The Largest Life Insurance Companies | Bankrate (2024)

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The Largest Life Insurance Companies | Bankrate (1)Written by

Ashlyn Brooks

Ashlyn Brooks

The Largest Life Insurance Companies | Bankrate (2)Edited by

Natasha Cornelius, CLU

Natasha Cornelius, CLU

The Largest Life Insurance Companies | Bankrate (3)Reviewed by

Thomas Brock

Thomas Brock

Updated Apr 22, 2024

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Navigating the world of life insurance involves understanding the landscape of providers, from the towering giants to the smaller, niche firms. Large life insurance companies generally have well-established coverage options, strong digital tools and plentiful customer reviews. However, they might lack the personal touch and customer service emphasis of a smaller or regional provider. In life insurance, where quoted rates don't vary as much as home and auto coverage, these factors may be more important to consumers than price.

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The amount of coverage you need depends on many factors, including your age, income, mortgage and other debts and anticipated funeral expenses.

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Whole life insurance combines life insurance with an investment component.

  • Coverage for life
  • Tax-deferred savings benefit if premiums are paid
  • 3 variations of permanent insurance: whole life, universal life and variable life include investment component

Term life insurance is precisely what the name implies: an insurance policy that is good for a specific term of time.

  • Fixed premium over term
  • No savings benefits
  • Outliving policy or policy cancellation results in no money back

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This advertising widget is powered by HomeInsurance.com, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 8781838) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. HomeInsurance.com LLC services are only available in states where it is licensed and insurance coverage through HomeInsurance.com may not be available in all states. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

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List of life insurance companies

Researching the top 10 life insurance companies can offer valuable insights when considering your options. Based on the latest 2023 data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), New York Life leads the pack with a 6.86 percent market share. Close on its heels is Northwestern Mutual, holding a 6.74 percent share. Metropolitan Group and Prudential are also key contenders, with market shares of 6.34 percent and 5.64 percent, respectively.

Carriers that narrowly missed the top 10 largest life insurance company list include Guardian Life and John Hanco*ck, with market shares hovering around 2.5 percent.

In addition to market share data, we've also included each carrier's 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study score in the table below to help you gauge customer satisfaction.

RankCompanyMarket sharePremiums written (billions)J.D. Power rating (774 industry average)
1New York Life Group6.86%13.288794/1,000
2Northwestern Mutual Group6.74%13.062790/1,000
3Metropolitan Group6.34%12.285802/1,000
4Prudential of America Group5.64%10.924779/1,000
5Mass Mutual Life Insurance Group4.75%9.205809/1,000
6Lincoln National Group4.30%8.323788/1,000
7Nationwide Corporate Group3.00%5.802840/1,000
8State Farm2.97%5.754843/1,000
9Transamerica (Aegon US Holding Group)2.64%5.104757/1,000
10Minnesota Mutual Group (Securian)2.56%4.954793/1,000

Choosing small vs. large life insurance companies

When choosing the best life insurance company, is it best to stick with an insurer on the list of life insurance companies who write the most premiums? Not necessarily. There are certainly advantages to going with a major insurer, but quantity doesn't always equal quality when it comes to market share.

What to look for beyond size

No matter the size of the carrier you're considering, here are some quality indicators to keep an eye on when shopping for life insurance:

  • Financial stability rating: A high financial stability rating from agencies like AM Best is a value add for life insurers. It reflects the insurer's robust track record in paying out claims, which may be crucial during unexpected events. AM Best ratings range from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
  • Customer service: A smooth claims process can be meaningful for grieving beneficiaries, but you may need to contact the customer service department many times before that point. Looking at J.D. Power scores, NAIC Complaint Indexes and customer reviews can give you an idea of the level of service a company provides.
  • Ethical practices: The integrity of a life insurance company's business operations is vital. Firms that adhere to high ethical standards in their dealings are more likely to be transparent with policy terms, fair in pricing and straightforward in the claims process.
  • Community engagement: Insurers that actively contribute to community initiatives or engage in sustainable practices often hold a sense of corporate responsibility that goes beyond the bottom line. This commitment can be a reflection of a company's values and how it might value its policyholders.
  • Technological advancements: In a digital era, the ease of managing your policy online, from quoting to filing a claim, adds immense value. Insurers who invest in technology like efficient online quoting systems, accelerated underwriting processes and comprehensive mobile apps offer convenience and speed. Note that it's rare for a life insurance company to allow you to finalize your policy purchase without speaking to an agent over the phone.

Choosing a large life insurance company

The most obvious reason to go with a large life insurance company is that they typically have more financial assets and, therefore, probably have an easier time achieving financial stability. Large life insurance companies also tend to have more years in the business. Northwestern Mutual, for example, the second biggest life insurance company in 2023, was founded in 1857. With more than a century and a half writing policies, this company is a leader in the industry with a strong track record of policyholder satisfaction.

The digital tools offered by large life insurers are often superior to those offered by smaller competitors. For example, you might be able to manage your life insurance policy through a smartphone app or get instant quotes online from a company that has the resources to invest in these features. Smaller companies may not have the budget to develop advanced technological tools.

On a similar note, larger life insurance companies can sometimes offer easier access to customer service channels. You may be able to get in touch with a company representative without having to pick up the phone, thanks to mobile apps and live web chat. But if you would rather dial in, larger companies typically extend phone hours or even provide 24/7 support.

Choosing a small life insurance company

On the other hand, small life insurance companies can sometimes have the upper hand by providing more tailored and personalized customer service. If you do business with a small life insurer, you might work with the same representative for years or even decades. This type of relationship may offer better recommendations for your individual needs – not to mention possibly providing friendlier and more personal service overall.

Smaller life insurance companies sometimes provide more specialized coverage. For example, some small life insurers are created specifically for certain groups such as military members or educators. A small specialty life insurer might also be a good choice if you are looking for a very precise type of coverage, such as final expense insurance.

Last but not least, if you have been denied coverage from a major life insurance company, it is worth asking around with smaller competitors. While large life insurers can afford to turn down customers, small companies may be more flexible in order to win business. It is possible that a smaller insurer may be willing to accept greater risk than a larger insurance company.

Frequently asked questions

The Largest Life Insurance Companies | Bankrate (6)

Written by

Ashlyn Brooks

    Read more from Ashlyn

    Ashlyn Brooks is a finance writer with more than half a decade of experience, known for her knowledge in areas such as taxes, insurance, investing, retirement, finance news, and banking products.

    The Largest Life Insurance Companies | Bankrate (7)

    Edited by

    Natasha Cornelius, CLU

    Natasha Cornelius, CLU

    Editor II, Insurance

    The Largest Life Insurance Companies | Bankrate (8)

    Reviewed by

    Thomas Brock

    Thomas Brock

    Expert Reviewer, CFA, CPA

      The Largest Life Insurance Companies | Bankrate (2024)

      FAQs

      The Largest Life Insurance Companies | Bankrate? ›

      Leading U.S. life insurance companies 2022, by assets

      In 2022, Prudential Financial was the largest life insurance company in the United States with assets amounting to approximately 515.2 billion U.S. dollars.

      What is the largest life insurance company? ›

      Leading U.S. life insurance companies 2022, by assets

      In 2022, Prudential Financial was the largest life insurance company in the United States with assets amounting to approximately 515.2 billion U.S. dollars.

      Why do life insurance companies ask so many questions? ›

      When you apply, life insurance companies will gather detailed information about you to determine the best type of policy for your needs. This information also helps them make decisions about rates and coverage options.

      What are the big four life insurance companies? ›

      According to a 2021 NAIC report, Northwestern Mutual, New York Life, Metropolitan, and Prudential are the four largest life insurance companies in the United States, all together holding 31.09% of the market. Some insurance companies offer riders, which are benefits added to policies, allowing for customization.

      How much does a million dollar IUL cost? ›

      The average cost for a million-dollar life insurance policy is anywhere from approximately $50 to more than $1,000 a month, depending on your age, health, annual income, policy type and other factors.

      What is the bad side of IUL? ›

      IUL also comes with inherent risks, such as capped growth and market volatility, along with higher fees and the need for active management. IUL offers tax advantages, including tax-free death benefits, but also has specific tax rules regarding withdrawals and loans against the cash value.

      Why not to buy an IUL? ›

      Some of the drawbacks include caps on returns and no guarantees as to the premium amounts or market returns. An IUL insurance policy may be canceled if you stop paying premiums. IUL policies are generally best for those with large up-front investments who want options for a tax-free retirement.

      What not to say when applying for life insurance? ›

      For example, applicants might lie about their age, income, weight, medical conditions, family medical history or occupation. It's also relatively common for applicants to lie about their alcohol or drug use.

      What is the major problem with life insurance? ›

      One disadvantage of life insurance is that the older you are, the more you'll pay for a policy. This is because you're more likely to pass away during the policy period than a younger policyholder and will, in turn, cost the life insurance company more money.

      Why do most life insurance agents fail? ›

      While people skills are crucial, many insurance agents fail because they do not know the market well enough. One of our survey respondents even claimed that in order to be successful in the insurance industry, 75% of efforts should be in marketing, 20% in sales, and 5% in operations. Marketing can be a daunting task.

      What life insurance do billionaires use? ›

      Permanent life insurance

      High-earners who have already maximized contributions to other tax-deferred savings accounts — like 401(k) or Roth IRA — could consider whole life insurance or other permanent policies.

      Who is the #1 insurance company in the USA? ›

      State Farm is the biggest auto insurance company in the country by market share, while Progressive, Geico and Allstate are the next three.

      How much does a $100,000 whole life insurance policy cost? ›

      The average cost of a $100,000 whole life insurance policy is about $88 a month, or $1,056 a year, based on our analysis of whole life insurance quotes for a 30-year-old nonsmoker in good health. Whole life insurance offers permanent coverage, meaning it typically lasts your lifetime as long as you pay your premiums.

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