Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
A calculator plus the reasoning behind it: years of income to replace, debts, education costs, and what you already have.
The most straightforward method: sum up the years of income you want to replace and subtract resources already in place. Precision is not required because policies are sold in round amounts and the goal is simply enough to keep the household stable through the years that matter most.
Coverage estimate
Estimate = annual income × years + current debts + education savings − existing coverage, rounded to the nearest $5,000. This is a starting point only, not personalized guidance.
Why those inputs
Income years. Planners typically recommend covering ten to twenty years of income; the right span depends on how long dependents need support. Fontana families with young children often opt for the longer timeframe since childcare, housing and education costs accumulate during the same years.
Debts. Mortgages are the largest for most households. Coverage that settles the mortgage gives survivors the choice to stay in or leave the home, free of the financial pressure.
Education. A rough per-child allowance in current dollars. Budgeting for it now is easier than taking out another policy later.
Existing coverage. Savings available to draw on, and group coverage through employment. Group policies often end when employment ends, so many people count only a portion of that.
With your target amount, the quote tool shows the monthly cost across 10 to 30-year terms for every carrier. Adding slightly more coverage than your estimate is normal because monthly premiums at younger ages increase slowly.