Income Insurance :: Articles

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?
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


Insurance News

Asbestos Scare Leaves Hospitality Business Uninsured Asbestos Scare Leaves Hospitality Business Uninsured
04 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

The discovery of asbestos-contaminated mulch in a Sydney park led to the cancellation of a festival, resulting in significant financial losses for a hospitality business. Despite these setbacks, the company's claim for coverage under its business interruption (BI) policy was rejected. - read more
Landmark NSW Decision: Dog Walking Costs Covered in Car Crash Injury Claims Landmark NSW Decision: Dog Walking Costs Covered in Car Crash Injury Claims
03 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

In a groundbreaking decision by the NSW Personal Injury Commission, an insurer has been directed to cover the costs of dog walking services for a car crash victim. The commission ruled that these services classify as domestic assistance under the state’s Motor Accident Injuries Act. This case could pave the way for broader interpretations of 'attendant care services' for claimants. - read more
Extreme Weather Drives $1.8 Billion in First Half Losses for Australian Insurers Extreme Weather Drives $1.8 Billion in First Half Losses for Australian Insurers
03 Jul 2025: Paige Estritori

Extreme weather events in Australia have resulted in significant financial impacts for insurers, tallying $1.83 billion in losses during the first half of the year. This comes as insurance companies gear up for further claims linked to ongoing severe weather in New South Wales. - read more
ClearView Names New Underwriting Head Amidst Strategic Changes ClearView Names New Underwriting Head Amidst Strategic Changes
30 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

ASX-listed life insurer ClearView has announced the appointment of Peter Tilocca as Head of Underwriting, coinciding with key updates to its underwriting standards and definitions. Tilocca's extensive two-decade career in Australian underwriting includes leadership roles at Zurich, Noble Oak, One Path Life, and RGA Australia. His new role with ClearView commenced on 30 June. - read more
Ombudsman Supports Theft Claimant in Home Business Coverage Dispute Ombudsman Supports Theft Claimant in Home Business Coverage Dispute
30 Jun 2025: Paige Estritori

A recent case has seen a policyholder triumph over her insurer after the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) ruled in her favour following a contentious dispute regarding home business operations. The controversy arose when the woman's theft claim was denied by her insurance provider, IAG, over allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation about the use of her rental property. - read more

Life Insurance Articles

Illness and Your Finances: Strategies for Continuous Income Flow Illness and Your Finances: Strategies for Continuous Income Flow
When illness strikes, the impact on your finances can be as significant as on your health. Maintaining continuous income flow during such times is crucial for financial stability. - read more
The Essential Role of Income Insurance in Your Financial Plan The Essential Role of Income Insurance in Your Financial Plan
An income insurance policy, often referred to as income protection insurance, is a financial safety net designed to provide you with a steady income stream if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. It ensures that you can still support yourself and your family, even when unforeseen medical conditions prevent you from earning a salary. This policy typically covers a percentage of your pre-tax income, helping to alleviate the financial burden during recovery periods. - read more
How to Determine the Right Income Protection Coverage for Your Needs How to Determine the Right Income Protection Coverage for Your Needs
Income protection insurance is a type of coverage designed to replace a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. - read more
Comparing Income Protection Policies: What Australians Should Look For Comparing Income Protection Policies: What Australians Should Look For
Income protection insurance serves as a financial safety net for countless Australians, offering a replacement income when unforeseen circumstances such as illness or injury impede their ability to earn. For the self-employed and entrepreneurs who may not have the safety nets offered by corporate employment, such protection is particularly important. - read more
Income Protection Insurance: A Must-Have for Australian Adults Income Protection Insurance: A Must-Have for Australian Adults
Insurance is a crucial component of financial planning. While many Australians understand the importance of life insurance, there's another vital type of coverage that often gets overlooked: income protection insurance. - read more
How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Income Protection Insurance Options How Pre-Existing Conditions Affect Your Income Protection Insurance Options
Income protection insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to provide you with a continuous flow of income in case you are unable to work due to illness or injury. It's a safety net that helps ensure you can maintain your standard of living, even when unforeseen health issues arise. - read more
Common Pitfalls in Income Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them Common Pitfalls in Income Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them
Income insurance is a critical component of financial planning, offering a safety net when life's uncertainties impact your income stream. It ensures that you can continue meeting your financial obligations even if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially in an unpredictable job market. - read more
How Income Protection Insurance Can Safeguard Your Financial Future How Income Protection Insurance Can Safeguard Your Financial Future
Income protection insurance is a type of insurance policy designed to replace a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. This financial safety net can help cover essential living expenses, such as mortgage repayments, utility bills, and daily costs, ensuring you maintain your standard of living during tough times. - read more
How to Determine the Right Income Protection Coverage for Your Needs How to Determine the Right Income Protection Coverage for Your Needs
Income protection insurance is a type of coverage designed to replace a portion of your income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. - read more
Income Protection Insurance vs. Total Permanent Disability: What’s the Difference? Income Protection Insurance vs. Total Permanent Disability: What’s the Difference?
When life throws unexpected challenges your way, being financially prepared can make all the difference. This is where Income Protection Insurance and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) Insurance come into play. These two types of insurance provide a crucial safety net, ensuring that you and your family remain financially stable even when you're unable to work due to illness or injury. - read more

Start Here !
disability protection
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Monthly Income Benefit:
Postcode: