What Is Term Life Insurance?

Term life insurance is a popular choice among consumers.

Taking out a term policy is a flexible and often cost-effective way to protect the financial stability of your family.

So, what is Term Life Insurance?

The term in “term life insurance” refers to the amount of time a policy is active for. Usually, term life is offered for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, sometimes more. This structure can be effective if life insurance is being taken out to coincide with a life event. For instance, an individual with two children in college may take out a 10-year policy to ensure the family can meet tuition or home mortgage payments should anything happen.

Term Life Insurance Guide

There’s a lot of research involved in shopping for life insurance, which can be time-consuming for consumers to undertake on their own. To help, we’ve closely examined dozens of term life insurance products and created a guide with everything you need to know about term policies as well as compiled a list of the 10 best term life insurance companies.

Quick Navigation:

• Benefits of Term Life Insurance
• How to Find the Best Term Policy
• Top Term Life Insurance Providers
• Sample Term Quotes

Benefits of Term Life Insurance

A primary benefit to term life insurance is the cost. Generally, term life is more affordable than other comparable policies, like whole life or universal life, given the shorter time frame. Also, term life insurance is usually offered on a variable-rate basis, whereas whole life and universal life feature higher fixed rates.

Discounts

Discounts may further bring down the cost, like for bundled policies, but may be harder to come by than money off for homeowners or auto insurance. A consideration to note, however, is that term life insurance is more cost-effective when you’re relatively young and healthy. Age and health will impact your rate; but if you have a term life policy, you may also have the option to switch to whole life or universal life later on.

Adding Riders to Your Term Policy

Another thing to think about with term life insurance is riders. These additions to your base policy may increase coverage or give you access to perks. In the end, all this comes down to the provider you work with to obtain term life insurance.

How to Find the Best Term Life Insurance

There are a few key criteria by which consumers should measure insurance providers. Among them are coverage options, customer service, and financial stability:

• Coverage options should be compared because you want to make sure you find the exact term policy your family needs, at a rate that is budget-friendly.
• Customer service is of the utmost important when it comes to life insurance claims. You want your family to be paid timely and in full; agents should be compassionate and helpful.
• Financial stability means that the provider you work with can pay claims in the first place. Insurance companies can fail, so financially stable providers are highly desirable.

To ensure that each insurance provider we’ve researched can be appraised in these categories, we selected a blend of measures to consider. These include:

• Market share according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
• Financial stability ratings from leading agencies such as Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and AM Best.
• Customer service ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot.
• Official complaints tracked by the NAIC, as well as complaints or negative reviews from BBB and Trustpilot.

These metrics are weighed in addition to overall research completed on the provider, such as years in operation, types of term policies offered, and the availability of discounts and riders.

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Top Term Life Insurance Providers

1. New York Life

New York Life is one of the oldest and largest life insurance companies in America. Nearly 175 years in operation and a more than $24 billion surplus are clear indicators of the company’s financial stability; New York Life also says it has the highest financial stability ratings in the nation.

All of these factors and more make it a top insurer overall, but its term life insurance options set New York Life apart. Families can get term life for exactly the amount of time they need, as well as customize their policy through different riders and options.

Financial Strength

• Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating: AA+
• Moody’s Financial Rating: Aaa
• AM Best Financial Rating: A++

Reputation

• BBB rating: A+ (but not accredited_
• BBB – 83 in last three years
• Trustpilot score: n/a
• NAIC complaint index for individual life in 2018: 0.29, below national index of 2.20
• D Power 2018 U.S. Life Insurance Study: Ranked No. 6 in overall customer satisfaction

Term Life Insurance with New York Life

Customers can use the New York Life website to research the term option, but can’t apply for coverage online. To start the process, interested consumers need to fill out a form with very basic personal contact information, no Social Security number or weight and height. From there, New York Life will place you in contact with a licensed insurance agent who does business in your area. There are not many self-service options for quote generation on the site, but there are a wealth of financial literacy and consumer education materials.

Term life insurance from New York Life is available in customizable blocks of time up to 20 years. There are also several ways for customers to plan for payments. New York Life offers term policy holder the option to lock in premiums for a select period of time, or start with smaller premiums that gradually increase. In addition to these policy specifics, New York Life offers premium waivers if you become disabled and makes some of the death benefit accessible to pay for medical bills if you’re terminally ill.

Although there are no discounts disclosed on the site, interested customers can inquire with their agent about potential cost-savings, as well as further riders or coverage modifications.

2. Haven Life

Haven Life is notable because it only sells term life insurance. So if you’re looking for a provider that specializes in term life, search no further. Owned and backed by leading insurer MassMutual, Haven Life allows interested customers to easily and quickly apply for term life. (For more information, read our “Haven Life Insurance Comprehensive Review“).

The process can be completed entirely online. Haven Life customers can get a quote, apply for coverage and purchase a policy from their personal device. You can also see real rates and estimate the amount of coverage you need. An instant decision on qualification is given and applications are processed in real time, sometimes without requiring a medical exam.

Read more: Haven Life Insurance Review

Financial Strength

• Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating: AA+ (Very Strong) – ratings are for Mass Mutual
• Moody’s Financial Rating: Aa3 (High Quality)
• AM Best Financial Rating: A++ (Superior)

Reputation

• BBB rating: A+, accredited
• BBB complaints: n/a
• Trustpilot score: 9.5, 709 reviews
• NAIC complaint index for individual life in 2018: 0.12, below national index of 2.20 (Mass Mutual)
• D Power 2018 U.S. Life Insurance Study: n/a

Term Coverage Options with Haven Life

Haven Life gives customers a wide variety of choices by offering policies from $100,000 to $3 million and term limits from 10 to 30 years. Different payment plans can be arranged so that the policy is budget-friendly. A rider called Haven Life Plus is included in each term policy in eligible states, and extends access to deals like discounts at CVS MinuteClinics and no-charge legal will servicing.

GET A QUOTE FROM HAVEN LIFE INSURANCE! 

3. Transamerica

Transamerica has served the investment, insurance and retirement interests of Americans for more than a century, and continues to be one of the leading financial services in the nation today. When it comes to life insurance, Transamerica stands out for its term life option and for its reputation as a financially stable company.

Similar to many other traditional providers, Transamerica has a library of resources and tools (like calculators) to help assist customers in decision-making, however, it does not allow customers to apply for or buy coverage online. Customers can receive a free online quote to start the process. (For more information, read our “Online Term Insurance: 10 Tips to Help You Get the Best Deal“).

Financial Strength

• Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating: AA-
• Moody’s Financial Rating: A1
• AM Best Financial Rating: A+

Reputation

• BBB rating: A-, not accredited
• BBB complaints: 417 in last three years
• Trustpilot score: n/a
• NAIC complaint index for individual life in 2018: 1.33, below national index of 2.20
• D Power 2018 U.S. Life Insurance Study: Ranked No. 18 in overall customer satisfaction

Term Life Offerings from Transamerica

Flexibility is a big draw to Transamerica’s term life offerings. Consumers can take out policies between 10 and 30 years in five-year increments. Policy values can range from as little as $25,000 to $10 million. There’s also the possibility you don’t have to take a medical exam — given you are of a certain age and buying a certain amount — and only need to fill out health-related questions.

Transamerica maintains two main term life structures, one that has a fixed value over the term and an option to convert to permanent, and another that comes with living benefits if you are terminally ill or have chronic conditions. Middling reviews for customer service may give some pause, but positive ratings in general make Transamerica a strong provider.

GET A QUOTE FROM TRANSAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE! 

4. State Farm

State Farm is perhaps one of the most recognizable brands and companies in the insurance industry. As the largest provider in automobile and property and casualty lines, State Farm has grown to become one of the most stable and popular insurers for the American consumer.

Life insurance is among the many lines it offers, and State Farm’s term life insurance policies give customers a few intriguing options. While you can get a quote online, it takes calling an agent to apply for coverage. However, the upside is there is no medical exam or long questionnaire to get through.

Financial Strength

• Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating: AA
• Moody’s Financial Rating: Aa1
• AM Best Financial Rating: A++

Reputation

• BBB rating: NR, not accredited
• BBB complaints: 1,389 complaints in last three years
• Trustpilot score: n/a
• NAIC complaint index for individual life in 2018: 0.27, below national index of 2.20
• D Power 2018 U.S. Life Insurance Study: Ranked No. 1 in overall customer satisfaction

Term Life Options from State Farm

There are three main types of term life insurance State Farm offers. The standard option comes in 10, 20 and 30-year policies with a guaranteed benefit and coverage between $100,000 and $250,000. A fixed period begins before premiums increase annually and can be converted to whole regardless of health, but subject to age. (For more information, read our “Annual Renewable Term Life Insurance“).

The second option is return of premium term life insurance comes with a level premium for 20 to 30 years. If you outlive that period, premiums you’ve paid are returned to you. The third option is Instant Answer Term Insurance. Customers can get affordable coverage with a $50,000 death benefit for 10 years. It takes one day at an agent’s office for you to apply, receive an underwriting decision, get approved, and purchase a policy

5. Northwestern Mutual

In all, Northwestern Mutual is one of the most reputable and financially stable insurance providers in the United States, the company has proven that in nearly 160 years of operations. Northwestern Mutual paid nearly $5 billion in claims in 2018, proving that it can meet the expectations of its policyholders and remain financially stable.

Term life insurance from Northwestern Mutual is a good option for that reason, and for others. You’ll have to fill out provide some personal information and match with an agent to begin, as there’s no online process for applying and purchasing.

Financial Strength

• Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating: A++
• Moody’s Financial Rating: Aaa
• AM Best Financial Rating: A++

Reputation

• BBB rating: A+, not accredited
• BBB complaints: 17 complaints in last three years
• Trustpilot score: n/a
• NAIC complaint index for individual life in 2018: 0.08, below national index of 2.20
• D Power 2018 U.S. Life Insurance Study: Ranked No. 2 in overall customer satisfaction

Term Policies with Northwestern Mutual

There’s nothing overly fancy about Northwestern Mutual term life insurance. It’s a straightforward product backed by a financially secure business that gives your family a layer of protection against debts, mortgage payments or funeral expenses. Northwestern Mutual does not disclose many details about its term life product, but consumers can generally assume policies are between 10 and 30 years. The website does allow users to calculate how much coverage they need to help figure things out.

6. Amica

While Amica might have the instant name recognition as some providers, this insurance company has a long history of faithfully serving customer and policyholders. While auto insurance is its bread and butter, Amica still has a number of attractive life insurance options, including term life policies. There’s no online application available, so calling an agent to request more information is the first step in starting the purchasing process.

Financial Strength

• Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating: n/a
• Moody’s Financial Rating: n/a
• AM Best Financial Rating: A+

Reputation

• BBB rating: A+, accredited
• BBB complaints: 76 complaints in last three years
• Trustpilot score: n/a
• NAIC complaint index for individual life in 2018: 0.5, below national index of 2.20
• D Power 2018 U.S. Life Insurance Study: n/a

Customize Your Term Life Policy with Amica

One of the reasons Amica’s term life package is so enticing is because it allows for a range of customizations. At a basic level, Amica term life offers a level premium over 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years and a death benefit. The optional cost of living adjustment rider can help offset inflation, while the terminal illness rider will accelerate death benefits to pay for medical costs while you are living.

Other riders you can add include premium waivers, children’s insurance and accidental death coverage. Amica even offers discounts for larger policies and the incentive of premier rates for policyholders in excellent health.

7. Protective Life

Another name that might not immediately ring a bell, Protective Life is actually a provider with a rich tradition and an exemplary track record. An insurer in multiple lines of coverage, Protective Life traces its roots to life insurance, and term policies are one of its most noted products.

Offering customers up to half-off the competition in some cases, Protective Life has a term life offering that is affordable and adaptable to family needs. Get a free quote online before calling to talk with a licensed representative about your options further.

Financial Strength

• Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating: AA-
• Moody’s Financial Rating: A2
• AM Best Financial Rating: A+

Reputation

• BBB rating: A+, accredited
• BBB complaints: 53 complaints in last three years
• Trustpilot score: n/a
• NAIC complaint index for individual life in 2018: 0.53, below national index of 2.20
• D Power 2018 U.S. Life Insurance Study: Ranked No. 7 in overall satisfaction

Protective’s Term Option

The Protect Life term option is similar to other standard products in that policies are offered between 10 and 30 years. Protective Life may be a better option for customers looking to take out larger policies, as amounts can range from $100,000 to $50 million with an income tax-free benefit paid to beneficiaries. There’s also a clause to convert to a permanent policy without a medical exam and accelerated living benefits to pay for medical bills that result from care of a terminal illness.

GET A QUOTE FROM PROTECTIVE LIFE INSURANCE! 

8. Nationwide

Nationwide life insurance policies have been offered for decades, and backed by a Fortune 100 company that has been recognized for stable finances. A high level of customer service also attests to the quality of Nationwide products and services, including term life insurance.

Since the term life product is largely standard, consumers are also paying for the peace of mind afforded by working with a company of strong financial fundamentals. You can get a free quote online to start the process, but applying for and buying a policy require speaking with an advisor or specialist.

Financial Strength

• Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating: A+
• Moody’s Financial Rating: A1
• AM Best Financial Rating: A+

Reputation

• BBB rating: A+, accredited
• BBB complaints: 260 complaints in last three years
• Trustpilot score: n/a
• NAIC complaint index for individual life in 2018: 0.44, below national index of 2.20
• D Power 2018 U.S. Life Insurance Study: Ranked No. 3 in overall satisfaction

Term Life Insurance with Nationwide

Term life insurance from Nationwide is offered in blocks of 10, 15, 20 and 30 years and is recommended as a flexible option to achieving short-term financial goals. There are multiple riders that can be added to the base coverage, which include: spouse and children’s term life insurance, accelerated death benefit, premium waiver for disabilities, owner-directed settlement options that allow you to structure benefit payouts, and wellness credits, which award points to underwriting rating for healthy lifestyle choices.

9. Ladder

Online disruption is something all industries are contending with, including insurance. New online-based entrants like Ladder are changing the game by offering consumers a quick and hassle-free way to obtain life insurance. Ladder offers a completely online application and purchase process; in fact its policies are available only through the site. That sets it apart from many peers in the insurance space, and combined with a solid product makes for an attractive term life option.

Financial Strength

• Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating: n/a
• Moody’s Financial Rating: n/a
• AM Best Financial Rating: A (Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company)

Reputation

• BBB rating: A+, accredited (Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company)
• BBB complaints: 3 complaints in last three years
• Trustpilot score: n/a
• NAIC complaint index for individual life in 2018: 12.65, above national index of 2.20 (Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company)
• D Power 2018 U.S. Life Insurance Study: n/a

Ladder term life insurance policies

Ladder policies written by Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company are available to adults between 20 and 60 for 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years. Coverage starts at $100,000 and is capped at $8 million and features a level payment over that period. At later dates, you apply for more or decrease coverage; and if not satisfied in 30 days, you can get your money back. Policies can be canceled at any time, further giving consumers flexibility. Ladder is relatively new, and while financial security is not necessarily a concern, customer service may require some further examination.

Read More: Ladder Life Insurance Review

GET A QUOTE FROM LADDER LIFE INSURANCE! 

10. Farmers Insurance

Farmers Insurance has a high market share in life insurance and a general trustworthy reputation. Those qualities plus financial stability and good customer service make it an ideal provider for any type of insurance, including term life insurance. Farmers has term options for customers who want near-term protection for their family’s finances, and you can get an online quote for free before calling to talk with an agent further. (For more information, read “Farmers Life Insurance Review“).

Financial Strength

• Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating: A
• Moody’s Financial Rating: A2
• AM Best Financial Rating: A+

Reputation

• BBB rating: A+, accredited
• BBB complaints: 724 complaints in last three years
• Trustpilot score: n/a
• NAIC complaint index for individual life in 2018: 0.48, below national index of 2.20
• D Power 2018 U.S. Life Insurance Study: n/a

Term Coverage with Farmers

Term life insurance from Farmers comes in policies of 10, 20, and 30 years. The coverage minimum is $150,00 and there’s no maximum, which is unique among the these top 10 companies. A medical exam is required and consumers 18 to 75 are eligible. Conversion to a whole life policy that builds cash value is possible, but not required.

Sample Term Life Insurance Quotes

Term Life Insurance Quotes for 20 – 29 Years Old

Life Insurance Preferred Quotes based on healthy, male, non-smoker for 30 Year Guaranteed Level Term

READ MORE ABOUT TERM LIFE INSURANCE: QUOTES 20 – 29 YEARS OLD

Term Life Insurance Quotes at 30-39 Years Old

Life Insurance Preferred Quotes based on healthy, male, non-smoker for 30 Year Guaranteed Level Term

READ MORE ABOUT TERM LIFE INSURANCE: QUOTES 30 – 39 YEARS OLD

Term Life Insurance Quotes for 40 – 49 Year Olds

Life Insurance Preferred Quotes based on healthy, male, non-smoker for 20 Year Guaranteed Level Term

READ MORE ABOUT TERM INSURANCE : QUOTES 40 – 49 YEARS OLD

Term Life Insurance Quotes: 50 – 59 Years Old

Life Insurance Preferred Quotes based on healthy, male, non-smoker for 10 Year Guaranteed Level Term

READ MORE ABOUT TERM INSURANCE: QUOTES 50 -59 YEARS OLD

Term Life Insurance Quotes at 60 – 69 Years Old

Read more: Life Insurance at 62 Years Old

Life Insurance Premium Quotes based on healthy, male, non-smoker for 10 Year Guaranteed Level Term

READ MORE ABOUT TERM INSURANCE: QUOTES 60 – 69 YEARS OLD

Term Life Insurance Quotes for 70 – 75 Year Olds

Life Insurance Premium Quotes based on healthy, male, non-smoker for 10 Year Guaranteed Level Term

READ MORE ABOUT TERM INSURANCE: QUOTES 70 – 75 Years Old

Term Policies Offer Peace of Mind

Term life insurance can give your family peace of mind and a degree of protection should something happen to you. With all the choices available on the market, it’s possible you can find exactly the term life policy you need to fit your family’s goals or life. However, that also means researching a number of life insurance companies and their respective coverage options, riders, customer service, financial stability, and reputation.

We’ve distilled the list to the above top 10 companies for term life insurance, but it’s still important for you to shop around for the best policy and best rate. A one percentage point difference in rates you’re offered can have a big impact in real dollars, so be sure to comparison shop the options you’re interested in.

 

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