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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 death benefit during a fixed period—10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years—then expires.

Permanent life (whole life, universal life, and variants) is designed to last your whole life, with a cash value component.

How to choose

Begin with the need. If your need ends at a certain date—mortgage paid off, kids independent, business debt cleared—pick a term that aligns with that timeline.

What people in Dinuba often do

Many households use a 20- or 30-year term sized to cover the period when a loss of income would hurt most.

Compare term quotes