Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
Use this page's calculator to think through income years, debts, education, and what you've already saved or insured.
A common approach: add up how many years of income your dependents need, then subtract what's already saved or insured. You don't need to be exact; policies are sold in round numbers, and the aim is to keep things stable through the years that matter most.
Coverage estimate
A rough formula: (annual income × years of support needed) + debts + education savings − existing coverage, then round to the nearest $5,000. This is a starting point, not financial advice.
Why those inputs
Income years. Planners typically recommend ten to twenty years based on when your dependents will no longer need support. In San Leandro, families with young children often pick the longer end because housing, school, and childcare expenses cluster during those same years.
Debts. Your mortgage is likely the biggest one. If coverage clears it, your survivors can stay or leave without cash flow forcing the choice.
Education. Budget per child in today's dollars. Including it now is simpler than taking out a second policy afterward.
What you have. Add emergency savings and workplace group coverage. Keep in mind that group coverage typically ends when employment ends, so most people only count a portion.
Once you've figured out your number, the quote tool will show you what different carriers charge for 10 to 30 years. Many people buy more than they estimated, since the monthly cost bump is usually small when you're starting out.