—Yes, even the not fun kind
An Interview with Keahi Ho of Quility Insurance
Let’s talk about something a little uncomfortable: death. More specifically, what happens if you’re a homeowner and you pass away unexpectedly? Is your family protected?
We recently sat down with Keahi Ho, agency owner at Quility Insurance, to talk about why life insurance should be part of every homeowner’s financial plan. Keahi specializes in helping people navigate the not-so-fun world of life insurance, accidents, and critical illness—and how to protect your home and family if the worst happens.
Meet Keahi
Keahi (full name Nicholas Keahi Ho) is originally from Hawaii and has called Portland home since 2009. He’s been helping clients with life insurance for over 10 years, and as Angela Stevens, our team leader at Hatch Homes Group, proudly shared—he’s her life insurance broker, too.
Why Life Insurance Matters for Homeowners
If you own a home and something happens to you, your mortgage doesn’t just go away. Life insurance can step in to protect your loved ones financially by providing a lump sum payout. This money is often used to pay off the mortgage, cover daily living expenses, or even keep the home altogether.
“If someone dies or experiences a critical illness like cancer or a stroke, life insurance with living benefits can provide an immediate, tax-free cash payout,” Keahi explains. “That money can keep the family afloat.”
Real Life: A Story That Could Have Ended Very Differently
Keahi shared a powerful example of why this matters. A client of his was considering canceling their life insurance policy due to financial strain after a divorce, a brain tumor diagnosis, and losing his job. Just as he was about to cancel, Keahi reminded him about the living benefits built into the policy.
“He had no idea he could access money while still alive,” Keahi said. “We filed a claim, and he was able to pull $90,000 from his life insurance policy.”
That money helped him stay afloat and likely helped preserve the home he and his family lived in.
What Are “Living Benefits”?
Most people assume life insurance only kicks in after death, but modern policies can offer living benefits. These allow policyholders to access funds if they experience a major health crisis—like cancer, a stroke, or major organ failure—without having to die for the policy to pay out.
“Before 2013, life insurance meant you had to die to get the benefit. But now, living benefits are common and can be added affordably,” Keahi explains.
How Much Does Life Insurance Actually Cost?
Life insurance costs vary based on several factors: age, health, gender, the coverage amount, and even height and weight. But most clients, Keahi says, pay between $80–$120/month.
Some pay less—around $20/month—while others who want larger policies or are older may pay more. But for most families, it’s affordable peace of mind.
Who Needs It Most?
According to Keahi, everyone can benefit—but especially:
- Families with only one income
- Households where one spouse earns significantly more
- Stay-at-home parents with breadwinner partners
- Homeowners with dependents or shared financial responsibilities
“If you’ve built a lifestyle on two incomes, losing one unexpectedly can be devastating. Life insurance bridges that gap,” he says.
Angela added that she’s seen firsthand how life insurance has changed lives—sometimes providing the funds needed to buy a new home after tragedy, or even helping create generational wealth.
What About Employer-Provided Policies?
It’s a common question: “Isn’t the policy through my job enough?”
Keahi’s answer is a firm “not really.”
“Employer-provided life insurance is great while you’re employed. But the moment you leave, retire, or get laid off, that coverage is gone. And if you get sick after that, it’s too late to get new coverage,” he warns.
That’s why he advises having at least one policy that you own personally—outside of any employer benefits.
Final Thoughts
We know these aren’t fun conversations. But they’re essential. Life insurance isn’t just about planning for death—it’s about giving your family options and stability during life’s hardest moments.
If you’re a homeowner—or planning to become one—it’s worth having a conversation with a trusted insurance advisor to see what options are available.
Want to Connect with Keahi?
Whether you’re a Hatch Homes client or just curious about your own coverage, Keahi is just a call or message away.
Nicholas Keahi Ho
Phone: (808) 218-4392
Email: [email protected]
Check out the full video interviews between Keahi and Angela: