may pay around $30 per month for a $250K term policy, while a smoker could pay up to 50% more.
Which company offers the best life insurance policy in Missouri?
Guardian, State Farm, and Nationwide are Missouri's top choices for life insurance. They offer strong financial ratings, competitive discounts, and flexible coverage options.
What is the best type of life insurance policy to have in Missouri?
The best type of life insurance policy in Missouri depends on your needs and the life stages that affect your insurance needs; term life is more affordable, while whole life provides lifelong coverage with cash value growth.
Which is better, term or whole life insurance?
Whole life insurance provides lifetime protection with cash value accumulation, whereas term life insurance is less expensive and best suited for short-term coverage.
Can you cash out a life insurance policy?
You can cash out a whole life insurance policy through loans, withdrawals, or surrendering the policy, but term life policies have no cash value.
Can I purchase life insurance in Missouri without a medical exam?
Yes, many insurers in Missouri offer no-medical-exam life insurance, including guaranteed issue and simplified issue policies for faster approval.
Which life insurance company denies the most claims?
Claim denials depend on policy exclusions and non-disclosure; insurers may deny claims due to fraud, missed payments, or undisclosed medical conditions.
What happens if you outlast your term life insurance?
Unless you renew, switch to a permanent policy, or buy a new plan, your term life insurance coverage expires if you outlive it.
Does State Farm offer cash-value life insurance?
Yes, State Farm offers whole life insurance policies that build cash value. If the policyholders have sufficient cash value, they can borrow against or withdraw funds through the automatic premium loan provision.
What is the downside of whole life insurance?
Whole life insurance costs significantly more than term life and may provide lower returns than other investment options.
Can you cash out whole life insurance in Missouri?
Missouri policyholders can cash out whole life insurance through withdrawals, loans, or surrendering the policy for its cash value.
How long do you have life insurance before it pays out in Missouri?
Most life insurance policies in Missouri pay out immediately upon death. Still, some have a contestability period of two years, during which the insurer may investigate whether the insurance policy covers your claim or if fraud or misrepresentation occurred.
What are the three main types of life insurance?
Term, whole, and universal life insurance are the three primary forms of life insurance; each has a unique set of benefits and time frames for coverage.
What voids life insurance payout in Missouri?
A life insurance payout in Missouri can be voided due to fraud, policy lapses, suicide within the contestability period, or material misrepresentation.
Is it better to purchase life insurance online or through an agent?
Buying life insurance online offers convenience and quick comparisons, especially with digital life insurance companies that offer online quotes while purchasing through an agent provides personalized advice and policy customization.
At what point is life insurance not worth it?
Life insurance may not be worth it if you have sufficient savings, no dependents, or no financial obligations requiring coverage.
At what age should you stop buying term life insurance?
Most people stop buying term life insurance in their 60s or 70s when premiums become expensive or they no longer need coverage.
If you need life insurance coverage, use our free comparison tool to save time and money.