How much life insurance coverage do you need. Figure out how much money it would take your partner, your dependent to live in their current lifestyle if you pass away. Add up mortgage, child care, education expenses, and include at least 6 months of expenses for an emergency fund for the total amount of coverage you'll need.For CNBC, I'm Sharon Eper. >> Sign up for the Money101 newsletter. Go to cnbc.com/money101. ...