Who can contract: a minor (under 18) is not treated as incompetent to contract for life insurance just because of age. A minor under 16 needs a parent's or guardian's written consent to contract, to surrender the policy, or to give a valid discharge for money paid under it (Ins. Code §10112).

Insurable interest must be real; parents have it in their children.

Minor beneficiaries: insurers usually pay a minor's share through a guardian, a trust, or a custodian under the California Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) rather than directly to the child.

Payor rider (payor benefit): if the adult paying the premiums dies or becomes disabled, the insurer waives premiums until the child reaches a set age, often 21 or 25.

Jumping juvenile: a policy on a child whose face amount automatically increases at a set age (commonly five times at 21) without proof of insurability.