Life insurance is a means to compensate for the loss of income occurs in the event of your death. It is an agreement between you and the insurance company (also called carrier). In case of your death while the agreement is valid, the insurance company disburses a predetermined amount, known as cash benefits, to the individual or individuals you declare as beneficiaries.

A good life insurance policy not just compensates the loss of income but also provides money to pay for the new expenses that arise after your death, including funeral expenses, probate costs, child care and need for housekeepers. In almost all policies, your beneficiary can make use of the cash benefits in the manner he or she deems fit, without any restrictions.

Types of Life Insurance
There are different types of life insurance policies prepared to suit different requirements. They are broadly categorized into three types:

* Term Life Insurance: This type of life insurance provides you with a financial coverage for a predetermined period of time mentioned in the terms of the policy. When the term is complete, you can either terminate the policy or extend it by paying periodic premiums. Though, this type of life insurance does not provide you with permanent coverage it might be good for you in case you need temporary protection on a small budget. If you plan to avail a life insurance policy to clear your loans this type of life insurance is the best choice. You can renew it according to your wish and need.

* Whole Life Insurance: This type of life insurance provides you with permanent financial protection. It is a long term insurance where you need to pay the premium annually. There are several types of whole life insurance policies that you can avail as per your needs, such as interest sensitive, indeterminate premium, economic and limited pay.

Life insurance is a necessary step towards ensuring a secure future of your family. You should do thorough research on how life insurance policies work and avail the policy that is most suitable to your needs. You can also consult an insurance agent who can explain you more details about the policies available.