SentinelFamily Insurance
Free Calculator · No Email Required

How much life insurance do you actually need?

We use the industry-standard DIME method — Debt, Income, Mortgage, Education. Adjust the inputs and see your coverage estimate update in real time.

Your numbers

$25,000

Non-mortgage debts: credit cards, auto, student loans, personal loans. Don't include the mortgage — that's its own field.

$80,000

Your annual earned income — the income you'd want to replace. For two-income families, just your portion.

10 years

Standard rule: 10 years for typical families, 5 if your spouse has their own career, 20+ if you're the sole breadwinner with young kids.

$300,000

Current outstanding mortgage balance.

0 children

We use $130,000 per child — current 4-year in-state Illinois public university cost (tuition + room + board).

Estimated coverage need
$1.1M
Want to see what this would actually cost you? Schedule a free 30-minute consultation →

How we got there

Debt to pay off$25,000
Income replacement (10 yrs × $80,000)$800,000
Mortgage$300,000
College funding (0 × $130,000)$0
Total estimated need$1,125,000
Rounded to nearest $50K$1,150,000

What might that cost?

Approximate ranges for a healthy non-smoker on a 20-year term policy at ~$1.1M:

AgeApprox. monthly premium
Age 35$35–$50/month
Age 45$65–$105/month
Age 55$165–$265/month

These are approximate ranges for healthy non-smokers. Actual premiums depend on your specific health, gender, exact age, and the carrier we recommend after shopping the market. Smokers and applicants with health conditions will see higher premiums. We can run actual quotes for you in 5 minutes during a free consultation.

You may need MORE if…

  • Your spouse stays home with the kids — add childcare, training, or career change costs
  • You have a child with special needs requiring lifetime support
  • You're a business owner whose business depends on you
  • Your estate may face Illinois estate tax (over $4M)

You may need LESS if…

  • Your spouse has substantial independent income
  • You have significant retirement assets that would help support your family
  • Your kids are already grown and through college
  • You have other resources (family wealth, inheritance, business equity)

This is just a starting point

  • This calculator gives you a working number. The right answer depends on your specific family, finances, and goals. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation and we'll size it precisely.

Get an actual quote in 5 minutes

We'll shop your number across the A-rated life carriers we represent and bring you the real prices — not estimates.

Or call us directly at (847) 000-0000

By calling the number above, you will be connected to a licensed insurance agent.