What we'll cover
What employer-provided group life insurance includes
How to determine if life insurance through an employer is enough
What happens to your life insurance when you leave your job
Life insurance is a popular benefit for many American workers. If that includes you, you may be wondering if it provides enough coverage. The right amount of life insurance for you depends on your age, goals and budget. Here's how to help determine if your employer's life insurance gives you the coverage you're looking for.
What is employer-provided group life insurance?
Many employers offer group life insurance as part of an employee benefits package, often with no charge to the employee. Known as basic group life or group term life insurance, the employer may cover part or all of the premium, and in exchange, the insurance company will pay out a death benefit to your beneficiaries in the event of your death.
Unlike many individual life insurance policies you can purchase, group life insurance through employers is typically guaranteed, meaning you do not need to take a medical exam or answer health questions for coverage. However, the amount of the death benefit and whether spouses and children are covered varies by employer.
How much life insurance can you get through work?
Life insurance offered through an employer-sponsored group plan usually covers one to two times an employee’s annual salary, Many companies also offer plans that pay out a flat rate. However, the policy may exclude other forms of compensation beyond your base salary, such as bonuses, commissions or other incentives that are reported as income.
Some companies may structure the amount of coverage according to employee rank, with executives and top-level managers eligible for larger policies than junior staff members. If you're unsure what your company's life insurance offerings include, reach out to Human Resources. They should be able to walk you through the specifics of what policies are offered.
Is life insurance offered through an employer enough?
Whether or not your employer’s policy is enough depends on your needs and those of your family. However, it is often recommended that a life insurance policy be worth at least 10 times your salary, so the coverage you get through your employer may not be sufficient.
Remember, while 10 times your salary may be a popular guideline, depending on your individual circumstances, you may need even more or less coverage. The DIME (debt, income, mortgage and education) method factors in higher education for children, making it a commonly used formula for parents. However, to determine your true life insurance needs, you should consider your overall debts, savings and annual income when selecting a plan.
It is often recommended that a life insurance policy be worth at least 10 times your salary, so the coverage you get through your employer may not be sufficient.
Should you buy additional life insurance through your employer?
You may want to consider taking advantage of employer-sponsored life insurance if it's offered. It's often free or low-cost to you, and it also provides the convenience of being guaranteed. However, the group policy offered by your employer may not be enough.
You may have the opportunity to purchase additional life insurance through your employer. If you choose this option, you may need to undergo an underwriting process, which can include a medical exam and questions about your health (unlike the group policy that your employer pays for). Your eligibility for supplemental life insurance through an employer is also up to that company. You may only be able to enroll within a certain time period, such as within one year of your hiring, or after a qualifying event, like the birth of a child.
Ally works with Ladder to bring you an innovative approach to term life insurance with an easy online application process and a variety of coverage options to fit a wide range of needs.
What happens to your life insurance when you leave your job?
If you leave your job or are terminated, you may also lose life insurance coverage through your employer. Sometimes, you can convert your group policy to an individual policy, but the cost may increase significantly, especially if your employer was paying 100% of the premiums. If you start a new job, you can enroll in that company's life insurance plan. Having additional coverage beyond your employer's policy can help ensure you're covered regardless of employment status.
Supplement employer-sponsored life insurance for your family's future
Life insurance offered through the workplace is a useful benefit that you should consider taking advantage of if it's available. However, the size of the policy may not be adequate to fully provide for your family in your absence. For many people, purchasing additional life insurance either through your employer or on your own can help ensure financial security for your loved ones.
Disclosures: Ladder Insurance Services, LLC (CA license # OK22568; AR license # 3000140372) distributes term life insurance products issued by multiple insurers – for further details see www.ladderlife.com. All insurance products are governed by the terms set forth in the applicable insurance policy. Each insurer has financial responsibility for its own products. 2203.9-LD Rev 3/22
