Imagine this scenario: One evening, after a double shift, a father who works long hours to support his family is involved in a serious car accident. Thankfully he survives, but the experience leaves him asking a question he had never seriously considered before: What would have happened to my family if I hadn't made it home?

Like many Americans, he always intended to buy life insurance. Between paying the mortgage, buying groceries and keeping up with everyday expenses, it never seemed like the right time. After the accident, he realized protecting his family's future couldn't wait.

His story isn't unique.

Every September, Life Insurance Awareness Month (LIAM) encourages families to have an important conversation before a crisis forces them to. While most Americans understand the value of life insurance, many still don't have coverage, or enough coverage, to help protect the people who depend on them.

According to a 2025 LIMRA study, 40% of adults say their loved ones would be barely or not at all financially secure if their family's primary wage earner died unexpectedly. At the same time, many people without life insurance say they believe it's too expensive or that other financial priorities come first.

Those concerns are understandable. When you're focused on paying today's bills, it's easy to put off planning for tomorrow. But waiting can leave loved ones facing difficult financial decisions during an already emotional time.

Life insurance is designed to help provide financial protection for the people you love. Depending on the policy, it can help replace lost income, pay everyday living expenses, cover funeral costs, pay off debts or help keep long-term goals, such as buying a home or paying for a child's education, within reach.

Clarifying common misconceptions

Many people hold off on purchasing life insurance because of misconceptions. Some believe they're too young or healthy to need it. Others assume they don't earn enough income to justify buying a policy. Many rely solely on life insurance provided through their employer without realizing it may not provide enough protection or continue to keep them secure if they change jobs. It's also common to think that buying life insurance will be too complicated.

In reality, getting started often begins with a simple conversation. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why life insurance products are already designed to meet different needs, budgets, and stages of life. The important thing is understanding your options and finding coverage that fits your family's circumstances. A resource like Kemper Life's Life Insurance Playbook can help clear up these misconceptions and offer guidance on coverage that works best for you.

Asking questions before you buy

Working with an experienced insurance agent can help make the process easier. An agent can explain available options, answer questions, and help you understand how different types of coverage may fit your family's needs and budget.

Here are a few questions worth asking:

• How much coverage would my family need if I were no longer here?

• How long would my loved ones need financial support?

• Which type of life insurance best fits my family's goals and budget?

• Should I review my coverage as my family's needs change over time?

Taking the time to ask an expert these questions can help provide greater financial confidence before your purchase.

Learning with confidence

To support Life Insurance Awareness Month, Kemper Life is providing free educational resources designed to help consumers better understand life insurance and make informed decisions about coverage.

Throughout September, visitors can explore:

• Informative blogs addressing common life insurance questions.

• A downloadable Life Insurance Playbook, featuring simple explanations, practical tips and guidance for choosing coverage.

• An interactive life insurance quiz that helps consumers test their knowledge and learn key insurance concepts.

These resources are designed to help families feel more confident before meeting with an insurance professional.

"The biggest mistake families can make is waiting until it's too late to have the conversation," said Chris Flint, Executive Vice President and President of Kemper Life. "Life Insurance Awareness Month reminds us that protecting your family's future doesn't have to be overwhelming. Ask questions, learn about your options, and work with an agent who can help you find coverage that fits your family's budget and needs."

In other words, the best time to plan for the unexpected is before it happens. Life Insurance Awareness Month is a great opportunity to take that first step.

Kemper Life is the brand name for insurance products issued by subsidiary insurance companies controlled by Kemper Corporation. Each subsidiary of Kemper Corporation is solely responsible for the insurance products it underwrites and issues.