Guide
Term vs. permanent life insurance
What each kind is for, what it costs, and why most families start with term.
Term life delivers a set benefit if death occurs within your chosen window—10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years—for a consistent monthly premium. After that period, the policy lapses or costs rise dramatically. It's the most affordable path to substantial protection during your family's high-need years.
Permanent life (whole life, universal life, and variations) remains active your entire life and accumulates cash value. Monthly costs are substantially higher for equal benefits, and early cash growth is modest. It works for lifelong obligations: an eternally dependent family member, estate settlement funds, or business transition.
How to choose
Begin with the need, then pick the product. Temporary obligations—a mortgage with a payoff date, children who'll grow up—fit term perfectly. Endless needs call for permanent insurance or a convertible term; many carriers allow conversion to permanent without re-underwriting within a set timeframe. Our tool displays conversion options per carrier.
What people in Napa often do
A popular strategy: select a 20 or 30-year term for your actual household obligations, revisited as life shifts. Affordable premiums let you secure plenty of coverage today—the critical part. Susman Insurance Agency can explore permanent solutions if you have enduring needs.