If you don't have life insurance, you're probably particularly sensitive to all the ads out there reminding you that you don't have it! A life without insurance is a life lived with risk, in the hope that you'll never die… and, obviously, that hope doesn't pay off in the long run. Maybe it's time to just bite the bullet and buy some life insurance so you can stop worrying about it. But you may be intimidated by an industry you know little about. Keep reading and we'll fill you in on the important parts.

Basically speaking, there are two types of life insurance. Term life insurance is one. Whole life insurance is the other. Each of these types has a number of subcategories, but understanding these two basic types will provide you with a clear picture of how life insurance works in general.

Let's start with term life insurance. Term life insurance is only active for a specific 'term,' or period of time in your life. Once it expires, you get no benefit from it. While it lasts for a significantly shorter period of time than your probable lifespan, it's also very affordable and simple. Many term life insurance packages will come with a renewal option, which allows you to extend the coverage for another term. But renewal becomes more difficult the older you get, so you need to be careful when selecting this kind of insurance, as tempting as the low premiums may be. It can be a bit risky, but worthwhile if you know what you're doing.

Term life insurance covers you for a set number of years, or term, instead of your whole life. Term life insurance is generally less expensive than whole life insurance, and is generally a little more popular than whole life insurance for this reason. If you have term life insurance, then you must be careful about its expiration. If you don't plan ahead, then you will find yourself looking for another life insurance policy at a time when life insurance will cost you more.

There's no right or wrong decision when buying life insurance! It's just a matter of figuring out what kind of policy best fits your needs at a particular point in time. Term life is cheaper, while whole life lasts longer, and they're both fine choices for different people in different situations. So when you're shopping for insurance, think hard about what your life is like and what you really need to get out of your insurance policy before you settle with a policy.

Whole life insurance can also be used as an asset. Many whole life insurance policies will allow you to borrow money against the value of your policy. This can be a valuable resource, and make whole life insurance a greater asset than term life insurance for some people. You can even decide to cancel your policy in exchange for its cash value. (This is called "cashing out" your policy.)

You can easily find quotes for both kinds of life insurance online. Usually for free. As with most things, comparing quotes from different companies is a wise idea. You will also need to choose a beneficiary who will receive your policy benefits in the event of your death. It would also be wise to hire a lawyer as well, to make sure all of the legal angles are covered.

Susan Reynolds is the webmaster for a leading South African Life Insurance provider. For more information visit: http://life.insurance123.co.za/