According to a recent survey by the not-for-profit Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE), 68 million Americans have no life insurance, and those with coverage often have far less than most experts recommend to secure their family's financial future.

With so many Americans in this financially vulnerable situation, AAA is taking part in the Life Insurance Awareness Month campaign, a nationwide initiative conducted during September by LIFE. "AAA has but one objective in this educational initiative," said Michael Fletcher, AAA Chicago's life insurance manager. "And that is to end the unnecessary financial suffering that too often occurs when a loved one dies."

The needs analysis helps determine the amount of life insurance protection consumers may need by estimating costs associated with major expenses (burial expenses, lawyer fees, medical fees, etc.), as well as mortgage requirements, income replacement, education, retirement income and other special or emergency expenses including medical bills. A needs analysis is critical Fletcher cautions, because those who rely on a life insurance benefit at work may be surprised to learn that the coverage is far below what is actually needed, and only provides protection on a temporary basis - while the insured is employed.

"Only 41 percent of adult Americans have individual life insurance," said Fletcher. "Many rely on group insurance through their employers, leaving many of the employees vulnerable if they lose a job."