Life insurance products
Term life insurance in NJ
Term life insurance pays a death benefit if you die during a set period, usually 10, 20 or 30 years, in exchange for a premium that stays level for that period.
It is the most coverage per premium dollar, which is why it is used to protect income, a mortgage, a business loan or a partner buyout for a defined number of years.
Who it’s for
- Families who need to replace income while children are young or a mortgage is outstanding
- Business owners covering a loan, a key person or a buy-sell for a set number of years
- Anyone who wants a large amount of coverage now and the option to convert some to permanent coverage later
How term life works
You choose a death benefit and a level-premium period. If you die during that period, your beneficiaries receive the death benefit. If you outlive it, coverage either ends or continues at much higher premiums that rise each year.
Many term policies include a conversion privilege: the right to switch some or all of the coverage to a permanent policy without new medical underwriting, before a deadline set in the policy.
Choosing the length and amount
- Match the term to the obligation: until the youngest child is independent, the mortgage is paid, or the loan matures
- Layering two policies (for example a 30-year and a 20-year) can cover a need that shrinks over time
- Count debts, years of income to replace, education goals and existing coverage, including group life at work
Term vs. permanent at a glance
| Term | Permanent (whole / universal) | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage length | A set period | Designed to last for life |
| Premium | Lowest for the amount; level during the term | Higher; level or flexible depending on the product |
| Cash value | None | Yes (varies by product) |
| Typical use | Income, mortgage, loans, buy-sell for a period | Estate liquidity, lifelong needs, some business plans |
Our 5-step process
How we place term life insurance in NJ
You start here
Life Planning Review
Start a Life Planning Review and tell us what the coverage needs to protect and for how long.
What we need
- What the coverage is for (income, mortgage, loan, partner buyout) and how many years it’s needed
- Rough figures: income, mortgage or loan balance, other debts
- Life insurance you already have, including group life at work
- Who the beneficiaries should be, and whether any are minors
- Date of birth
- Health details are never collected through the website; anything medical is discussed privately after you start.
- 2
Coverage design
Kevin sets the amount and term length against your actual obligations, considers laddering policies, and checks the conversion terms you’d want later.
- 3
Application & underwriting
You apply with the carrier selected for your situation. Depending on age and amount, approval may use data and records only or include a short paramedical exam.
- 4
Offer review
You compare the approved class and premium with what was applied for, and confirm the term length and conversion privilege before accepting.
- 5
Policy delivery & setup
You sign the delivery forms, set up payment, confirm beneficiaries, and note your conversion deadline.
Mistakes that cost people later
- × Buying a term that ends before the obligation does
- × Relying only on group life at work, which usually ends or changes when you leave the job
- × Ignoring the conversion deadline until it has passed
- × Naming a minor child as a direct beneficiary without a trust or custodian
Questions people ask
What happens when my term life policy ends?+
Coverage stops, or continues at premiums that typically rise each year. If your policy has a conversion privilege, you may be able to switch to permanent coverage without new medical underwriting before the deadline in your policy.
Is 20-year or 30-year term better?+
Neither is better in general. Match the length to how long the obligation lasts: the mortgage, the loan, or the years until your children are independent.
Can I get term life insurance without a medical exam?+
Sometimes. Some carriers can approve certain applicants using data and records instead of an exam, depending on age, amount and health history. See our no-exam life insurance page.
Can my business own a term policy on me?+
Yes, for key person or buy-sell purposes. Ownership, premium payment and beneficiary choices have tax consequences your CPA should confirm.
Start a Life Planning Review
Tell Kevin what you need the coverage to accomplish. It takes a few minutes, there are no health questions online, and existing policies and documents are reviewed through a secure process.
Start a Life Planning ReviewRelated planning topics
How much life insurance does a business owner need?
Add up family, debt and business needs without counting anything twice.
Your term life policy is expiring. Can you convert it?
Term ending or premium jumped? Lock in your conversion rights before the deadline.
Term or whole life for a business owner? Match the policy to how long the need lasts
Pick term or permanent by how long the obligation lasts, not by habit.
Naming a minor child as your life insurance beneficiary in NJ
Leaving coverage to your kids? Make sure someone you choose can manage it.
Kevin Brown, licensed New Jersey insurance producer (#3003694894)
Kevin Brown Insurance Agency, South Plainfield, NJ. You work with Kevin directly on every life case. Updated November 2026.
Coverage, policy features, premiums and underwriting requirements depend on the insurer, product, applicant and state availability. Approval is not guaranteed. Illustrations are not promises of future performance. Kevin Brown Insurance Agency does not provide medical, legal or tax advice. Consult your attorney or CPA about your circumstances.