It is very important to choose a reputable life insurance company.  You will also want one with a good reputation for high quality customer service care.  The agent you select should be very knowledgeable, courteous and friendly, as he or she will be the one you will be discussing your life insurance needs with.
If you feel your life insurance agent is interested in you and your needs you will be comfortable discussing what will be the best coverage for you and your family. 
Another important factor to consider is how stable financially the life insurance company is.  If you are going to pay fairly large premiums for a policy, you want to make sure that, when it is be needed, the company will still be around. 
The insurance commissioner of your state can help you check out the life insurance company you have chosen.  The insurance commissioner’s office is a source of detailed records of claims that have been filed against the company you are thinking of purchasing life insurance with.  They can tell you the number and what kind of claims that have been filed with them.