Life insurance sized to the people who depend on you.
Term and permanent life insurance, disability income and accident coverage, compared across multiple insurance companies. For families, homeowners with a mortgage, and business owners.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Start with what the money needs to do
The right policy starts with a job: replace an income, pay off a mortgage, fund a buy-sell agreement, or leave something behind. The amount and the type of policy follow from that.
Because I also insure homes, rentals and businesses, I can look at the whole household picture instead of selling a number in isolation.
- Term lifeCoverage for a set period, often 10 to 30 years, usually chosen to match a mortgage or the years children are at home.
- Permanent lifeWhole and universal life policies built to last a lifetime, sometimes with cash value.
- Disability incomeReplaces part of your income if illness or injury keeps you from working.
- Accidental deathPays a benefit if death or certain injuries result from an accident.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Purpose: income replacement, mortgage protection, business needs, or leaving an inheritance.
- Amount: the coverage amount you’re considering, even if it’s a rough guess.
- Length: how many years you need coverage, or whether you want it permanently.
- Existing coverage: policies you already have, including life insurance through work.
- Budget: a monthly amount you’re comfortable with.
- Health details: not on the website form. I’ll go over what the insurance company asks when we talk.
Life insurance, answered
What are the types of life insurance?
The main types are term life, which covers a set period such as 10, 20 or 30 years, and permanent life, such as whole life and universal life, which can last your lifetime and build cash value. Decreasing term is a form of term life whose death benefit shrinks over the term, often to follow a mortgage balance, while level term keeps the same benefit throughout. I compare the options side by side.
How much life insurance do I need?
It depends on what the coverage needs to pay for: income for your family, a mortgage, debts, education or business obligations. I’ll work through the numbers with you rather than use a rule of thumb.
Term or permanent?
Term is designed for a specific period and typically costs less for the same amount of coverage. Permanent coverage lasts for life and can build cash value. Many people use term for most of their need; I’ll lay out both.
Do I need a medical exam?
Not always. Some policies use questions and records instead of an exam, depending on your age, the amount and the insurance company. I’ll tell you what to expect before you apply.
Is the death benefit taxable?
Life insurance death benefits are generally not subject to income tax for beneficiaries, though there are exceptions. Confirm your situation with a tax advisor.
Do you offer life insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me what the coverage needs to do.
Purpose, a rough amount and how long you need it are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
A short video from Sam
Under a minute each. Videos use an AI-generated version of Sam’s likeness and voice. General information only; coverage depends on your policy.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.