Business Insurance Online :: Articles

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

What factors determine the right amount of life insurance for my needs?

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

There are many different reasons to purchase life insurance (generation skipping tax, estate plan, estate preservation, surviving spouse needs, planning for your children's future and more). There is no right amount of life insurance, but here are some guidelines that might help you decide how much life insurance you need.

Are you wondering how much life insurance you need? In order to make a decision about the right amount of life insurance, it's important to consider the reasons why you are purchasing a policy.

Some people purchase life insurance to make sure their family's needs are provided for, while others seek insurance coverage to protect their businesses and business partners.

Family Security

If your primary reason in seeking insurance coverage is to make sure your family won't have to struggle financially if you pass away, you need to think about how much money they'll need to live comfortably without you.

Insuring your most valuable asset
Image for Insuring your most valuable assetWhile many people would consider their home or their car to be their most valuable asset, it's your ability to earn an income that is most important in shaping your financial future. Statistically, two thirds of working Australians will suffer an injury or illness that will sideline them for 90 days or more. The majority of these people would not be able to pay their mortgage or meet car finance and other loan commitments without adequate income insurance.

It will be important to get enough insurance to make up for the loss of your salary for the rest of your working years.

For example, if you have young children, child care expenses are likely to increase if one of the parents is no longer living.

Mortgage Protection

Many people choose term life insurance to provide mortgage protection for their families.

When you purchase a term insurance policy, you're setting up coverage that will be in place for a specific period of time.

If your primary reason for purchasing it is to leave your family with money to pay off the house if something happens to you, it makes sense to select a policy with a term that matches the repayment period for your home.

Cost vs Benefit

Many people postpone purchasing life insurance, because they think it's too expensive.

Many factors impact the cost, and financial protection for your family's future doesn't have to cost a fortune.

When you take the time to get quotes, you'll be able to understand that variables that allow you to balance coverage with premium costs.

You might be surprised to find out just how affordable insurance protection really is.

Don't Forget Inflation

When figuring out how much life insurance you might need to provide protection and peace of mind for your family, it's important to consider the impact of inflation.

It's important to look at inflation from the perspective of how it might affect your earnings and the impact it can have on cost of living.

If you only consider how much money you earn right now and your family's current expenses, you might not make the best possible decision about life insurance coverage.

Over time, your rate of pay is likely to increase from either performance or merit rises, as well as through cost of living adjustments.

At the same time, the cost of consumer goods is likely to increase in keeping with the rate of inflation.

When purchasing insurance, you need to think about how much coverage you need to protect your family's living standards.

Twenty years from now, it's likely that your loved ones will need more money to live comfortably than they'll need tomorrow, or even five years from now.

That's why it's important to consider inflation when purchasing insurance.

Find and speak to a top-rated Life Insurance Broker at Life Insurance Online.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: Paige Estritori

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Insurance News

New Crane Cover Highlights the Insurance Gap for High-Risk Trades
New Crane Cover Highlights the Insurance Gap for High-Risk Trades
24 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
A new specialist insurance product for Australian crane and rigging operators is a timely reminder that not every business fits neatly into a standard policy box. ARTes Specialty, working with wholesale provider Mobius Insurance, has launched an integrated crane and rigging policy for the local market, adding to its earlier Australian offerings for commercial loggers and contractors’ plant and equipment. - read more
IAG Resolves $4 Billion Greensill Lawsuit
IAG Resolves $4 Billion Greensill Lawsuit
17 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has reached a confidential settlement in the $4 billion lawsuit initiated by Greensill Bank AG and its insolvency administrator. This legal action stemmed from disputes over insurance coverage related to Greensill's financial products. - read more
Decline in Market Share for Australian Insurers' Business Packages
Decline in Market Share for Australian Insurers' Business Packages
17 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent analysis by Macquarie has revealed a significant decline in the domestic business package market share held by Australian insurers, dropping to approximately 48% in the fiscal year 2025 from nearly 67% a decade ago. - read more
ACCC Halts IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC WA's Insurance Arm
ACCC Halts IAG's Bid to Acquire RAC WA's Insurance Arm
10 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently opposed the proposed acquisition of RAC WA's insurance operations by Insurance Australia Group (IAG). This decision stems from concerns that the merger would significantly reduce competition within Western Australia's insurance sector, potentially leading to higher premiums and diminished service quality for consumers. - read more
BizCover and Zurich Collaborate to Enhance Professional Indemnity Insurance for SMEs
BizCover and Zurich Collaborate to Enhance Professional Indemnity Insurance for SMEs
10 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
BizCover, an online business insurance platform, has expanded its professional indemnity (PI) insurance offerings through a new distribution agreement with Zurich Australia. This partnership enables small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with annual revenues under $7.5 million to access Zurich's PI insurance directly via the BizCover website, with coverage limits of up to $10 million. - read more
Business Insurance Articles

The Top 5 Insurance Policies Every Australian Start-up Needs
The Top 5 Insurance Policies Every Australian Start-up Needs
When embarking on the entrepreneurial journey of a start-up, it's imperative to safeguard the nascent enterprise with a reliable insurance safety net. Insurance acts as a vital shield, protecting the hard work and innovation of new businesses against unforeseen events and liabilities which can arise in the unpredictable world of start-ups. - read more
Financing Your Business: The Role of Loans and Insurances
Financing Your Business: The Role of Loans and Insurances
Starting a new business is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and challenges. One of the most critical aspects to ensure your venture's success is adequate financing. Whether you're launching a small local shop or a larger enterprise, having a solid financial foundation is essential. - read more
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: An Essential Guide for Business Owners
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: An Essential Guide for Business Owners
In today's digital age, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. The increasing reliance on technology means that cyber threats are more prevalent than ever, making it essential for business owners to understand and manage these risks. - read more
Understanding Business Insurance: How to Safeguard Your Australian Small Business
Understanding Business Insurance: How to Safeguard Your Australian Small Business
Welcome to the elucidative journey through the realm of business insurance and the pivotal role it plays for small businesses in Australia. In the ever-evolving business landscape, having a solid safety net is not merely an option, but a necessity to thrive amidst unforeseen challenges. - read more
How to Choose the Right Insurance for Your Australian Retail Business
How to Choose the Right Insurance for Your Australian Retail Business
Running a retail business can be a risky endeavor. While you can minimize some of those risks with careful planning and management, you cannot eliminate them entirely. This is where insurance comes in. Having the right kind and amount of insurance coverage can make all the difference in protecting your business from financial loss, should the unthinkable happen. - read more

Knowledgebase
Endorsement:
An amendment or addition to an existing insurance policy that changes the terms or scope of the original policy.