What is the primary purpose of life insurance?

The primary purpose of life insurance is to provide financial protection to beneficiaries in the event of the policyholder's death. This financial security ensures that loved ones are supported after the loss of the policyholder, helping them to maintain their standard of living, pay off debts, and cover everyday expenses. Life insurance can be particularly crucial for families dependent on the income generated by the insured individual, ensuring that they are cared for financially during a challenging time.

While some policies may accumulate cash value or serve other purposes, such as contributing to savings or investments, the fundamental function of life insurance remains the provision of a death benefit to protect beneficiaries, making it a critical part of financial planning for individuals and families. This emphasis on protecting loved ones highlights the distinguishing feature of life insurance compared to other financial products.