Planning your cover · 4 min read
How much life cover might your family need?
THE SHORT ANSWER
How do I start thinking about an amount of cover?
Start with the commitments you would want covered, then consider the resources already available for that purpose. A salary multiple alone cannot account for your household spending, dependants, debts, future plans and existing protection.
Build a household picture
List ongoing household costs separately from one-off commitments. Consider income that would continue and costs that might change. Unpaid childcare or care for a relative can also have a replacement cost.
Choose a time horizon
Write down the milestones that matter to your family, such as a child finishing education or a loan ending. These dates can help frame a discussion about how long cover should last. They are planning inputs, not a product recommendation.
Count resources carefully
List existing life policies and the assets you would intentionally set aside for these commitments. Avoid counting the same asset twice, or treating money needed for everyday living as available for every future need. Check whether employer cover would continue if you left the job.
Take your assumptions to an adviser
Keep these notes for a later adviser conversation. The quote tool does not assess your household needs or recommend an amount of cover. Ask an appropriately qualified adviser how inflation, tax and changes in family circumstances affect your plan.
MAKE IT PRACTICAL
Questions to take with you
- Write down monthly household commitments.
- List loans and major future costs.
- Note how many years each commitment lasts.
- Record existing cover and its end date.
- Set a reminder to revisit the plan after a major life change.
This guide is general information, not a personal recommendation or legal or tax advice. Confirm your eligibility and policy terms with the insurer.
Prepared and source-checked with AI assistance. This is not an independent professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Updated 28 October 2026: Updated the MoneyHelper source and separated household planning from the indicative quote tool.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked 28 October 2026. Product terms can change. UK and US consumer resources provide general education, not advice about the rules in your country.
Put your questions into context.
Continue through the shared Atlas Life and Manhattan Trust quote journey.
Get a quotePrices are indicative only, not an offer of insurance. Final premiums are confirmed by the insurer after underwriting.