Complete guide to life and home insurance for 2026

Term life insurance covers a specific period (5, 10, 20 years) and pays the insured amount only if you die during that term. It is the most affordable option and recommended for those with mortgages, young children, or financial dependents. Its goal is to protect your family during years of greatest financial vulnerability.

Whole life insurance, on the other hand, remains in force until your death and accumulates a cash value that you can redeem or use as collateral. Although it offers permanent security, its monthly cost is significantly higher. It is only suitable if you are looking for a savings tool linked to lifelong protection, although there are more profitable investment alternatives.

Good home insurance should include building coverage (the physical structure of the home), contents coverage (furniture, appliances, personal belongings), and liability coverage (damage you cause to third parties). Also, verify that it includes legal assistance and a 24-hour emergency repair service, which can be crucial in case of an unexpected breakdown.

Optional coverages such as glass breakage, cosmetic damage, or appliances increase the premium without always providing real value. Before contracting them, calculate whether paying for them over the years costs more than assuming those risks yourself.

Once a year, spend a morning reviewing all your policies. Check that personal details and the address of the insured property are correct, verify that the insured amount is still appropriate (especially after renovations or major purchases), and compare premiums with offers from other insurers.

If you have suffered a claim, document everything with photos, keep repair invoices, and note references from conversations with the insurer. The Insurance Contract Law establishes specific deadlines for reporting claims: generally 7 business days for damage.