How much life insurance do U need

A simple rule of thumb gets U close. Here is how to size a policy that actually fits your life.

By the InsuranU team Updated July 20264 min read

Most people either wildly overestimate or underestimate how much life insurance they need. A few numbers get U close.

A simple starting formula

Add up outstanding debt, remaining mortgage, future education costs and several years of income replacement, then subtract existing savings and any workplace coverage.

Common rules of thumb

10 times your annual income, as a rough baseline
Adjust up for young children or large debt
Adjust down if you have significant savings or a paid-off home

Review it as life changes

Marriage, kids, a new mortgage or a career change are all good moments to recalculate.

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Keep going

Who needs life insurance

A simple test to see if coverage makes sense for you.

Read the guide

Guide

Choosing a term length

How long your policy should actually run.

Read the guide

Cost guide

How much life insurance costs

See the real ranges, with a live estimator.

Read the guide

Common questions

Is 10 times my income always right?

It is a starting point, not a rule. Adjust for your actual debts and dependents.

Should I count workplace life insurance?

Yes, subtract it from what U need to buy separately, since it usually is not portable if U leave the job.

U deserve cover that fits

Tell us about your family and your life. We will match you with quotes built around U.

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