Life insurance
What is life insurance? First and foremost, it’s a way to protect your family and those who depend on you for financial support. It can provide a large, income tax-free payout to help them carry on if you pass away unexpectedly — and some policies have features that can help build family assets.¹
Over 160 years of protecting what matters
Why so many generations of Americans have relied on Guardian life insurance
Guardian has been protecting people with life insurance for over 160 years. With high scores for financial soundness from independent rating agencies, our 12 million customers can trust us to be there when they need us most.⁸ We have a five-star rating from NerdWallet, and have been named one of the best life insurance companies by CNBC and U.S. News.⁹ And as a mutual insurance company, we’re actually owned by our policyholders, so we can put their interests first without answering to outside shareholders.
Who is life insurance for?
If you have loved ones who depend on you for support — financial or otherwise — buying life insurance is one of the best ways to help ensure they’re provided for. Life insurance can also help people in other situations, like high net-worth individuals looking to transfer assets more easily without incurring added estate taxes.10
What does life insurance cover?
It’s insurance that provides a death benefit if the policyholder passes away while the policy is in effect. Life insurance benefits are almost always paid out as an income tax-free lump sum and can be quite significant — enough to replace several years of lost income.
Why should I consider life insurance?
Even if you don’t have dependents, life insurance is an important part of your financial wellness. Life insurance can do more than provide income replacement for your dependents — it can be used to help build tax-advantaged family assets, help assure the continuity of your business if you pass away, or even pay for final expenses.
When do people get life insurance?
There’s no time like the present — the younger you are, the more affordable your premiums and the more life insurance options you'll have. But a lot of people wait until a significant life event to get coverage. Three of the biggest include:
Getting married
Expecting a baby
Buying a new home
Other common reasons for getting life insurance are:
Taking on the role of a caregiver for a spouse, child, or aging parents
Finding employment as a gig worker
Becoming self-employed or starting a small business
How much do you need? Get an estimate.
How much coverage you need depends mostly on where you are in life and how many people rely on your income. Our quote tool can give you a quick estimate based on certain assumptions related to your age and income.¹¹ In general, the younger you are, the more coverage you'll need to compensate for the years of potential wage-earning ahead of you. And the more people depend on you, the more coverage you may want for income replacement if you die. However, you don't have to factor in taxes: almost all life insurance benefits are paid out as an income tax-free lump sum.
There are also other ways to evaluate your needs. Find out more about how to estimate your life insurance need, or speak with one of our financial professionals for a more personalized analysis of your needs. He or she can also tell you about how different types of insurance can provide added financial protection.
Everyone’s coverage is unique. Your quote will be based on information you provide, but you can adjust the term length and coverage amount to fit your goals.
Need more information?
Resources to help you learn and compare.
Find out more about the value of holistic financial protection
Questions about the COVID vaccine and life insurance coverage
Applying for life insurance? What to expect during the underwriting process
Taking advantage of cash value: A guide to life insurance loans
Term vs. whole life: Advantages and disadvantages
Want to compare? A purchaser’s guide to life insurance
Other products you may be interested in
Disability insurance
If you’re unable to work due to injury or medical condition, where will you get income to live on? Disability insurance can help support your family when it’s needed most.
Annuities
Annuities are a financial tool that can help provide a steady, guaranteed stream of income in retirement.12
Dental insurance
Dental insurance helps keep your mouth and body healthier by covering regular preventive oral care. And it helps cover costs every time you visit the dentist — even if you need major work.
