Organize the questions before comparing coverage.

This checklist is general educational information. It does not determine how much insurance you need or whether a particular policy is appropriate.

1. 01

   List the costs you want to plan for

   Consider funeral or memorial preferences, possible remaining bills, and any other needs you would want loved ones to have help managing.

2. 02

   Review resources already available

   Write down existing life insurance, savings intended for final expenses, prepaid arrangements, or other resources. Avoid assuming you need new coverage before seeing the complete picture.

3. 03

   Choose the person you may name as beneficiary

   Think about who should receive and manage any benefit. Keep that person's current contact information with your important records.

4. 04

   Decide what monthly amount fits comfortably

   Coverage that strains the household budget can create problems later. Ask what happens if a payment is missed and whether premiums are guaranteed to remain level.

5. 05

   Compare the complete policy terms

   Ask about the death benefit, waiting or graded-benefit periods, exclusions, riders, cancellation rights, and when coverage becomes effective. The policy contract controls.

6. 06

   Tell a trusted person where documents are kept

   Store policy information and beneficiary details somewhere accessible. Review the information after major family or financial changes.