A client needs a $250,000 death benefit for exactly 20 years to protect a home mortgage. The client wants the lowest practical initial premium and does not need cash-value accumulation. Which policy is most appropriate?
Level term life insurance is the appropriate recommendation because it provides a stated death benefit for a stated period, such as 20 years. It is designed for temporary protection where the financial need has a known end date—for example, the remaining duration of a mortgage, a child’s dependency period, or a short-to-medium-term income-replacement need. The premium is generally level for the selected term period, while the death benefit remains level if the policy stays in force.
Whole life insurance provides permanent protection and cash-value accumulation, but its premium is ordinarily higher because the insurer expects coverage to continue for the insured’s lifetime. Universal life offers flexible premiums and adjustable death-benefit structures, but it is not the simplest match when the client’s purpose is fixed, time-limited mortgage protection. Variable life has investment risk because policy values depend on separate-account performance and is not selected merely to obtain low-cost temporary coverage.
The producer should confirm that the term period aligns with the mortgage obligation and explain that coverage normally ends at the term’s expiration unless the policy is renewed, converted, or otherwise continued under its provisions.
References/topics from the Study Guide: Types of Life Insurance; Term Life Insurance; Needs Analysis; Mortgage Protection.
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