Best Whole Life Insurance in 2024 (Your Guide to the Top 10 Companies)
USAA, Allstate, and American Family stand out as top picks for best whole life insurance companies with USAA offering a minimum coverage of $90, leads among top picks for whole life insurance, closely followed by Allstate at $100. Explore their offerings to secure the best policy for your needs.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
UPDATED: Apr 22, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.
UPDATED: Apr 22, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single insurance company.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Company Facts
Full Coverage Whole Life Insurance
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Full Coverage Whole Life Insurance
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
Company Facts
Full Coverage Whole Life Insurance
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
The top pick overall for the best whole life insurance providers, considering multiple factors such as affordability, coverage options, and financial stability, is highlighted in this comprehensive guide.
With a focus on securing the best coverage for your needs, we delve into the benefits, cost factors, and policy features of whole life insurance. Discover the top 10 whole life insurance providers. This guide evaluates affordability, coverage, and financial stability for your needs.
Company | Rank | Loyalty Discount | A.M. Best | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | 8% - 11% | A++ | Military Members | USAA | |
#2 | 5% - 8% | A+ | Full Coverage | Allstate | |
#3 | 6% - 13% | A | Loyalty Rewards | American Family | |
#4 | 3% - 6% | A | Insurance Discounts | Farmers | |
#5 | 4% - 8% | A+ | Usage-Based Discount | Amica | |
#6 | 4% - 7% | A | Teens | AAA | |
#7 | 5% - 7% | A+ | Filing Claims | Erie | |
#8 | 2% - 5% | A+ | Customer Service | Country Financial | |
#9 | 8% - 9% | NR | Mobile App | MetroMile | |
#10 | 5% - 7% | A+ | NY and NJ Drivers | NJM |
Whether you’re seeking lifelong protection, retirement planning, or estate preservation, compare quotes from top companies to find the most competitive rates tailored to your specific location and preferences. Enter your ZIP code to compare quotes instantly and find the cheapest insurance available
#1 – USAA: Top Overall Pick
Pros:
- Excellent Customer Service: USAA is known for its exceptional customer service, consistently ranking high in satisfaction surveys. They offer personalized support and competitive rates across various insurance types.
- Competitive Pricing: USAA provides competitive rates for auto, home, and life insurance, with discounts available for members. Learn more in our USAA car insurance review.
- Membership Benefits: USAA offers exclusive benefits such as financial planning services and discounts on products and services.
Cons:
- Limited Eligibility: Membership is restricted to military personnel and eligible family members.
- Availability Restrictions: Not all insurance products may be available in every location served by USAA.
#2 – Allstate: Best for Full Coverage
#3 – American Family: Best for Loyalty Rewards
#4 – Farmers: Best for Insurance Discounts
Pros
- Versatile Coverage: Farmers offers diverse options, including whole life insurance, ensuring tailored protection for customers’ needs. Check out our online Farmers review for more information.
- Personalized Service: Through a wide agent network, Farmers provides personalized guidance, aiding customers in selecting suitable whole life insurance policies.
- Financial Stability: Farmers Insurance’s solid financial reputation assures policyholders of its ability to meet obligations, including whole life insurance payouts.
Cons
- Limited Online Tools: While offering online services, Farmers’ digital tools may be less advanced, affecting the convenience of managing policies and claims online.
- Cost Consideration: Farmers’ premiums, particularly for whole life insurance, may be perceived as relatively higher, prompting cost-conscious individuals to explore other options.
#5 – Amica: Best for Usage Based Discount
Pros
- Financial Stability: Amica is financially secure, ensuring it can fulfill long-term obligations such as policy payouts.
- Customizable Policies: Amica offers flexible whole life insurance policies, allowing policyholders to tailor coverage to their specific needs. Explore more coverage options in our Amica auto insurance review.
- Superior Customer Service: Amica consistently provides excellent customer service, which is crucial for navigating whole life insurance policies effectively.
Cons
- Possibly Higher Premiums: Amica’s whole life insurance may come with relatively higher premiums compared to other options.
- Limited Availability: Amica’s whole life insurance may not be universally available, potentially limiting access for some demographics.
#6 – AAA: Best for Teens
Pros
- Extensive Coverage Options: AAA insurance provides diverse coverage options, including whole life insurance, ensuring customers can find the optimal policy. Learn more: AAA Auto Insurance Company Review
- Simple Application Process: Through user-friendly online tools and agent assistance, AAA Life Insurance simplifies the application process for customers.
- Membership Benefits: While membership isn’t mandatory, AAA offers additional perks, potentially enhancing the value of their whole life insurance policies.
Cons
- Limited Availability: AAA Life Insurance may not operate in all states, restricting access to their policies.
- Nicotine Usage Impact: Premiums may be higher for nicotine users, potentially affecting individuals seeking the best whole life insurance.
#7 – Erie: Best for Filing Claims
#8 – Country Financial: Best for Customer Service
#9 – MetroMile: Best for Mobile App
Pros:
- Affordable Rates: Metromile insurance offers potential annual savings of up to $947 compared to traditional auto insurance, making it a cost-effective choice. Get more info in our detailed report: Metromile Car Insurance Review
- Tailored Coverage: The insurance policy can be customized to suit individual needs, ensuring customers receive the specific coverage they require.
- Convenient App Features: The Metromile app provides various functionalities like trip monitoring, car health diagnostics, and street sweeping alerts, enhancing user convenience and control over their insurance experience.
Cons:
- Mileage Restrictions: Metromile imposes a daily mileage limit of 250 miles (150 miles for New Jersey drivers), potentially inconveniencing users with higher mileage requirements.
- Limited Availability: Metromile’s services are currently limited to select states, restricting access for drivers outside these areas and potentially excluding them from its benefits.
#10 – NJM: Best for NY and NJ Drivers
Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
AAA | $125 | $135 |
Allstate | $100 | $110 |
American Family | $110 | $120 |
Amica | $120 | $130 |
Country Financial | $135 | $145 |
Erie | $130 | $140 |
Farmers | $115 | $125 |
MetroMile | $140 | $150 |
NJM | $145 | $155 |
USAA | $90 | $100 |
Check out special discounts from the top 10 best whole life insurance providers! Save on premiums with personalized offers ensuring enduring financial stability.
Our quote comparison tool will allow you to shop for affordable life insurance rates from the top companies near you , just enter your ZIP code to get started.
Understanding Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance covers you for your entire life, provided you actively pay your premiums. A whole life insurance policy includes a guaranteed death benefit and a savings component to accumulate interest. You can find the cheapest insurance coverage tailored to your needs by entering your ZIP code.
With whole life insurance, your death benefit will pay for your funeral costs, unpaid debts, and living expenses for your beneficiaries. The savings portion, or accumulated cash value, is a living benefit. You can withdraw or borrow from the cash value portion tax-free before your death.
Heidi Mertlich Licensed Insurance Agent
Traditional whole life insurance has fixed premiums, meaning you’ll pay the same amount each month for your policy forever. Modified whole life insurance policies may allow you to begin smaller payments for a set term.
Mechanics of Whole Life Insurance
With both a death benefit and cash value in play, understanding how whole life insurance works can get complicated. Add in tax-free withdrawals or borrowing against your cash value, and things get even more complicated. There are also different subclass categories of whole life insurance to consider.
We’ll explain how whole life insurance works step-by-step, from understanding premiums and benefits to guaranteeing a payout upon your death.
Insurers carefully calculate these amounts so that your cash value equals your policy’s face value as you reach a specific age. For most, that age is 100 or 121. If your insurance hasn’t paid out the death benefit by then, they’ll offer a policy extension or its cash value.
Essentially, your accumulated cash value offsets the cost of paying your death benefit to the insurance company. Once you have “paid back” your death benefit, they return the payout to you.
Using Your Accumulated Cash Value
The cash value on your whole life insurance policy doesn’t just sit there. You can withdraw or borrow from the cash value to pay for large expenses or invest and return the money to increase its value further.
Most whole life insurance policies take several years to accrue meaningful cash value, so it’s wise to think of it as a long-term investment strategy. Once you have sufficient cash value, you can do the following:
- Use the cash value amount to pay your premiums
- Make tax-free withdrawals up to the amount you’ve paid in premiums
- Borrow from the cash value with no use restrictions but with interest
- Surrender the policy for the current cash value
Any action that permanently reduces your cash value, like making a withdrawal, will also reduce your beneficiaries’ final death benefit payout. Remember this when using the cash value.
Jimmy McMillan Licensed Insurance Agent
Determining the Cost of Whole Life Insurance
We’ll be upfront: you’ll pay more for whole life insurance than any other type of life insurance. There are ways to save money on life insurance, but you’re not likely to save money with a whole life insurance plan.
That’s because you’re paying for the guarantee of your death benefit, monthly premiums, and cash value accumulation. With such a big payout, you’ll have to pay big premiums.
Your whole life insurance costs will depend on your age, health status, where you live, and whether you participate in risky work or activities.
The Pros and Cons of Whole Life Insurance
Whole life insurance is a nuanced policy that can be a huge asset to you and your family in some circumstances. Typically, it’s a good fit for high-net-worth individuals who can afford the higher premiums.
Take a look at the pros and cons of whole life insurance to get a sense of whether it might be a good fit for you:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Includes cash value component | Slow gains on cash value |
Fixed, predictable premiums | High monthly premiums |
Low risk | No say in investments |
Guaranteed death benefit if conditions are met | Cash value doesn’t pay out upon death |
Talk to your insurance company about the specifics of your situation to see if whole life insurance could be a good fit. It’s worth pursuing if you:
- Have a high net worth and need estate planning
- Expect to have a lifelong financial dependent
- Want to add a new kind of investment to your portfolio
- Can afford higher premiums
Suppose whole life insurance isn’t a good fit. In that case, the flexibility of universal life insurance policies may work better for your financial and family situation.
Case Studies: Analyzing the Benefits and Considerations of Whole Life Insurance
- Case Study #1 – John’s Financial Security with Whole Life Insurance: John, a 35-year-old husband and father of two, sought to protect his family financially. After thorough research, he chose a whole life insurance policy, ensuring a death benefit for his loved ones in case of his untimely passing. The policy also accrued cash value over time, providing him with financial security and peace of mind
- Case Study #2 – Sarah’s Retirement Planning with Whole Life Insurance: Sarah, a 50-year-old professional, prioritized retirement planning. Seeking a dual-purpose financial tool, she chose a whole life insurance policy, accumulating cash value over time. With guaranteed and tax-deferred growth, it served as a stable retirement savings option, boosting Sarah’s confidence in securing her financial future.
- Case Study #3 – Mark’s Legacy Planning with Whole Life Insurance: Mark, a prosperous business owner in his late 40s, aimed to secure his legacy for his children and future generations. Choosing a whole life insurance policy, he ensured his children would inherit a substantial death benefit. This financial security would sustain their lifestyle and offer opportunities for future generations, reassuring Mark that his legacy would endure.
- Case Study #4 – Lisa’s Estate Planning with Whole Life Insurance: Lisa, a 65-year-old retiree, was concerned about potential estate taxes for her heirs upon her death. She sought to preserve assets and ensure a smooth wealth transition. Lisa incorporated whole life insurance into her estate planning. Using a policy to fund a trust, she provided beneficiaries with a tax-free death benefit to cover estate taxes.
- Case Study #5 – Michael’s Supplemental Income with Whole Life Insurance: Michael, a 45-year-old, sought to generate supplemental income for retirement. He found the potential of a whole life insurance policy to offer tax-advantaged income. Purchasing and funding the policy over time, Michael allowed the cash value to grow. In retirement, he planned to use policy loans for tax-free income from cash value.
Buy the Best Whole Life Insurance to Secure Your Family’s Future
Whole life insurance can be a great investment for high net worth individuals and others with certain financial situations. You’ll get a guaranteed death benefit payout and predictable premium payments, meaning you can carefully plan your finances throughout your life.
If managed well, you can maximize the investment of your whole life insurance policy by borrowing or withdrawing against your accumulated cash value. Talk with your insurance company and your financial advisor to see if whole life insurance is good for you and your family. Shop around for personalized life insurance quotes that fit your needs and budget by entering your ZIP code.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does whole life insurance work?
Whole life insurance is a type of life insurance policy that remains in effect for as long as you live, provided the premiums are kept up to date. It includes a payout value as well as a cash value account that can be used by the policyholder while the insured person is still living.
How is whole life insurance different from term life insurance?
Whole life insurance lasts for as long as you live, while term life insurance only lasts for a specific period of time. This is why whole life insurance typically costs more than term life insurance.
What are the advantages of whole life insurance?
Whole life insurance offers a guaranteed payout regardless of how long the insured person lives, and the cash value account can be used by the policyholder even while the insured person is still living. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including leaving an inheritance for children, paying for final expenses, or leaving money for bills and household upkeep after the policyholder has passed away.
Can I take out a loan against my whole life insurance policy?
Yes, policyholders can borrow against the cash value of their whole life insurance policy, and there are no restrictions on how they use the funds.
How do I know if whole life insurance companies are financially stable?
You can check the financial stability of an insurance company by looking at the ratings from a financial watchdog company such as the A.M. Best Company.
How can I find cheap whole life insurance quotes?
You can use a comparison tool to find cheap whole life insurance quotes online. This will allow you to compare rates from different insurance companies and tailor the policy to your specific needs. Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool to instantly compare life insurance quotes from trusted insurers near you.
What happens if I stop paying my whole life insurance premiums?
If the policyholder stops paying their premiums, the policy will lapse, and they will lose coverage. However, they may be able to reinstate the policy by paying the outstanding premiums and any interest or fees.
Can I cancel a whole life insurance policy?
Yes, policyholders can cancel a whole life insurance policy at any time, but they may incur fees or penalties for early cancellation.
What factors should I consider when looking for the best permanent life insurance?
When searching for the best permanent life insurance policy, consider factors such as your financial goals, coverage needs, budget, the financial strength and reputation of the insurance company, policy features, customer service, and the flexibility of the policy.
What is the best whole insurance?
The “best” whole life insurance varies depending on individual needs and preferences. It’s essential to consider factors like coverage amount, premium affordability, company reputation, and policy features to determine the best option for you.
Do the best whole life insurance companies offer customizable policies?
Yes, many of the top whole life insurance companies offer customizable policies to suit individual needs and preferences. These may include options for adjusting coverage amounts, premium payment schedules, and adding additional riders or benefits.
How do I choose the best whole life insurance for adults?
When selecting the best whole life insurance for adults, consider factors such as the financial stability of the insurance company, the policy’s premiums and benefits, the flexibility of premium payments, and the potential for cash value growth. It’s essential to compare quotes and policies from multiple insurers to find the most suitable coverage for your needs.
What are whole life insurance plans?
Whole life insurance plans are permanent life insurance policies that provide coverage for the entirety of the insured’s life as long as premiums are paid. They typically include a death benefit and a cash value component that grows over time.
Which insurance companies offer the best whole life insurance policies?
Several insurance companies are known for offering top-quality whole life insurance policies. Some reputable options include USAA, Allstate and American Family. However, the best policy for you will depend on your individual circumstances and preferences. Our quote comparison tool will allow you to shop for affordable life insurance rates from the top companies near you — just enter your ZIP code to get started
How does one find the best whole life insurance quotes?
To find the best whole life insurance quotes, it’s important to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. You can do this by either contacting insurance agents directly or using online comparison tools.
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Dani Best
Licensed Insurance Producer
Dani Best has been a licensed insurance producer for nearly 10 years. Dani began her insurance career in a sales role with State Farm in 2014. During her time in sales, she graduated with her Bachelors in Psychology from Capella University and is currently earning her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Since 2014, Dani has held and maintains licenses in Life, Disability, Property, and Casualt...
Licensed Insurance Producer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.