Life Insurance FAQs—Your Questions Answered
Article Written By: Lauren Hoeffel
Why Trust Is Your Greatest Currency
Life insurance can feel like a mystery, but it doesn’t have to. Whether you’re new to coverage or reviewing your policy for the year ahead, you probably have questions. And you’re far from alone, most people wonder how much coverage they need, which type is right for them, and what happens if life throws a curveball.
We’ve rounded up the questions we hear most and answered them in simple, everyday language.
What’s the difference between whole life and term life insurance?
Whole life insurance lasts your entire lifetime and builds cash value over time—almost like a built-in savings component you can access later. This cash value grows at a guaranteed rate and can become a valuable financial tool.
Term life insurance, on the other hand, covers you for a specific period (typically 10, 20, or 30 years). It’s usually more affordable, making it a popular option for families looking for strong protection at a budget-friendly price.
Pro Tip: Many people start with term coverage when they’re young or raising a family, then add whole life later to lock in lifelong protection and build cash value.
How much coverage do I really need?
It depends on your goals and your stage of life. A common rule of thumb is to consider replacing 5–10 years of your income, but the more important question is: What do you want your life insurance to accomplish?
Think about:
• Covering daily living expenses
• Paying off a mortgage or car loan
• Providing for childcare or education
• Leaving a financial legacy
• Covering final expenses so your family doesn’t have to
Your answers will help determine a coverage amount that provides the right level of peace of mind.
Is the life insurance through my job enough?
Employer-provided life insurance is a great perk, one many people rely on without realizing its limitations. These plans typically cover only one or two times your salary, which is rarely enough to meet long-term needs.
Plus, employer coverage is generally not portable. If you leave your job, your coverage may end and so does your protection.
Good to Know: A personal policy you own stays with you no matter where your career takes you, giving you stability and control.
What happens if I miss a payment?
Life happens, and sometimes things slip through the cracks. If you miss a premium, many policies include a grace period or may draw from your policy’s accumulated cash value (for whole life customers) to keep your coverage active temporarily.
But it’s important not to wait too long. Reaching out quickly helps protect your policy and avoids the risk of a lapse.
If you’re unsure or need help catching up, contact us—we’re here to support you and help keep your coverage intact.
Can I change my beneficiary later?
Absolutely. As your life changes, so should your beneficiaries. Major life events such as marriage, having children, or caring for an aging parent may prompt you to update who will receive the benefit.
With The Family Security Plan®, updating your beneficiary is quick and easy through the FSP Portal or with help from our support team. Keeping your information current ensures your benefits go precisely where you intend.
What happens when my policy builds cash value?
Whole life insurance builds cash value you can:
• Borrow against
• Use to help pay future premiums
• Allow it to grow for long-term financial security
Think of it as a financial safety net living inside your policy—one you can tap into when you need it, as long as you understand how it works.
Pro Tip: Borrowing from your policy reduces the available cash value and may lower the death benefit if the loan isn’t paid back. Before taking a loan, speak with your FSP representative to understand the details.
You Deserve Confidence in Your Coverage
Life insurance is one of the most powerful ways to protect what matters most—but only if you understand it. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel making decisions for your family’s future.
If you still have questions, we’re here to help.
