Free Simulator · Quebec 2026

Life insurance need calculator

DIME method or replacement capital — get a personalized amount in 2 minutes. No registration, 100% anonymous.

2 min
Time required
2
Methods compared
100%
Anonymous & free
AMF
Certified brokers

Important notice — simulation tool only

This calculator provides an indicative estimate for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice and in no way replaces the analysis of an AMF-certified financial security advisor. Only a licensed professional can assess your complete situation (balance sheet, estate goals, taxation, suitable products) and recommend personalized coverage. Results may vary depending on the assumptions used.

Simulator: how much life insurance do you need?

Two approaches recognized in Quebec to estimate your life insurance capital. Choose the tab that works best for you, or use both to compare results.

Estimate your life insurance needs

Your data remains on your device — no transmission to the server.

Method
DIME = Debt+ Debt(income × years) + Mortgage (mortgage) + Education(children’s education). Quick method recommended by many financial planners for a realistic estimate.

D — Debts to be repaid

I — Income replacement

M — Mortgage balance

E — Children’s education

Credits to be deducted (optional)

Replacement capital = annual net income multiplied by the years until retirement, adjusted for inflation and residual family needs. More accurate method for high incomes or long careers.

Your situation

Economic Assumptions

Final Expenses & Credits

DIME Result

$0

Recommended amount of life insurance

Indicative estimate only. Does not replace the advice of an AMF-certified financial security advisor. Consult a professional for a recommendation tailored to your complete situation.

Get a → life insurance quote1-866-357-4451

DIME or replacement capital: which one to choose?

🧮 DIME Method

For whom? Families with mortgages, debts, dependent children. Quick result based on your current obligations.

Advantage: Simple to fulfill, covers the 4 immediate critical needs. Limit: Does not take into account inflation or investment returns.

📊 Replacement capital

For whom? Professionals, high incomes, long career. Updated calculation that takes inflation and yield into account.

Advantage: More precise to cover a standard of living over 20-30 years. Limit: Request to make economic assumptions (inflation, yield).

💡 Broker’s advice

Do both calculations and take the higher amount. The result often varies by 30 to 50% between the two methods depending on your situation. An AMF-certified broker can then refine the figure with you, taking into account your plans (e.g., pre-retirement, accelerated mortgage, testamentary trust).

Understanding the 4 components of the DIME method

D

Debts

Credit cards, line of credit, car loans, student loans. Any debt that survives your death and falls on your loved ones or estate.

I

Income

Your annual income multiplied by the number of years your loved ones will need financial support. Classically 10 years old in Quebec, until the children are autonomous.

M

Mortgage

Residual balance on your mortgage — and other home loans (cottage, rental). Paying off the mortgage frees the family from a major burden and secures the home.

E

Education (studies)

Estimated cost of post-secondary education per child. In Quebec, $40,000 per child is a realistic order of magnitude (CEGEP + university, including residence).

Replacement capital — the formula in detail

The replacement capital method uses the present value of an annuity. It answers the question: “How much capital invested today, at a given return, could pay the missing income to my family until I retire, taking inflation into account?”

Capital = P × [1 − (1 + r)−n] / r + Final Expenses + Liabilities − Assets
where:
• P = annual net income ×% for the family
• r = real rate (return − inflation)
• n = number of years until retirement

Concrete examples in Quebec

capital$$$$$$$$$$$
ProfileDIMEReplacementRecommendation
Couple, 2 children, mortgage $240,000, income $75,0001,055,0001,150,0001,200,000
Single, no children, condo $185,000, income $55,000420,000395,000500,000
Professional 45 years old, 3 children, income $120,000, debts $320,0001,640,0001,780,0002,000,000
Young worker 28 years old, spouse, no children, income $52,000$280,000410,000500,000

Frequently asked questions about calculating the need for life insurance

What is the difference between DIME and replacement capital?
DIME adds up to 4 specific needs (debt, income, mortgage, education). The replacement capital calculates the present value of the income that would be missing until retirement. DIME is faster; Capital is more accurate for high incomes or long careers.
How much life insurance should an average Quebecer have?
For a typical household with a mortgage, 2 children and an income of $75,000, the actual need is between $700,000 and $1.2 million. The average active policy in Quebec (about $180,000) is well below the target for families.
Should my employer’s group insurance be included in the calculation?
Yes, but with caution. Group insurance is often 1 to 2 times the salary, so insufficient on its own. It also disappears when you leave the job. Deduct it from the total need, then cover the difference with an individual policy (20-30 term or permanent).
What term should I choose for term insurance?
Match the term to your longest financial commitment. If your mortgage ends in 22 years, a T-25 or T-30 is wiser than a T-10 (risk of non-renewal if your health changes). See the term life insurance guide.
Is the result of the calculator guaranteed?
No. The result is an estimate based on your inputs. An AMF-certified broker will refine the figure by analyzing your complete balance sheet, family situation, estate goals, and the products available at 10+ Canadian insurers.
At what age should I review my needs?
Revise your needs for each major event : wedding, birth, home purchase, new mortgage, job change, retirement. Otherwise, a check-up every 3 to 5 years is a good practice.
What are the average funeral costs in Quebec?
Between $8,000 and $18,000 for a traditional funeral in Quebec (2026), depending on the services and the burial. Budgeting $15,000 is a good order of magnitude. Estate fees (notary, liquidation, RRSP taxes) can add $20,000 to $50,000.
Is my data confidential?
Yes, 100%. The calculator only works in your browser (local JavaScript). No numbers are transmitted to our servers, no accounts are created, no registration required.

Life insurance brokers — AMF certified in Quebec

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Legal Limitations and Warnings

The calculations presented on this page are based on data entered by the user as well as general assumptions (inflation, yield, duration) that can vary significantly depending on each situation. The result displayed is a need estimate and not a personalized recommendation.

Assur360 and its partner brokers, certified by the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) and the Chambre de la sécurité financière (CSF), recommend consulting a licensed financial security advisor before taking out any purchase. Only he can analyse your complete balance sheet, your estate objectives, your tax situation and present you with the insurers’ products that correspond to your needs.

This simulator does not constitute a contract, an insurance offer, or a financial or legal opinion. The amounts, rates and examples are presented for educational purposes. Life insurance products are subject to insurer approval, exclusions, limitations and conditions that will be specified in the official contract.

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