I met this young man when he was looking for affordable car insurance. As part of the process, I always take the time to explain life insurance to customers — particularly young people, who tend to think it’s too expensive or not important because they’re young. I tell them a life insurance policy could cost as little as $20 per month¹ for someone in their 20s and talk about the benefits of getting it while they’re still healthy.

He declined — and I didn’t push. I get it. He had financial constraints, and it just didn’t make sense for him at the time. But over the years, as I helped him renew his policies or secure renter’s insurance, I’d revisit the idea of life insurance. 

Then, I learned he was going to be a father. With a new job and a baby on the way, I thought it would be a good time to revisit the conversation and suggested a simple term policy. Understandably, he had a lot on his plate, and the appointment to finalize the policy never happened. 

Then one day, he stopped by the office to pay his insurance bill and showed us pictures of his new baby. Now, I thought, is the perfect time to help him understand the importance of life insurance. He’s got the reason right in his hands! Again, the appointment was scheduled but never happened. 

Not too long after, I learned that his girlfriend, the baby’s mother, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep. Overnight, he became a single father, and I think he finally understood the urgency of having life insurance. He applied for a basic term policy, which was approved and ready to be issued. But just as we reached the final step, he stopped responding and didn’t complete the process.

A few months later I found out why. His aunt called to let me know he died in a car accident. Eventually his father contacted me, hoping to find his son had a life insurance policy. Telling his dad the policy was never finalized is one of the toughest conversations I’ve ever had. I can’t help but think of what more I could have done to help him — one more reminder or follow-up that might have changed the outcome for his child and his family. His dad felt the same way. He told me, “If I would have known, I would have paid for it.”

I think of this young man often, especially when I’m talking to customers about the importance of life insurance and planning for the unthinkable and unexpected. It’s not a fun topic, but if you can make it a priority, it’s one of the most selfless gifts you can give to anyone who depends on your income.

¹Benefit amounts provided will depend on the product selected and the premium will vary with the amount of benefits. 

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