Guide
How much life insurance do you need?
A tool with the math: salary replacement length, loans, college funds and existing protections.
The standard approach: sum your future earnings, subtract current assets. Precision isn't critical—insurance is sold in round figures, and your goal is an amount that stabilizes your household during the years it matters most.
Coverage estimate
Formula: (income × years) + debts + schooling − (current assets), then round to $5,000. This starts the conversation; it's not guidance.
Why those inputs
Years of earnings replacement. Most financial experts suggest 10-to-20-years of income replacement; your circumstances determine what's best for your family. South San Francisco families with little ones frequently pick the upper range since childcare, housing and education bills bunch up.
Liabilities you owe. Your home loan is typically the biggest. Enough coverage to eliminate it gives your family the freedom to decide their future without financial pressure.
Schooling costs. Budget per student using current pricing. Including this now beats adding coverage later.
Current protections. Include emergency funds and employment-based coverage. Since work-based insurance stops when you leave the job, many only count a portion.
Once you pick an amount, use the quotes page to compare pricing across 10-to-30-year periods for each provider. Choosing above your calculated need is routine since monthly costs are low when younger.