Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
A tool and the logic beneath it: how many years of income, what debts exist, education savings, and coverage you hold today.
The standard approach: total what your earnings support, then subtract existing coverage. Precision isn't the goal—term insurance comes in set amounts anyway. Find a number that maintains stability during your household's most critical years.
Coverage estimate
Estimate = (yearly income × number of years) + outstanding debts + education funds − existing coverage, rounded to the nearest $5,000. Use this as a baseline, not as personalized guidance.
Why those inputs
Income years. Most advisors suggest 10 to 20 years of future earnings, adjusted by how long dependents need help. Napa families with young children typically lean toward the higher end since child care, rent, and school costs compound during the same period.
Debts. A mortgage is the biggest debt for most households. Enough coverage to pay it off gives loved ones the freedom to stay in the home or relocate by choice, not necessity.
Education. Set aside a modest per-child amount in current dollars. Building this into your plan now saves you from buying another policy down the road.
What you have. Liquid savings, plus any group term coverage from your employer. Since group plans typically end with employment, most people include only a portion of that coverage in their calculation.
Once you've settled on a figure, the quote tool displays costs from each carrier for terms of 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years. Going slightly above your target is typical since the cost bump is small early in life.