Level Term vs. Decreasing Term Life Insurance
All right, so let’s talk about something that sounds technical but really isn’t: level term vs. decreasing term life insurance. If you’re in the trucking business and you’re carrying the financial weight for your household, this decision matters more than you think.
What’s the Difference?
Let me break it down plain and simple.
Level Term means your coverage amount and your monthly premium stay the same the entire time—10, 20, or 30 years. If you lock in $250,000 of coverage for 20 years, your premium won’t go up, and your family is protected for the full quarter million the whole time.
Decreasing Term is a different animal. Your premium might stay the same, but the death benefit drops over time. You might start with $250,000, but as the years go by, that amount shrinks—even though you’re still paying monthly.
Think About It Like a Freight Load
Level term is like locking in a flat rate per mile for a dedicated contract. No surprises. You know what’s coming in and what your load is worth, whether it’s week 1 or year 20.
Decreasing term is like taking a load that pays less each mile the longer you haul it. You’re doing the same work, but the payout drops. That doesn’t make much sense in trucking—and it doesn’t make much sense in life insurance either.
Why Do People Choose Decreasing Term?
Honestly? Marketing. Some people are sold on it because it sounds “cheaper” or they’re told they “don’t need as much coverage later.”
And that might be true if your house is paid off, your kids are grown, and you’re sitting on a retirement cushion. But for most truckers still building their business and raising a family, that shrinking payout could come back to bite you.
Owner-Operators: Pay Attention
If you’re still making truck payments, covering the mortgage, or sending money home every week, you don’t need your life insurance shrinking on you.
You need predictable, reliable coverage that actually shows up if you don’t make it home.
That’s why I recommend level term for most truckers. It keeps things simple. It keeps your family protected. And it gives you a plan you can count on—just like a well-maintained rig.
Bonus Tool: Coverage & Term Calculator
Need help figuring out how long your term should be or how much you need? Use this free download to do the math:
📄 Download the Coverage & Term Guide for Truckers
Want Help Choosing the Right One?
- 📅 Book a free Zoom call and let’s go over what fits your situation.
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- 📄 Download the Precision Term Overview Brochure
See how Primerica’s level term coverage compares.
Let’s keep you protected like a professional—not guessing like a rookie.
