Life insurance by state · NJ
Life insurance in New Jersey
What New Jersey law gives you, which carriers quote in New Jersey, and how to get covered — from an independent agency licensed in New Jersey.
The short answer
New Jersey residents can choose from 10 final expense and 15 term life carriers we work with that quote in New Jersey. New policies typically come with a 10-day free look, and the state guaranty association backs life insurance death benefits up to $500,000.
Your protections in New Jersey
| Regulator | New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) |
|---|---|
| Free-look period | Typically at least 10 days · 30 days for replacement policies (N.J.A.C. 11:4-2.4(a)(5)) |
| Guaranty association | New Jersey Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association: up to $500,000 death benefit, $100,000 cash value (overall per-person cap applies) |
| Community property state | No |
| State estate / inheritance tax | Estate tax: no · Inheritance tax: yes — Life insurance proceeds paid to a named beneficiary are exempt from New Jersey Transfer Inheritance Tax (proceeds payable to the estate are not exempt). New Jersey's separate estate tax is no longer imposed for deaths on or after January 1, 2018. |
Good to know in New Jersey
- DOBI points New Jersey residents to the free NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator Service, which beneficiaries, executors and legal representatives can use to ask insurers to search for a deceased person's missing life insurance policy or annuity. Source
- Under N.J.S.A. 3B:3-14, a divorce or annulment automatically revokes a revocable beneficiary designation of a former spouse in a 'governing instrument' — which N.J.S.A. 3B:1-1 defines to include an insurance or annuity policy — unless the policy, a court order, or a property-settlement agreement says otherwise. Source
Carriers we work with that quote in New Jersey
Final expense / burial: Aetna · American Amicable · Americo · Fidelity · Foresters · Mutual of Omaha · NewBridge · Royal Neighbors · Transamerica · UHL
Term life: American Amicable · Americo · Catholic Financial · 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 New Jersey results (September 2026). Product availability and rules vary by carrier and change over time.
How to get covered in New Jersey
- 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey. 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 New Jersey — FAQ
How long is the free-look period for life insurance in New Jersey?
New individual life insurance policies sold in New Jersey typically give you at least 10 days to review the policy and cancel for a full refund (30 days for replacement policies (N.J.A.C. 11:4-2.4(a)(5))). The exact window is printed on your policy’s first page.
What happens to my life insurance if the company fails in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Life & Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects New Jersey residents up to $500,000 in life insurance death benefits and $100,000 in cash value, subject to an overall per-person cap. It’s a backstop — choosing a financially strong carrier still matters.
Who regulates life insurance in New Jersey?
The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI). You can verify an agent’s license or file a complaint with them.
Can I buy life insurance in New Jersey by phone?
Yes. United Eagles Financial is licensed for life insurance in New Jersey; most applications are done by phone or video with an electronic signature.