New radiology tech cuts MRI exam time by half

Hartford, Conn.-based Jefferson Radiology announced May 16 that its new technology has cut traditional MRI exam times in half. 

MRI exams that have typically taken an hour to complete including long bone exams, feet, chest and spine take only 30 minutes using the company's newest equipment. For brain MRI exams that traditionally take up to 45 minutes, the equipment shaved off one-third of the time, taking it down to 30 minutes as well. 

As of now, the equipment will begin to roll out across five different locations in the region, according to the press release.

"These reduced appointment times represent a significant leap forward in patient convenience, minimizing the stress and anxiety often associated with lengthy medical imaging procedures," the press release states. 

The company also noted that the technology can allow for increased patient comfort and allow for clinicians to treat more individuals due to the reduced time.

8 Best Life Insurance Companies in June 2023

The life insurance market in the U.S. is competitive, made up of a mix of longstanding insurers and newer “insurtechs” that sell policies online. To narrow down our list of the best life insurance companies, we looked at customer complaints data, consumer experience and financial strength. We also assessed the types of policies on offer, and the ways you can buy coverage.

Based on these factors, these are our top life insurance companies for 2023.

Our picks for the best life insurance companies in June 2023

All of the life insurance companies listed below scored 5 out of 5 stars. There are hundreds of insurers competing for your business, often selling very similar products, so it’s smart to compare life insurance quotes from a few before making a decision.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

Term, whole, universal and variable universal.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

Term, whole, universal and variable universal.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

Term, whole, universal and variable universal.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

Term, whole, universal and variable universal.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

Term, universal, variable universal and indexed universal.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

Term, whole and universal.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

Term, whole and universal.

How we ranked the top life insurers

NerdWallet’s life insurance ratings are based on consumer experience, complaint index scores from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for individual life insurance, and weighted averages of financial strength ratings, which indicate a company’s ability to pay future claims. Within the consumer experience category, we consider ease of communication and website transparency, which looks at the depth of policy details available online. To calculate each insurer’s rating, we adjusted the scores to a curved 5-point scale.

These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.

How we review life insurance companies

In our life insurance reviews, our editorial team considers the customer and the insurer. These are some of the factors we take into account:

Financial strength. We use AM Best ratings to confirm an insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims. For life insurance, NerdWallet typically recommends considering insurers with ratings of A- or higher. Here’s the breakdown:

Complaints. These ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The best life insurance companies have fewer than the expected number of complaints.

Buy online. This indicates whether an insurer allows you to apply for and buy a policy completely online.

Best life insurance companies: Pros and cons

Learn more about our top life insurance companies in 2023 by reading the brief summaries below and checking out our comprehensive reviews.

Best life insurance company overall: MassMutual

Best overall

MassMutual

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: MassMutual offers a solid range of term, whole, universal and variable universal life insurance, plus free coverage for low income parents.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

Yes

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term, permanent & no-exam

Best overall

MassMutual

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: MassMutual offers a solid range of term, whole, universal and variable universal life insurance, plus free coverage for low income parents.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

Yes

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term, permanent & no-exam

Company overview: Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., often shortened to MassMutual, is one of the largest life insurers in the country. Founded in 1851, it offers a wide range of products, from term life to variable universal life insurance — a type of permanent policy with flexible premiums and investment opportunities. MassMutual is a mutual company, which means it’s owned in part by its policyholders and pays out dividends to qualifying members. Its 2023 dividend payout is the highest yet at almost $1.9 billion[0]

Best life insurance company for online experience: Haven Life

Best for online experience

Haven Life

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: Haven offers two types of term life insurance, and its user-friendly website and instant coverage options make it a good choice for online shoppers.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

Yes

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & no-exam

Best for online experience

Haven Life

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: Haven offers two types of term life insurance, and its user-friendly website and instant coverage options make it a good choice for online shoppers.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

Yes

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & no-exam

Company overview: Haven Life offers term life insurance with accelerated underwriting, a process that uses algorithms and data to quickly assess your insurability. The entire application process is conducted online and the company says it can be completed in about 25 minutes. While Haven specializes in one type of life insurance, it offers choices for its customers. Depending on the policy you pick, you could buy $25,000 to $3 million in coverage, and choose a term lasting from five to 30 years. Haven Life’s policies are issued by MassMutual, which drew significantly fewer than expected customer complaints for a company of its size.

Best life insurance company for applicants with HIV: Guardian

Best for applicants with a history of HIV

Guardian Life

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: Guardian sells term, whole, universal and variable universal policies, and caters for people living with HIV with tailored coverage.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & permanent

Best for applicants with a history of HIV

Guardian Life

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: Guardian sells term, whole, universal and variable universal policies, and caters for people living with HIV with tailored coverage.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & permanent

Company overview: Guardian was founded in 1860 and has paid dividends to its eligible policyholders since 1868. The company is set to pay out $1.26 billion in dividends in 2023, the largest sum in the company’s history[0]

Best life insurance company for consumer experience: Northwestern Mutual

Best for consumer experience

Northwestern Mutual

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: The biggest insurer in the country, Northwestern Mutual offers term and permanent life insurance, and has the lowest complaint ratios of the life insurers we review.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & permanent

Best for consumer experience

Northwestern Mutual

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: The biggest insurer in the country, Northwestern Mutual offers term and permanent life insurance, and has the lowest complaint ratios of the life insurers we review.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & permanent

Company overview: Founded in 1857, Northwestern Mutual is the largest seller of individual life insurance in the United States, according to the latest data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. Universal life policyholders have flexible payment and coverage options, while term life customers have the opportunity to convert their policy to permanent coverage without taking a medical exam. The company is set to pay $6.8 billion in dividends to qualifying policyholders in 2023[0]

Best life insurance company for coverage amounts: New York Life

Best for high coverage amounts

New York Life

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: New York Life offers term, whole, universal and variable universal life insurance. Their level term policy offers 10-, 15-, and 20-year terms.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & permanent

Best for high coverage amounts

New York Life

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: New York Life offers term, whole, universal and variable universal life insurance. Their level term policy offers 10-, 15-, and 20-year terms.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term & permanent

Company overview: New York Life is a mutual company, which means it’s owned by its policyholders. As such, you may be eligible to vote in board elections if you’ve held a permanent policy for more than a year and earn dividends — the insurer is set to pay out $2 billion in 2023[0]

Best life insurance company for permanent life insurance: Pacific Life

Best range of permanent life insurance

Pacific Life

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: Pacific Life sells a broad range of policies, and stands out for providing detailed and easy-to-digest information about each type on its website.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term, permanent & no-exam

Best range of permanent life insurance

Pacific Life

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: Pacific Life sells a broad range of policies, and stands out for providing detailed and easy-to-digest information about each type on its website.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Far fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term, permanent & no-exam

Company overview: Pacific Life has been in business for more than 150 years. It has drawn significantly fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size over the past three years. Among Pacific Life’s range of policies is the company’s indexed universal life insurance. These policies typically grow investments based on stock market indexes like the S&P 500. They also have a guaranteed floor, which means your life insurance cash value won’t fall below a certain value if the stock market dives.

Best life insurance company for customer satisfaction: State Farm

Best for customer satisfaction

State Farm

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: State Farm topped the list in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Life Insurance Study for customer satisfaction, and offers highly customizable term, whole and universal policies.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term, permanent & no-exam

Best for customer satisfaction

State Farm

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: State Farm topped the list in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Life Insurance Study for customer satisfaction, and offers highly customizable term, whole and universal policies.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term, permanent & no-exam

Company overview: When you think of State Farm, you probably think of its auto insurance products. But it also offers a decent range of life insurance policies, including return-of-premium life insurance — if you outlive the term, you get a refund of the premiums you paid into the policy. State Farm also offers a single premium option for its whole life policy and a final expense policy that can help cover funeral costs.

State Farm ranked first out of 22 companies in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Life Insurance Study for customer satisfaction, and has consistently topped this list in recent years — pointing to its positive reputation among policyholders[0]

Best life insurance company for military members: USAA

Best for members of the military

USAA

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: USAA sells term, whole and universal policies to both military and civilian applicants, but some policies cater specifically to those who serve.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term, permanent & no-exam

Best for members of the military

USAA

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.

Bottom line: USAA sells term, whole and universal policies to both military and civilian applicants, but some policies cater specifically to those who serve.

Financial strength rating These ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.

Exceptional

Online purchase This indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.

No

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

Fewer than expected

Policies offered Term policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.

Term, permanent & no-exam

Company overview: USAA was founded in 1922 to provide life insurance for veterans and active military members. It now offers coverage to civilians as well. Its policies can be used to supplement the government-provided Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance, which is automatically issued to eligible military personnel. If you buy a policy from ages 18 to 35, you may have the option to increase your coverage amount up to age 45 if you get married, buy a house or have a baby.

Find the right life insurance plan for you

Make sure you and your loved ones are covered - compare customized life insurance quotes from our partners.

Best term life insurance companies of 2023

Term life insurance provides temporary coverage for a set number of years, usually one to 30. It’s the cheapest and most popular type of coverage, and insurers can stand out in the market for offering competitive prices, riders and more.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

NerdWallet rates insurers at the company level, not the policy level. This means our star rating reflects the company as a whole, and not its term life insurance policies specifically.

Best whole life insurance companies of 2023

Whole life insurance typically lasts your entire life. As a type of permanent life insurance, it also builds cash value over time. We’ve compared whole life companies based on factors like coverage flexibility and the potential to earn dividends.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

NerdWallet rates insurers at the company level, not the policy level. This means our star rating reflects the company as a whole, and not its whole life insurance policies specifically.

Best no medical exam life insurance companies of 2023

With no medical exam life insurance, the application process is streamlined. Depending on the policy you choose, you might have to answer some questions about your health and lifestyle, though some policies skip both the exam and questionnaire.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

5.0

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

4.5

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

4.5

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

4.5

NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, financial strength ratings and complaint data.

NerdWallet rates insurers at the company level, not the policy level. This means our star rating reflects the company as a whole, and not its no-exam insurance life policy specifically.

How to choose the best life insurance company

Follow these four steps to find the best life insurance company for your family.

1. Look at customer satisfaction scores

Other customers’ experiences can help you decide whether you want to do business with a company. You can get clues about an insurer’s reputation through complaints filed with state regulators, which are visible on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website. All of the companies listed above have had fewer complaints to state regulators than expected for insurers of their size, according to three years’ worth of data from the NAIC.

2. Consider financial strength

It’s especially important to look into life insurance companies’ financial strength because you’ll want a company that can pay claims many years down the road. NerdWallet’s insurance reviews use weighted averages of financial strength ratings. For additional information about life insurance companies, try a ratings agency like AM Best. We recommend looking at insurers with an AM Best rating of A- or better.

3. Evaluate the policy options

4. Get prices from a handful of companies

Although many companies sell similar policies, some focus on certain products — such as whole life — or on particular customers, such as seniors who need life insurance. You can narrow down your options by focusing on the companies that specialize in the type of insurance you’re looking for.

More about top-rated life insurance companies

Looking for a specific type of life insurance policy? Check out NerdWallet’s top picks across these categories:

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