What is the primary purpose of life insurance?

The primary purpose of life insurance is to provide financial protection to beneficiaries upon the death of the insured. This is a fundamental aspect of life insurance, as it offers a safety net for loved ones left behind when the policyholder passes away. The payout from a life insurance policy, known as the death benefit, can help beneficiaries manage their financial responsibilities, such as covering funeral costs, paying off debts, or maintaining their standard of living.

While life insurance policies can sometimes include cash values or investment components, the essential function and motivation for purchasing life insurance remain focused on providing security and support to dependents in the event of an untimely death. This aspect distinguishes life insurance from other financial products that may focus on wealth accumulation or retirement funding, which, although important, do not primarily serve as a means of financial protection for beneficiaries in the same way that life insurance does.