Top 5 Mistakes Texans Make When Buying Life Insurance

Life insurance is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make for your family—but a lot of Texans get it wrong.

From choosing the wrong type of policy to buying way too little (or way too late), these simple missteps can cost your family time, money, and security when they need it most.

Here are the top 5 life insurance mistakes I see Texans make—and how you can avoid every single one.

1. Relying Only on Employer Coverage

Many Texans assume their job’s life insurance is all they need. But most employer policies only cover 1x your salary—and you lose it when you leave the job.

If you make $70,000, your job might offer that much in coverage. But:

• That won’t cover a mortgage
• That won’t cover your kids’ needs
• That disappears when you change jobs or get laid off

What to do instead:
Get your own personal life insurance policy—something you own, control, and keep no matter where you work.

2. Waiting Too Long to Apply

“I’ll get to it later.”
Sound familiar?

The longer you wait, the more expensive your policy gets—and the more likely you’ll develop a health condition that drives your price up (or blocks your approval altogether).

Texans in their 20s and 30s can lock in $500,000+ in coverage for under $30/month. Wait until your 40s or 50s, and the same policy could cost 2–3x more.

What to do instead:
Apply as soon as you can—before you need it. You’re never younger or healthier than you are right now.

3. Buying Too Little Coverage

One of the most common regrets families have after losing someone?
They didn’t have enough coverage.

Many people pick a random number like $100,000 and assume it’s fine. But in Texas, where mortgage costs, healthcare expenses, and college tuition keep rising, that number doesn’t stretch far.

What to do instead:
Use a simple formula:
(Your annual income × 10–12) + debt + future needs – savings = your ideal coverage.

Example: If you make $75,000 and have two kids, a $750,000–$1 million policy might make more sense than a smaller plan.

4. Choosing the Wrong Type of Policy

Some agents will push whole life insurance for everyone—because it pays higher commissions. And while it has its place, it’s not always the best fit.

For most Texans under 50, term life insurance is:

• Cheaper
• Easier to understand
• A better fit for income replacement, mortgage protection, and raising a family

Whole life can be helpful for legacy planning or building cash value, but not every young family needs to start there.

What to do instead:
Start with term. Add whole life later if your budget allows.

5. Not Working With a Trusted Local Agent

There’s no shortage of online quote engines, but buying life insurance isn’t the same as ordering groceries.

Your health, your family goals, and even where you live in Texas can affect what kind of coverage you should get.

An online form won’t:

• Tell you which companies are better with your health history
• Explain why some policies include living benefits (and others don’t)
• Walk you through local options or state-specific laws

What to do instead:
Work with a licensed agent who understands Texas families—and will actually listen to your needs instead of selling you what benefits them.

Final Word

Life insurance isn’t just paperwork—it’s peace of mind for the people you love most.

Avoiding these five mistakes means:

• Paying less
• Getting better coverage
• And knowing your family is truly protected

If you’re not sure what kind of policy fits your life in Texas, I’ll help you figure it out—no pressure, no sales pitch, just honest guidance.