Life Insurance 101: What Type Is Right for You?

Leslie Ann McKay • July 24, 2025

Life insurance isn’t something most people are eager to talk about. It can feel a little heavy, a little confusing, and a little too easy to put off for another day. But if you’ve ever wondered what kind of life insurance you actually need (or if you need it at all), you’re not alone. And we’re here to make it simpler.

At Brownrigg Insurance, we’ve been helping families in our community protect what matters most for decades. So here’s a down-to-earth guide to understanding life insurance and figuring out what type might be right for you.


First Things First: Why Do You Need Life Insurance?

Life insurance helps protect the people you care about if something unexpected happens. It can:

  • Cover funeral expenses
  • Help pay off a mortgage or other debts
  • Replace lost income
  • Fund your child’s education
  • Provide peace of mind, plain and simple


Whether you’re starting a family, growing a business, or just want to make sure your loved ones aren’t left in a bind, life insurance is a smart move.


The Two Main Types of Life Insurance

There are a lot of options out there, but most policies fall into one of two buckets: term life and permanent life.


Term Life Insurance

Think of this like renting coverage. It lasts for a set period and is usually the most affordable option. If something happens to you during that term, your beneficiaries get the payout.


Good fit for:

  • Young families
  • New homeowners with a mortgage
  • Budget-conscious people who want solid coverage


Pros:

  • Lower premiums
  • Simple to understand
  • Great for temporary needs


Cons:

  • It expires. (If you outlive the term, there’s no payout.)
  • No cash value to borrow from


Permanent Life Insurance (Such as Whole or Universal Life)

This type lasts your entire life, as long as you pay the premiums. It also builds cash value over time, which you can borrow against.


Good fit for:

  • People with long-term financial goals
  • Those who want life insurance plus a savings component
  • Estate planning


Pros:

  • Lifetime coverage
  • Builds cash value
  • Can supplement retirement income


Cons:

  • Higher premiums
  • More complex than term life insurance


Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on your life stage, goals, and budget. You might only need term coverage right now. You might want to start with term life insurance and convert to permanent later. Or maybe permanent coverage makes more sense if you’re thinking long-term.


That’s where we come in! We’re not here to upsell you on something you don’t need—we’ll walk through your situation and help you make a decision that feels right for you and your family.


Let’s Talk About It

Life insurance isn’t just for “older folks.” It’s for teachers, farmers, small business owners, newlyweds, grandparents, and more. It is for anyone who wants to protect what they’ve worked hard for.


If you’ve got questions, we’re just down the road. Stop by the office, give us a call, or send us a message. At Brownrigg Insurance Agency, we take the time to listen—because here, you’re not just a policy number. You’re part of our family.

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