10/15/2026
US Workers Should Review Employer Coverage
Many people assume their employer-provided life insurance is enough, but it’s worth a closer look. For example, a worker earning $70,000 typically has coverage of about 2x their salary—so $140,000. After funeral expenses, outstanding bills, and a few mortgage payments, that amount can diminish rapidly. The real challenge is that true income replacement usually needs to last for years. That’s why the general recommendation is 10-12 times your annual income, to help cover debts, childcare, and the future earning years your loved ones will miss.
It’s also important to remember that employer coverage is tied to your job—if you leave, retire, or get laid off, your protection could disappear, and finding new coverage later may be more expensive or even out of reach. Supplemental policies through work often have the same limitation, and rates increase in five-year age bands. That’s why many people benefit from considering a 20- or 30-year term policy while they’re younger—rates can be significantly lower and the coverage stays with you. For instance, a healthy 30-year-old can often secure $500,000 of 20-year term coverage for around $25-$30 a month.
Having run my own business before joining TimeWise Insurance Group, I’ve seen the importance of tailoring coverage to each stage of life. I always recommend starting by subtracting your employer coverage from the 10-12x income guideline to identify any gaps. It’s all about making sure the protection you have truly fits your needs, both now and in the future.
