Life insurance is a financial product that pays a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you die during the policy term. It can help cover expenses such as funeral costs, debts, mortgage payments, college tuition and living expenses for your dependents. There are many life insurance companies in Georgia that offer different types of policies and rates depending on your age, health, gender and other factors. Here are some things to consider when choosing a life insurance policy in Georgia:
- The amount of coverage you need: This depends on how much money your family or dependents would need to maintain their lifestyle and pay off any debts or obligations after your death. You can use online calculators or consult a financial advisor to estimate your coverage needs. According to MoneyGeek, the average living expenses, incomes, debt levels and other state-specific factors suggest that Georgia residents should get a life insurance coverage of at least $680,000.
- The type of policy you want: There are two main types of life insurance policies: term and permanent. Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time, usually 10, 20 or 30 years. It is cheaper than permanent life insurance and suitable for people who only need protection for a certain period of time. Permanent life insurance provides coverage for your entire life as long as you pay the premiums. It also has a cash value component that grows over time and can be accessed through loans or withdrawals. Permanent life insurance is more expensive than term life insurance and suitable for people who want lifelong protection and a savings element. There are different types of permanent life insurance policies, such as whole life, universal life and variable universal life.
- The cost of the policy: The cost of life insurance depends on several factors, such as the amount and type of coverage, your age, health, gender, lifestyle and the company you choose. You can compare quotes from different companies online or through an agent to find the best deal for your situation. According to NerdWallet, the average cost of term life insurance for a 40-year-old buying a 20-year, $500,000 policy is $26 per month. The average cost of whole life insurance for the same person is $254 per month. The cost of universal life and variable universal life policies varies depending on the interest rates, investment performance and policy features.