Take care of the people you love

Your price depends on your age, health, nicotine use, how much coverage you choose, and how many years you want it to last. Each insurance company weighs these a little differently, so prices can vary from one to the next. See the sample monthly rates above, or start a free quote and a licensed agent will compare options with you by phone or video call.

It depends on what you want the policy to cover, like replacing your income, paying off a mortgage, or helping with a new baby’s future. A simple start is to add up your debts and future costs, then subtract your savings. A licensed agent can help you land on a number that fits your situation.

Term life covers you for a set number of years, from 10 to 35, and usually costs less than whole life for the same amount of coverage. Many people pick term while they are paying off a home or raising kids. Whole life lasts your whole life as long as premiums are paid, and it builds cash value over time, so it costs more. Indexed universal life (IUL) is another lifelong option. A licensed agent can help you weigh what fits your situation and budget.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Living benefits may let you use part of your death benefit while you are alive if you are diagnosed with a qualifying critical, chronic, or terminal illness, such as a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. Some policies can include them, but availability, terms, and any costs vary by policy and state. Ask a licensed agent what is available to you. Learn more about living benefits.

It can. Many insurance companies count cigarettes, cigars, vaping, chewing, and nicotine pouches as nicotine use, which can cost 3 to 4 times as much. Rules for cannabis vary a lot from one insurance company to the next. Some may offer lower rates once you have quit for a while, often 12 months or more. Answer the application honestly, and your agent can help find insurance companies whose rules fit your situation.

Your request comes to our office in Santee. A licensed agent from our team contacts you to talk about your goals and options, by phone or video call, whichever you prefer. Getting a quote is free, with no obligation, and there is no payment up front. You apply, the insurance company reviews your application, and if you are approved you get an offer you can adjust to fit your budget. You pay only after you accept the offer. We do not sell customer lists. See our Privacy Policy for details.

It depends on the policy, the amount of coverage, and your health. Some applicants hear back within days, while others take several weeks, often when the insurance company needs medical records or an exam. Your agent keeps you updated along the way. Coverage starts only after the insurance company issues the policy and you accept it and make your first payment.

Yes, you can cancel at any time. After your policy is delivered, California also gives you a free look period (a set time to cancel for a full refund of premiums paid) of at least 10 days, or 30 days if you are 60 or older, to review it and return it for a refund of premiums paid. Some term policies let you lower the coverage amount or convert to lifelong coverage later. What you can change depends on the policy, and your agent can walk you through it.

An independent agency is not tied to one insurance company. CBIS has been serving San Diego since 1982, and we work only with insurance companies rated A or better by AM Best. A licensed agent compares options from many of them for you, so you can see prices and features side by side. There is no fee for our help.

Yes. Martha Hill-Estrada, a licensed agent who speaks Spanish, can explain your options in Spanish by phone or video call. Quotes and documents from the insurance companies are in English, and she can walk you through them. Ver la página en español.