We work only with insurance companies rated A or better by AM Best.
Life insurance can help protect the people who count on you. If you pass away, it can replace lost income and help cover the mortgage, other debts, and everyday bills.
CBIS is an independent agency, so we compare options from many insurance companies and explain them in plain words. We’re based in Santee, serving San Diego County, and helping people across California by phone or video. Looking for a local life insurance agent in Santee? Our office has been here since 1982, and we’re ready to talk through your needs and help you find coverage that fits.
What Is Life Insurance?
Life insurance is an agreement between you and an insurance company. You make regular payments to keep the policy active. If you pass away while it is active, the insurance company pays a lump sum of money, called the death benefit, to the people you choose.
Your loved ones can use that money however they need, such as paying the mortgage or rent, covering daily living costs, paying off loans, saving for a child’s education, or paying for a funeral and other final expenses.
What Are the Types of Life Insurance?
There are two primary types of life insurance: term life and whole life. Here is how term vs whole life compare, in plain words.
Covers a set number of years
Term life insurance
- Pays your loved ones if you pass away during the term. The term is a set period, often 10 to 35 years depending on the insurance company, and ends on the date shown in the policy.
- When the term ends, your rate goes up. You can usually keep the policy at the higher rate, or shop for a new policy.
Good to know: a standard term policy does not pay out or give your payments back if you outlive the coverage. Some policies can also be converted to lifelong coverage, depending on the policy.
Whole life insurance
- Covers you for the rest of your life. It does not end as long as you keep paying for it.
- Builds cash value over time that you may be able to borrow or withdraw.
Good to know: any loans or withdrawals lower the amount paid to your loved ones.
Wondering what coverage costs? Your price depends on things like your age, health, and how much coverage you choose.
Find coverage for your situation
Each option fits a different stage of life. Start with the one that sounds like you, or talk it through with a licensed CBIS agent.
Term Life Insurance
Coverage for a set number of years, often 10 to 35, while people count on your paycheck.
Good fit if… you’re raising kids, paying a mortgage, or want your family covered through your working years.
Mortgage Protection
Life insurance sized to your home loan, paid to your family rather than the lender.
Good fit if… you just bought or refinanced a home, or your household would struggle to keep up the payments on one income.
Learn about mortgage protection →
Whole Life Insurance
Lifelong coverage with a set payment and cash value that builds slowly over time.
Good fit if… you want to leave money to a spouse, children, or grandchildren whenever you pass away, and you like a payment you can plan around.
Indexed Universal Life (IUL)
Lifelong coverage with flexible payments and interest linked to a market index, within limits set by the insurance company.
Good fit if… your income varies from year to year, you want lifelong coverage, and you’re willing to review the policy with an agent every year or two.
Final Expense Insurance
A small lifelong policy for funeral costs and final bills, usually with health questions instead of an exam.
Good fit if… your term coverage has ended or is ending, or you don’t want your family paying for a funeral out of pocket.
Living Benefits
A feature on some policies that lets you use part of your coverage early if you’re diagnosed with a qualifying serious illness.
Good fit if… your household depends on your paycheck and a serious illness would make bills hard to keep up with.
Life insurance for a business? Key person coverage, buy-sell funding and more. See business life insurance →
Life Insurance with Living Benefits
Coverage you don’t have to die to use
Some life insurance policies let you use part of the death benefit while you are alive if you are diagnosed with a qualifying illness. That money can help with medical bills, lost income, or everyday costs while you focus on getting better.
- Critical illnessSuch as a heart attack, stroke, or cancer
- Chronic illnessA long-term condition that limits everyday activities
- Terminal illnessA diagnosis with a limited life expectancy
Good to know: any amount you use lowers what your loved ones receive later. Whether a policy offers living benefits, how much you can use, and any costs vary by policy and state, so ask a licensed CBIS agent what a policy includes before you apply. Learn how living benefits work
Learn more about living benefits →
Not sure which fits your situation?
Talk it through with a licensed CBIS agent. We’ll explain your options in plain words, with no pressure.
How to Get Life Insurance
No payment required to apply.
You pay nothing until you accept an offer.
- ApplyA licensed CBIS agent helps you complete a simple application, by phone or video call.
- The insurance company reviews your applicationThey look over your information. Your agent keeps you updated along the way.
- Get your offerIf you are approved, the insurance company makes you an offer with your price.
- Make it fit your budgetYou can adjust the coverage amount and how long it lasts until it feels right.
- Accept, then payYou pay only after you accept the offer. Nothing is paid up front.
Want more detail on each step? See the full steps on our quote page.
Already Have Life Insurance?
A licensed CBIS agent will look over any life insurance policy you have, whether it’s term, whole, or universal life, bought on your own or through work, and explain it in plain words on a short phone call. You get a written summary to keep. It’s free, and if your current policy is a good fit, we’ll tell you so.
- Coverage amount vs. what you need today
- When your term ends and what the price would be after that
- Beneficiaries, living benefits, and coverage through work
- For whole life, cash value and any loans against it
Please keep your current policy active while we review it.
Life Insurance Questions
How much life insurance do I need?
It depends on what you want the policy to do. Many people add up the income their family would need, the mortgage and other debts, future costs like college, and final expenses, then subtract savings and any coverage they already have. We’ll walk through the numbers with you.
Will I need a medical exam?
Not always. Some policies only ask health questions, while others include a short exam that can often be done at your home or office. A licensed agent will walk you through which options may fit your health and coverage amount.
Is life insurance taxable?
In most cases, no. The money paid to the people you name when you pass away is generally free of income tax, so they can usually use the full amount. There are exceptions. If the payout is spread out over time, any interest it earns may be taxed, and very large estates may owe estate tax. A tax professional can tell you how the rules apply to your situation.
What happens when my term ends?
When your term ends, your rate goes up. You can usually keep the policy at the higher rate, or shop for a new policy, and we can compare options for you. If you stop paying, the coverage ends and the policy does not pay out. A standard term policy does not give your payments back at the end of the term. Depending on the policy, some term policies can also be converted to lifelong coverage without a new health review, if you act before a deadline in the policy. It helps to look at your options well before the term ends. If you’d like us to review a policy you already have, call (858) 283-7575.
What is cash value?
Cash value is money that builds up over time inside many lifelong policies, such as whole life. Term life policies usually don’t have it. You may be able to borrow against it or take some out while you’re alive, but loans usually charge interest, and any amount you take and don’t pay back lowers what your loved ones receive. Cash value is different from living benefits, which may let you use part of the death benefit if you’re diagnosed with a qualifying serious illness. Ask a licensed agent to show you how cash value works in a specific policy before you decide.
Can I get life insurance with a health condition?
Often, yes. Many people with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a past illness can still get coverage. Each insurance company looks at health a little differently, so your options and rate depend on your health history. Because we work with many insurance companies, a licensed agent can look for ones that may be a good match for your situation.
What are living benefits?
Some life insurance policies let you use part of the death benefit while you’re alive if you’re diagnosed with a qualifying critical, chronic, or terminal illness. Any amount you use lowers what your beneficiaries receive, and the details vary by insurance company and policy.
I have life insurance through work. Do I still need my own policy?
Maybe. Group coverage through an employer is a good benefit, but the amount is often limited, and it may end or change if you leave your job. A policy you own stays with you. We can review what you have and help you decide.
Does it cost more to use an independent agent like CBIS?
No. The insurance company sets the premium and pays our commission, so you don’t pay us a separate fee for quotes or advice. Quotes are free, and there’s no obligation.
Do I have to come into the office?
No. We meet by phone or video call, whichever is easier for you, and family members are welcome to join. You can book a time on our calendar or call (858) 283-7575.
Ready when you are.
A licensed CBIS agent will compare options with you by phone or video call. Family members are welcome to join.
Other questions? Contact us.
Get a free life insurance quote
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