Serving Families and Businesses Since 1986Call us today: (413) 454-9265
Toll-Free Consultation Line
(413) 454-9265

A. A. Friss Insurance Services

Insurance & Financial Planning for Families and Businesses — Established 1986

Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance can be confusing, and good questions deserve clear, honest answers. Below are the questions we hear most often, organized by topic.

If you do not find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us or call (413) 454-9265. We are always glad to talk things through, and there is never any cost or obligation.

About Our Agency

How long has A. A. Friss Insurance Services been in business?
Our agency was founded by Albert Alan Friss on January 29, 1986. For nearly four decades we have served families and businesses in our community with the same independent, client-first approach.
Are you an independent agency?
Yes. We are an independent agency, which means we are not beholden to any single insurance company. Our loyalty is to our clients, and we recommend what genuinely fits each person's situation.
Do you charge a fee for a consultation?
No. Initial consultations are always free and carry no obligation. We would rather earn your trust through honest guidance than pressure anyone into a decision.
Where are you located?
Our office is located at 4229 Rosario Rd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364. We welcome appointments and are glad to meet in person, by phone, or by video.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve families and small businesses in our local community, though we are able to work with clients throughout the state. Reach out and we will let you know how we can help.
Will I work with the same person each time?
Yes. We pride ourselves on personal, continuous relationships. You will not be passed from one stranger to another; you will work with someone who knows you and your situation.

Life Insurance Basics

What is the difference between term and whole life insurance?
Term insurance covers you for a set period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years, and pays a benefit only if you pass during that term. Whole life is permanent, lasts your entire life as long as premiums are paid, and builds cash value over time. Term is generally more affordable, while whole life offers lifelong protection and a savings component.
How much life insurance do I need?
A common guideline is several times your annual income, but the right amount depends on your debts, your family's needs, future goals like college, and existing savings. We help you arrive at a figure that genuinely reflects your situation rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.
Who should be my beneficiary?
Most people name a spouse, children, or other dependents. You can name multiple beneficiaries and specify how the benefit is divided. It is wise to review your beneficiaries after major life events such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
Can I have more than one life insurance policy?
Yes. Many people layer policies to match different needs, such as a term policy covering the years until a mortgage is paid alongside a smaller permanent policy for lifelong protection.
Is the death benefit taxable?
In most cases, life insurance death benefits paid to a beneficiary are not subject to federal income tax. Tax situations vary, however, so we encourage you to consult a tax professional about your specific circumstances.
What happens if I miss a premium payment?
Most policies include a grace period during which you can make a late payment without losing coverage. If a payment is missed beyond that period, the policy may lapse, though some permanent policies can draw on cash value to stay in force. Always contact us promptly if you anticipate difficulty.
Do I need a medical exam to get covered?
It depends on the policy. Many traditional policies require a medical exam, while simplified-issue and final expense policies ask only health questions. We can help you find an option suited to your health and preferences.
Can I change my coverage later?
Often, yes. Some policies allow you to increase coverage, convert term to permanent insurance, or adjust certain features. We review your coverage periodically to keep it aligned with your life.

Family Protection

When should a young family start thinking about insurance?
The best time is early, often when starting a family or taking on a mortgage. Coverage is generally most affordable when you are young and healthy, and protection matters most when others depend on you.
We have young children. What should we prioritize?
Most young families prioritize enough coverage to replace income, pay off the mortgage, and fund future needs like college. A family protection plan ties these goals together into coverage sized for your household.
Should both parents be insured, even a stay-at-home parent?
Yes, in many cases. A stay-at-home parent provides care that would be costly to replace. Insuring both parents helps the surviving spouse manage childcare and household needs.
How does life insurance help pay off a mortgage?
A benefit can be used by your family to pay down or eliminate the mortgage, allowing them to remain in the family home without the burden of monthly payments during a difficult time.
Can insurance help fund my children's education?
Yes. A death benefit can be earmarked for education, and certain permanent policies build cash value that may supplement college costs while you are living.
What is a family protection plan?
It is a coordinated approach that combines the right types and amounts of coverage to address a family's specific needs, from income replacement to debt and future goals, rather than a single off-the-shelf product.

Retirement Planning

How can life insurance fit into a retirement plan?
Permanent life insurance can build cash value that grows tax-advantaged over time and may supplement retirement income, while annuities can provide a guaranteed income stream. Both can complement traditional retirement savings.
What is an annuity?
An annuity is a contract with an insurance company that can provide a steady stream of income, often for life. People use annuities to convert savings into dependable retirement income they cannot outlive.
When should I start planning for retirement?
As early as possible. The longer your money has to grow, the more comfortable your retirement is likely to be. That said, it is never too late to put a sensible plan in place.
What is the risk of outliving my savings?
Longevity risk is the possibility of living longer than your savings last. Strategies such as annuities are designed specifically to address this by providing income for life.
Can I use my life insurance cash value before retirement?
In many cases the accumulated cash value in a permanent policy can be borrowed against or withdrawn, though doing so can affect the death benefit. We help you understand the trade-offs before acting.
Do you coordinate with my financial advisor?
Absolutely. We are glad to work alongside your advisor, accountant, or attorney so that any insurance fits within your broader financial picture.

Business Insurance

What is a buy-sell agreement?
It is a legal arrangement that specifies what happens to a co-owner's share of a business if they die, become disabled, or leave. Funded with life insurance, it ensures the remaining owners can buy out the departing owner's interest fairly.
What is key person insurance?
Key person insurance is a policy a business owns on the life of an employee whose contributions are vital. If that person is lost, the benefit gives the business resources to recover and recruit.
I am a sole proprietor. Do I need business planning?
Yes, often more than larger firms. If your family depends on the income your business produces, protecting that income and planning for an orderly wind-down or transfer is essential.
Can insurance help my business repay a loan if I pass?
Yes. Coverage can be structured so that a benefit retires outstanding business debt, preventing lenders' claims from threatening the company or your family.
How does business insurance protect my employees?
Continuity planning helps a business keep paying employees and meeting obligations during the disruption that follows the loss of an owner or key person, protecting the livelihoods that depend on the company.

Final Expense & Long-Term Planning

What does final expense insurance cover?
It is intended to cover end-of-life costs such as funeral and burial or cremation expenses, outstanding medical bills, and other modest obligations, sparing your family those burdens.
How much does a funeral typically cost?
Funeral costs have risen substantially over the years and can easily reach many thousands of dollars once the service, casket or cremation, plot, and related expenses are included. A modest final expense policy is sized to meet these costs.
Is final expense insurance hard to qualify for?
Generally no. Many final expense policies use simplified underwriting with a few health questions rather than a full medical exam, making them accessible to older applicants.
What is a long-term security program?
It is a planning approach that uses permanent life insurance and related strategies to provide lifelong protection and build a lasting legacy for your family and the generations who follow.
Can permanent insurance help with estate planning?
Yes. Permanent insurance can provide liquidity to pay estate costs, equalize inheritances, and pass wealth efficiently. We are glad to coordinate with your attorney on these matters.

Working With Us

How do I get started?
Simply request a consultation through our website, send us a message, or give us a call. We will arrange a convenient time to talk about your situation with no cost or obligation.
What should I bring to a consultation?
It helps to have a general sense of your income, debts, savings, and any existing coverage, but nothing formal is required for a first conversation. We will guide you through what matters.
How long does a consultation take?
A first meeting usually takes about thirty minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your situation. We never rush; we take whatever time is needed to understand your goals.
Will you pressure me to buy something?
Never. Our approach is to inform and advise, not to pressure. Many people leave a first meeting simply better informed, and that is perfectly fine with us.
How do I file a claim or get help with an existing policy?
Contact our office directly and we will personally guide you through the process. Helping clients and their families when it matters most is the heart of what we do.
Can I review my coverage after my circumstances change?
Yes, and we encourage it. Major life events such as marriage, a new child, a home purchase, or a change in business often call for a review. We are always available to help you reassess.

Still Have Questions?

We are happy to answer them personally. Request a free consultation or send us a message. You can also explore our resource center for plain-language guides.