The Needs Approach evaluates the future financial requirements of an insured ' s surviving dependents and uses those requirements to estimate an appropriate amount of life insurance. It begins by identifying expenses and obligations that would exist following the insured ' s death and then measures the resources available to satisfy them.

Typical survivor needs include final expenses, outstanding liabilities, mortgage obligations, emergency reserves, children ' s education expenses, replacement income for a surviving spouse and dependents, and other family objectives. Existing savings, investments, Social Security survivor benefits where applicable, and existing life insurance can then be considered when determining the net amount of additional coverage required.

The Human Life Value Approach works differently. It estimates the insured person ' s economic value by projecting future earnings or financial contributions and discounting them to present value. Consequently, although both approaches seek to establish an appropriate insurance amount, the needs approach is specifically centered on the survivors ' anticipated financial requirements.

The Cost Comparison Approach is associated with comparing policy costs, not calculating survivor protection requirements. “Living Benefits Approach” is not the applicable method for determining death-related survivor needs.

Study Guide Reference: Life Insurance Basics — needs analysis; family financial objectives; calculation of insurance requirements; human life value versus needs approach.