Life Insurance

Buyers Guide to Permanent Life Insurance

Learn the features—and the pros and cons—of permanent life insurance.

How to Buy Life Insurance

Before you buy a policy, compare rates, choose a trustworthy agent, and more.

Do I Need Life Insurance?

Not everyone needs life insurance. Find out whether or not you do.

Naming a Beneficiary for Your Life Insurance Policy

If you buy life insurance for your family, or are offered a free or low-cost policy at work, you’ll be asked to name a beneficiary—someone who will receive any policy proceeds that are paid out a

Annuitant

The beneficiary of an annuity.

Finding Unclaimed Life Insurance Policy Proceeds

Learn ten ways to search for unclaimed life insurance benefits.

Using Life Insurance to Provide for Your Children

Life insurance might be a good source of income for your kids if you die.

Transfer Your Life Insurance and Decrease Your Estate Tax

If you don't own your life insurance policy, it's not part of your taxable estate.

Gift Tax When Transferring Life Insurance

If your estate is likely to owe federal estate taxes at your death, you might consider transferring ownership of your life insurance policy.

Mortality Charge

A monthly deduction from a universal life insurance policy that increases as the policyholder ages.

Life Expectancy

The length of time a person is expected to live based on age, gender, health, and many other factors. In insurance, and sometimes in court, life expectancy is based on standard tables called actuarial tables.