Recommendations and who to avoid??

I’m about to start looking into life insurance for husband and myself. Should have done it a while ago. Both in our 40s, fairly healthy. He’s a truck driver and I’m stay at home with 5 kids. So I need the best coverage we can afford, most reliable companies, and who to avoid at all cost. I’m in Virginia USA if that helps with recommendations. I did see people in here recommended a broker. I will look into that. But I like to do my research on my own as well and see others experiences. Thanks!!