Should I consider buying life insurance if I am already covered elsewhere?

You may already have life insurance for your mortgage or line of credit, but it may not be enough to help ensure the long-term financial well-being of your loved ones. And while your employer may offer group life insurance as part of their employee benefit program, the coverage could be limited.

Credit protection life insurance, such as mortgage or line of credit life insurance, is designed to pay off the full balance or a portion of the balance you owe in the event of your death. This is very valuable protection, paid directly to the financial institution you borrowed from. Your family may still need funds to cover expenses such as funeral costs, medical bills, property taxes, home improvements and maintenance and the ongoing expenses of daily living.

This can be an affordable way to get a modest amount of coverage – usually a small multiple of your annual salary. However, depending on your personal circumstances, it might not be enough. And, if you change employers, this insurance doesn’t automatically go with you.

Term life insurance can be an affordable way to get the additional protection you need.