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Life insurance

Coverage not just for your life, but for your life’s purpose

Life insurance helps protect those who depend on your life, so there’s no sudden monetary shortage in the event of your death. A life insurance policy can help your family recover from loss and continue to:

  • Pay for your final expenses
  • Pay off a mortgage
  • Pay for childcare and education costs
  • Cover outstanding debts
  • Complete a retirement plan
  • Access estate liquidity
  • Provide lifetime income

If someone besides you depends on your income, life insurance can help provide for your loved ones at a time when they may need it the most. 

Interested in better understanding the basics of life insurance? Check out our step-by-step guide on Life Insurance 101.

Two types of life insurance for evolving needs

Principal® offers a range of life insurance products to fit your current and future needs. For a mix of short- and long-term needs, you may even elect both types.
Gives you budget-based coverage for a specific period of time.
Offers long-term coverage for long-term benefits.

Already have life insurance through work?

That’s a great start, but group life insurance provides a base level of protection and isn’t designed to meet 100% of your life insurance needs.

Plus, if you switch jobs, your coverage could change, leaving you vulnerable to losing accumulated benefits in your job transition.

Ask your company’s benefits administrator about your group policy, and talk to your financial professional about how to supplement your policy for minimal cost.

FeatureTerm Permanent
Tax-free death benefitYesYes
Possible guaranteed level payment for lifeNoYes
Potential ability to pay off (pay up) the policy earlyNoYes
Potential to build equity (cash value)NoYes

How much life insurance do you need?

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Make policy payments online

Pay premiums and view information for your life insurance policy online. It’s quick, convenient, and secure. 

Make a payment

Protect your family and save for retirement

Life insurance provides financial security for those you leave behind. But it can help you reach your retirement dreams, too. 

Watch the video
We're here to help

Visit our insurance help, or call us at 800-986-3343.

Related Forms

Customer Service Request (PDF)
Ownership Change (PDF)
Beneficiary Change (PDF)
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) (PDF)
Authorization for Release of Information (PDF)

Help on protecting those who depend on you

This dad knows life insurance is an essential investment for protecting his assets—and his loved ones.

Who needs life insurance?

Life insurance helps protect the people who depend on you most. Learn why it’s an essential part of your financial plan and how to choose the type of policy to fit your needs. 

Debunking 3 common myths about disability and life insurance

Photo of children how are protected by a life insurance policy.

Life Insurance FAQ

All guarantees and benefits of the insurance policy are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Policy guarantees and benefits are not backed by the broker/dealer and/or insurance agency selling the policy, nor by any of their affiliates, and none of them makes any representations or guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Co. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal National and Principal Life are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392.