But financial planners say a basic life insurance policy, especially products known as term life insurance, should be an important part of many Americans’ financial plans. A life insurance policy:Replaces lost income: If you were to pass away, your family could use your life insurance policy’s death benefit to replace your income. How to shop for life insuranceIf you’re ready to start shopping for a life insurance policy, follow these steps:1. According to PolicyGenius, an insurance marketplace, typical rates for a whole life policy, the most common type of permanent life insurance, are about 10 times the cost of a term life policy. Term Life Insurance Because term life insurance expires, it's often a far cheaper option.

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