Life Insurance - NerdWallet

Best life insurance by type

6 Best Life Insurance Companies in March 2026

Guardian, MassMutual and New York Life top our list of the best life insurance companies for 2026.

5 Best Term Life Insurance Companies in March 2026

Guardian, New York Life and USAA top our list of the best term life insurance companies in 2026.

5 Best Whole Life Insurance Companies in March 2026

Guardian, New York Life and USAA are among our top picks for whole life insurance policies in 2026.

5 Best Life Insurance Policies for Seniors in March 2026

Guardian, New York Life and USAA top our list of the best life insurance companies for seniors.

older adult couple sharing coffee on sofa

5 Best Burial Insurance Companies in March 2026

State Farm and AARP top our list of final expense policies that help pay for your funeral and burial costs.

4 Best No-Exam Life Insurance Policies in March 2026

AARP and Ladder lead our list of the best companies that offer life insurance with no medical exam.

6 Best Instant Life Insurance Companies in March 2026

Apply for and buy a life insurance policy on the same day with top-rated online life insurance companies, including Lemonade and Ladder.

5 Best Mutual Life Insurance Companies in March 2026

Guardian Life, New York Life and Northwestern Mutual top our list of the best mutual life insurance companies.

4 Best Universal Life Insurance Companies in March 2026

by Kaz Weida, Sarah Schlichter

Northwestern Mutual and Guardian are among our top picks for universal life insurance policies in 2026.

Life insurance tools

Learn more about life insurance

Life Insurance illustration of mother with young child

Life Insurance: How to Find the Right Policy for You in March 2026

by Sarah Schlichter

A life insurance policy can provide financial support to your loved ones after you die.

Is Whole Life Insurance a Good Investment in 2026?

by Katia Iervasi

Whole life insurance isn’t a fit for everyone, but it offers guaranteed returns and can supplement retirement income.

Cash Value Life Insurance: Is It Right for You?

by Kaz Weida, Elizabeth Aldrich

The cash value in permanent life insurance policies can lead to impressive returns, but it also comes with risks.

Life insurance basics

Term Life vs. Whole Life Insurance: Key Differences and How To Choose

by Georgia Rose, Elizabeth Aldrich

Term life insurance is cheaper than whole life insurance, but it covers you for only a set number of years.

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need? Use This Calculator

by Kaz Weida, Georgia Rose

You need enough life insurance to cover commitments after you’re gone. A life insurance calculator can help do the math.

4 Main Types of Life Insurance, and How to Choose in 2026

by Alex Rosenberg, Sarah Schlichter

There are four kinds of life insurance to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of what each one covers.

Reasons to get life insurance

How to Use Life Insurance to Replace Your Income

by Georgia Rose

Your beneficiaries can use the death benefit to pay for the expenses your income covered.

How to Use Life Insurance to Leave an Inheritance

by Georgia Rose

You can use a life insurance policy to pass money to heirs tax-free.

Buying Life Insurance as an Investment

by Georgia Rose

You can build up cash value using a life insurance policy and tap into the funds when you retire.

How to Use Burial Insurance to Pay for Final Expenses

by Katia Iervasi

A burial policy can ease the financial stress on your family when you die, but it can be pricey.

Using Life Insurance to Pay Off Debt

by Alex Rosenberg

Your beneficiaries can use life insurance to pay off your debt, but not all debt is inherited.

What Does Life Insurance Cover?

by Sarah Schlichter

A life insurance payout can cover everyday living expenses as well as mortgage payments, child care and funeral costs.

The latest