Life insurance provides a financial safety net that your spouse, children, and other family members can trust if you die. Buying a life insurance policy doesn't always top the list because most people don't like to think about dying. Whether you're just curious, looking for information, or ready to buy, here's how to get the life insurance you need.

Life insurance is not a one-time purchase for everyone. You must decide the type, duration, and amount of coverage you need. For example, you may want to buy a 20-year life policy with an interest of $ 500,000.

Of course, you must also decide where to buy it. In general, there are three places to get life insurance:

If you want to go directly through an insurance company, you can generally buy a policy directly. This type of policy meets your insurance needs for a specific period of time, such as 10, 20, or 30 years.

To purchase this type of policy, you generally complete an order online, check offers, choose a policy, and pay. Depending on the company, you may have the option to purchase a guaranteed issue policy that does not require a medical examination. The direct rank policy can be a good option for people who may face another problem to obtain life insurance due to health problems.

Direct rank policy can be a quick way to buy coverage, especially if you know exactly what type of coverage you want (and it turns out to be something the company offers). However, if you need guidance, have any questions, or want more options, you'd better find an agent or broker.

Agents and brokers sell most life insurance policies. Both act as intermediaries between insurance companies and insurance buyers. Both must have appropriate licenses to sell insurance products in the states in which they operate. However, while people often use these addresses interchangeably, there are some obvious differences.

The most important difference is who represents the person. The insurance company appoints an agent to sell its products. The agent representing a single insurance company is called a "captive agent," while the affiliate agent for many companies is called an "independent agent." Life insurance agents represent companies, not buyers. Their goal is to align it with the coverage of the companies they represent, which may or may not be exactly what you need.

Brokers, on the other hand, represent insurance buyers, not corporations. They work independently and do not have contracts with any specific insurance company. This means that they can provide unbiased recommendations that are tailored to the needs of each client. Brokers generally work with a wide range of insurance companies to provide clients with a good selection of quotes and plans.

If you decide to work with an agent or broker, instead of going directly through an insurance company, you must make another decision: do you buy locally or online?

An insurance agent or local broker is a good option if you want to seek personal advice, consider permanent life insurance, or have a complex situation. The agent or broker is also a good option if you are not a tech savvy and will have a hard time trying to navigate an online application.

Alternatively, if you have a general idea of ​​your coverage needs, want a term life policy, or prefer to buy without help, a broker or online may be appropriate. Of course, you must feel comfortable sponsoring online business for this option to work.