How often should someone review or update their life insurance policy?

Question

Leslie Kaz · Accepted Answer

Review it at least once a year—and after major life changes such as:

✅ Marriage or divorce
✅ A new child
✅ Buying a home
✅ Income or job changes
✅ Retirement
✅ A beneficiary change

Regular reviews help ensure your coverage still protects the right people for the right amount.

Dina Todd · Answer

It is usually recommended to review your policies on a yearly basis. If your situation changes it is also advisable to review your policies to see if you need to make any changes. If you have a broker, they can usually keep up with the appropriate times you may need to review your policies to make any needed changes.

Answered by Dina Todd on June 27, 2026

Broker Licensed in NC

Answered by Dina Todd Life Insurance Agent

Mark Bilgere · Answer

You should review your policy with your insurance agent at least once per year. Different life changing events can cause your insurance needs to change. You may need more or less depending on your circumstances. Another important aspect is to make sure your beneficiaries are up to date. Changes in family dynamics may make you want to change beneficiaries. Remember, whoever's name is on the contract will receive the proceeds from the policy.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on May 6, 2026

Agent Licensed in TX, IA, IN & 6 other states

Answered by Mark Bilgere Life Insurance Agent

Amber King · Answer

Often. This could depend on the person and their life changes. Since the insurance company will send out notices each year, that would be a good time to review any changes that you may have had like change of address or beneficiaries.

Answered by Amber King on June 17, 2026

Agent Licensed in MO

Answered by Amber King Life Insurance Agent

Allen McGirl · Answer

A good rule of thumb is to review your life insurance every couple of years, but more importantly, anytime life changes.

Got married? Had a baby? Bought a house? Changed jobs? Started a business? Paid off debt? Those are all good reasons to take another look.

A lot of people set up a policy years ago and never think about it again, but life moves fast. The coverage that made sense when you were 30 and renting an apartment may not make sense when you have kids, a mortgage, or people depending on your income.

It doesn’t always mean you need to change anything. Sometimes it’s just confirming, “Yep, we’re still in good shape.” But it’s worth checking in so you’re not underinsured or paying for something that no longer fits your needs.

I usually tell people to think of it like a financial check-up. You don’t wait until there’s a problem to look at it.

Adrian Heredia · Answer

I believe you would review it every year. Sometimes you have to update beneficiaries, sometimes you have to update address changes or 3rd party notifications someone to get notified in case a potential lapse notification etc.

Answered by Adrian Heredia on July 23, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Adrian Heredia Life Insurance Agent

How often should someone review or update their life insurance policy?

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How often should someone review or update their life insurance policy?

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Seniors: Ask a Question of Your Own

Related Questions

Agent Locator

Life Agents HubA non-government resource website

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A non-government resource website