Life insurance by state · CA
Life insurance in California
What California law gives you, which carriers quote in California, and how to get covered — from an independent agency licensed in California.
The short answer
California residents can choose from 9 final expense and 14 term life carriers we work with that quote in California. New policies typically come with a 10-day free look, and the state guaranty association backs life insurance death benefits up to $300,000.
Your protections in California
| Regulator | California Department of Insurance |
|---|---|
| Free-look period | Typically at least 10 days · 30 days if the buyer is 60 or older on the purchase date (Cal. Ins. Code § 10127.10); 30 days for replacement policies (Cal. Ins. Code § 10509.6(d)) |
| Guaranty association | California Life & Health Insurance Guarantee Association: up to $300,000 death benefit, $100,000 cash value (overall per-person cap applies). California’s association pays 80% of the benefit, up to these maximums. |
| Community property state | Yes |
| State estate / inheritance tax | Estate tax: no · Inheritance tax: no |
Good to know in California
- Under Cal. Ins. Code § 10172.5, a life insurer that doesn't pay a death claim within 30 days after the insured's death must pay interest from the date of death, at no less than its current rate on death proceeds left on deposit, unless the beneficiary chooses a non-lump-sum payout in writing. Source
- Under Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7735, a California-licensed funeral establishment may sell a preneed funeral arrangement only if all money paid is held in trust until the contract is fulfilled, and the trustee may keep a reserve of up to 10% of the trust as a revocation fee if the contract is cancelled. Source
Carriers we work with that quote in California
Final expense / burial: Aetna · American Amicable · Americo · Fidelity · Foresters · Mutual of Omaha · Royal Neighbors · Transamerica · UHL
Term life: American Amicable · Americo · Foresters · InstaBrain · John Hancock · Kansas City Life · Mutual of Omaha · National Life Group · Primerica · Protective · Royal Neighbors · SBLI · Transamerica · UHL
From our quoting system’s California results (September 2026). Product availability and rules vary by carrier and change over time.
How to get covered in California
- Figure out how much you need — final expense calculator or mortgage protection calculator.
- See typical prices by age — life insurance cost by age.
- Tell us your health history — we match you to the California carrier most likely to approve you at the best price (condition guides).
- Apply by phone with an e-signature — many decisions are instant or same-day.
Licensed in California. Compare dozens of carriers in one free call — no pressure.
Get my quotes → Call 586-343-1505Sources: Regulator · Guaranty association · Free-look rule · Estate/inheritance tax
Straight answers
Life insurance in California — FAQ
How long is the free-look period for life insurance in California?
New individual life insurance policies sold in California typically give you at least 10 days to review the policy and cancel for a full refund (30 days if the buyer is 60 or older on the purchase date (Cal. Ins. Code § 10127.10); 30 days for replacement policies (Cal. Ins. Code § 10509.6(d))). The exact window is printed on your policy’s first page.
What happens to my life insurance if the company fails in California?
The California Life & Health Insurance Guarantee Association protects California residents up to $300,000 in life insurance death benefits and $100,000 in cash value, subject to an overall per-person cap. California’s association pays 80% of the benefit, up to these maximums. It’s a backstop — choosing a financially strong carrier still matters.
Who regulates life insurance in California?
The California Department of Insurance. You can verify an agent’s license or file a complaint with them.
Can I buy life insurance in California by phone?
Yes. United Eagles Financial is licensed for life insurance in California; most applications are done by phone or video with an electronic signature.
Does California community property law affect life insurance?
It can. California is a community-property state, so a policy bought with marital funds may be partly a spouse’s property — which can matter if you name someone other than your spouse as beneficiary. Ask an attorney if that applies to you.