Straight answers to your questions

There's no single formula, but a common starting point is 10–12× your annual income. The real answer depends on your income, debts, mortgage, number of dependents, and financial goals. Our Coverage Needs Calculator gives you a personalized estimate, and a licensed Sahlman agent will walk you through the numbers — free, with no obligation.

Term life covers you for a set period (typically 10–30 years) and pays a death benefit if you pass away during that term. It's an affordable way to get a large amount of coverage. Whole life is permanent — it doesn't expire — and builds cash value over time. Term is often the right fit during your working years when income replacement matters most; whole life works well for final expenses, estate planning, or locking in coverage for life.

Yes. Depending on the carrier, children's whole life insurance is generally available for children as young as 14 days old up to age 17. It locks in rates based on their current health, and that coverage stays in force even if a health condition develops later, as long as premiums are paid. If you also want them to be able to add coverage as an adult without new health questions, ask about a guaranteed purchase option rider — it's usually an extra-cost add-on, capped in amount, and usable only on specific option dates, so it isn't unlimited coverage. Many parents and grandparents use it as a way to give a child a financial head start.

Universal life is a type of permanent insurance that gives you flexibility to adjust your premium payments and death benefit as your life changes. It also builds tax-deferred cash value. It's generally best for people who want permanent coverage but need more adaptability than whole life offers — for example, if your income or financial goals may shift over time.

Yes. Sahlman offers financial-services strategies including annuities designed to provide retirement income you won't outlive. These are separate from life insurance products and involve their own structures, fees, and suitability considerations. A licensed agent can walk you through the options based on your retirement timeline and income goals.

Accidental death insurance provides an additional benefit to your loved ones if you pass away as the result of a covered accident. It does not cover death from illness. It's typically an affordable add-on or standalone policy for people who want an extra layer of financial protection — particularly those whose work or lifestyle carries higher accidental risk.

It depends on the condition, your age, and the carrier. Some policies require a medical exam and full underwriting; others are simplified-issue or guaranteed-issue and don't require a health exam. Because Sahlman is an independent agency, we can shop multiple national life insurance carriers to find options that may work for your situation. The simplest way to find out is a free, no-obligation review.

When a claim is filed, the beneficiary contacts the insurance carrier directly with a certified copy of the death certificate and the policy number. The carrier reviews the claim against the policy terms and, if approved, pays the death benefit. The timeline varies by carrier and policy type but typically runs a few weeks. Your agent can help guide your family through the process if needed.

No. A coverage review and quote are always free and come with zero obligation. You only pay a premium if you choose to put a policy in place. Call us at (704) 312-8212, email us at Customerservice@sahlmaninsgroup.com, or use the quote form on our site.

Sahlman Insurance Group is headquartered at 227 W 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202. We serve clients and agents in 15 states, and many of our interactions happen virtually — by phone, video, or email, so you don't need to be near Charlotte to work with us.

As an independent agency, Sahlman works with multiple national life insurance carriers rather than a single company. We don't publicly list every carrier we contract with because the lineup evolves as we add relationships. When we run a coverage review for your family, we shop the options available to find the best fit for your specific situation and budget. Financial-strength ratings are published by independent rating agencies and change over time; ask your agent about a specific carrier's current rating.

Getting started is simple. If you're looking for coverage for your family: use our free quote form or call (704) 312-8212 — a licensed agent will follow up to walk you through a no-pressure review. If you're interested in a career: visit our Careers page or reach out via the contact form — someone from our team will get back to you within one business day.