When it comes time to purchase life insurance coverage, there is no denying the fact that you want to move forward as quickly as possible. At the same time, moving fast could be the biggest mistake you ever make. The reason for this is simple: you could overlook something important, subsequently missing out on the policy that is truly best for you.

To ensure that you are on the right track, here are several questions to answer before signing on the dotted line:

1. Which life insurance company and agent is best for you? With so many options, both local and national, you don’t want to do anything until you answer this question. Do you enjoy the coverage and service provided by your car and/or home insurance company? If so, see if you can also purchase life insurance from them.

Tip: if you don’t know where to start, use the internet to learn more about your many options. Soon enough, you will have a list of life insurance providers to contact.

2. What type of life insurance is right for you? If you are the type who believes that all life insurance policies are the same, you could end up making a mistake. Your three primary options include: whole life, term life, and universal life.

Each type of life insurance has pros and cons. In addition to your own research, ask your agent to provide you with information on each type.

3. How much can you afford to spend on life insurance coverage? It goes without saying that this is one of the most important questions you will answer. It is common to believe that you need to spend hundreds of dollars per month for a high quality policy, however, this is not true.

Regardless of your budget, there is a good chance that you can purchase a policy. It may not be exactly what you want, but anything is better than nothing.

4. How much coverage do you need? The answer to this question is different for everybody, and is based largely on your current situation. Do you have children? How much money do you earn? As you answer these types of questions, you can begin to determine how much coverage you need to feel safe.

Note: the amount of coverage you need and the amount you are able to afford may not align. Just because you cannot afford how much coverage you want doesn’t mean you should forgo this entirely.

After you answer these questions, you will find it easier to shop for and buy the right life insurance policy.