Life Insurance Financial Strength Ratings 2025: The Smart Buyer's Guide to A+ Carriers
Why paying 30% more for A++ carriers is unnecessary for 95% of families—and how Mutual of Omaha, Americo, and Illinois Mutual deliver exceptional protection at unbeatable prices.
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The A+ vs A++ Myth: Why You're Probably Overpaying for Life Insurance
Here's a secret the life insurance industry doesn't want you to know: The difference between an A+ and A++ rated carrier is statistically negligible—yet you're paying 15-30% more in premiums for that extra "+" symbol.
The Shocking Reality:
- •A+ carriers have a ~2% impairment rate over 10 years (meaning 98% never fail)
- •A++ carriers have a ~2% impairment rate over 10 years (virtually identical)
- •Yet A++ carriers charge 15-30% higher premiums for the same death benefit
- •Over 30 years, you'll pay $1,680-$42,000 more for negligible additional security
I'm Zach Bradford, a multi-state licensed life insurance broker (FL License W347851) authorized to serve clients in Florida, Arizona, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and Michigan. I'm directly appointed with three exceptional carriers—Mutual of Omaha (A+ Superior), Americo Financial Life (A Excellent), and Illinois Mutual (A- Excellent)—and I'm going to show you why these mid-tier carriers deliver 98% of the security at 70-85% of the cost.
What Industry Experts Say:
"The difference between A+ and A++ is negligible. Both signify superior ability to pay claims. I would not rank this highly in my decision making."
— Insurance industry expert consensus from Reddit r/LifeInsurance analysis
This comprehensive 2025 guide will reveal:
- Why Mutual of Omaha's A+ rating is just as reliable as Northwestern Mutual's A++—at 20% lower cost
- How Americo's simplified issue gets you approved in 5 days when A++ carriers would decline you
- Why Illinois Mutual's BBB A+ rating and 14-30 day claims processing beats most A++ carriers
- The 6 specific use cases where mid-tier carriers are the smarter choice
- When you SHOULD pay more for A++ carriers (and it's rarer than you think)
By the end of this guide, you'll understand why choosing an A+ carrier isn't settling for "second best"—it's making a smart financial decision that protects your family just as effectively while keeping thousands of dollars in your pocket.
Sources:NAIC Impairment Rate Analysis,Reddit r/LifeInsurance Expert Discussion,Insurance Brokers USA Cost Analysis
Understanding Financial Strength Ratings: What A+, A++, and A- Actually Mean
Before we dive into specific carriers, you need to understand what AM Best ratings actually measure—and more importantly, what they don't measure.
AM Best Rating Scale Explained
| Rating | Category | 10-Year Impairment Rate | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| A++, A+ | Superior | ~2% | Superior ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations |
| A, A- | Excellent | ~5-7% | Excellent ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations |
| B++, B+ | Good | ~12-15% | Good ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations |
| B, B- | Fair | ~25-30% | Fair ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations |
Critical Context: What "Impairment" Actually Means
An "impairment" doesn't mean policyholders lose their money. It means the company faces regulatory intervention—often resulting in:
- •Acquisition by a stronger carrier (your policy continues uninterrupted)
- •State guaranty association protection (typically $300,000-$500,000 per policy)
- •Restructuring under regulatory supervision (claims continue to be paid)
Translation: Even in the worst-case scenario, your family is protected. Every state has backup plans for insurance company insolvency.
What AM Best Ratings DO Measure:
- Balance sheet strength — capital reserves and risk-based capital ratios
- Operating performance — profitability and underwriting discipline
- Business profile — market position and product diversification
- Enterprise risk management — investment quality and management stability
What AM Best Ratings DON'T Measure:
- Customer service quality — claims speed, digital tools, agent support
- Premium competitiveness — cost relative to coverage value
- Underwriting flexibility — approval rates for health-impaired applicants
- Product innovation — accelerated underwriting, simplified issue options
The Bottom Line on Ratings:
AM Best explicitly defines A+ as "Superior ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations"—the exact same descriptor as A++. The practical difference is marginal statistical variation, not fundamental financial weakness.
"When shopping for life insurance, you probably don't need to worry if one company is rated A++ versus another rated A+ or A by AM Best."
— MarketWatch Insurance Analysis
Sources:AM Best Rating Guide (Official),NAIC Impairment Rate Study,MarketWatch Financial Strength Analysis,Bogleheads Forum: State Guaranty Protection
The Three Carriers I Recommend: Why I'm Directly Appointed with Them
As a licensed broker, I can work with dozens of carriers. But I've chosen to be directly appointed with only three: Mutual of Omaha, Americo Financial Life, and Illinois Mutual. Here's why these carriers represent the best value proposition for my clients.
Geographic Coverage Note:
All three appointed carriers operate nationwide, allowing me to provide coverage across all six of my licensed states (Florida, Arizona, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and Michigan) with competitive rates and consistent underwriting standards. You get the same excellent coverage quality regardless of which state you're in.
Mutual of Omaha
Founded 1909 • $51.8B Assets
#1 in J.D. Power 2025 for customer satisfaction. Industry-leading digital tools and accelerated underwriting.
Learn More →Americo Financial Life
Founded 1946 • $1.2B Assets
Simplified issue champion with no-exam coverage up to $400K and 5-day approvals for wider health profiles.
Learn More →Illinois Mutual
Founded 1910 • $1.55B Assets
BBB A+ with Ethics Award. Claims settled in 14-30 days. Exceptional worksite benefits and personalized service.
Learn More →Why These Three Carriers?
I chose these carriers because they deliver the optimal balance of:
- Financial strength — All rated A- or better (Excellent to Superior)
- Competitive pricing — 15-30% lower premiums than A++ carriers
- Underwriting flexibility — Higher approval rates for common health conditions
- Customer experience — Fast claims, digital tools, responsive service
- Product specialization — Each excels in different market segments
Mutual of Omaha: The #1 Customer Satisfaction Leader
116 years of financial stability • $51.8 billion in assets • Ranked #1 by J.D. Power in 2025
Financial Strength Profile
Why I Recommend Mutual of Omaha
#1 Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power 2025)
Score of 707/1000, ranking first in 6 of 8 categories. Outperformed all competitors including A++ carriers.
Accelerated Underwriting Excellence
Decisions in 48-72 hours for healthy applicants (ages 18-60, up to $2M coverage) with no medical exam required.
Digital Innovation Leader
Industry-leading policyholder app enables instant policy loans, premium changes, and beneficiary updates—"a huge time-saver" vs. A++ carriers requiring agent intervention.
Long-Term Care Dominance
Ranked #1 in 2025 LTC Insurance Review with below-average complaint ratios. Strong specialty in disability income insurance.
Best For:
- ✓Digital-first buyers who want self-service tools and fast approvals
- ✓Healthy applicants ages 18-60 seeking accelerated underwriting without medical exams
- ✓Families prioritizing customer service and wanting #1-ranked satisfaction
- ✓Long-term care planning with integrated life and LTC coverage
Real-World Example:
Client Profile:
- • Age 35, non-smoker, excellent health
- • Needs $500,000 coverage for 30 years
- • Wants fast approval, no medical exam
- • Values digital tools and self-service
Mutual of Omaha Solution:
- • Monthly Premium: $28
- • Approval Time: 48-72 hours
- • Medical Exam: None required
- • 30-Year Savings vs. Northwestern: $2,520
Sources:Mutual of Omaha Financial Strength Page,J.D. Power #1 Ranking Announcement,AM Best Rating Affirmation,Q1 2025 Investor Presentation
Americo Financial Life: The Simplified Issue Champion
79 years of service • $1.2 billion in assets • Specializing in fast approvals for middle-market buyers
Financial Strength Profile
Why I Recommend Americo
Simplified Issue Up to $400,000
No medical exam required (saliva only for $250K+). Standard to Table-6 issuance in just 5 business days—perfect for busy professionals avoiding medical exams.
Flexible Build Charts
Accepts applicants with wider weight/health ranges (Table 2-6 ratings) that A++ carriers often decline or rate heavily. "It's the SUM of the parts: Table 4 weight + Table 2 medical = 4 Tables (Issue)"
Middle-Market Focus
Popular with middle-market and senior/lower-income buyers seeking fast digital underwritten products and rapid decision tools. Competitive pricing on indexed annuities.
Agent-Friendly Processes
Free AML training and streamlined underwriting for agents. Some agents report claim payouts within 1 week for approved cases.
Important Disclosure: Customer Service Concerns
Transparency matters. While Americo excels at underwriting flexibility and fast approvals, BBB shows recurring negative claims experiences and the company is not BBB accredited. NAIC complaint index is 3.13 (2024-25, annuities)—higher than market average. Multiple consumer complaints about delayed payouts surfaced in 2025.
My recommendation: Americo is best for simplified issue term life where you need fast approval with health conditions. For permanent coverage or large death benefits, consider Mutual of Omaha or Illinois Mutual for superior claims experience.
Best For:
- ✓Health-impaired applicants with obesity, controlled diabetes, or conditions A++ carriers decline
- ✓Busy professionals who need fast approval (5 days) without medical exams
- ✓Middle-market buyers seeking affordable simplified issue coverage up to $400K
- ✓Final expense needs with simplified issue whole life for seniors
Real-World Example:
Client Profile:
- • Age 42, smoker, BMI 32 (overweight)
- • Controlled Type II diabetes
- • Needs $250,000 coverage
- • Declined by Northwestern Mutual
Americo Solution:
- • Approval: Table 4 rating (approved!)
- • Monthly Premium: $95
- • Approval Time: 5 business days
- • Medical Exam: Saliva test only
Sources:Annuity.org Americo Review,AM Best Rating Disclosure,BBB Customer Reviews,Americo Term Underwriting Guide
Illinois Mutual: The Worksite Benefits & Ethics Leader
115 years of family operation • $1.55 billion in assets • BBB A+ with Torch Award for Ethics
Financial Strength Profile
Why I Recommend Illinois Mutual
BBB A+ with Ethics Award
Achieves Torch Award for Ethics with extremely low complaint ratios. Claims settled in 14-30 days versus industry average 45+ days—industry-leading speed.
Worksite Benefits Excellence
Family-operated mutual excels in employer-sponsored disability income and group life with exceptional personalized service and high agent satisfaction.
Simplified Issue Innovation
Launched 2025 Simplified Issue Disability Income (SIDI) with 0-day accident/7-day sickness elimination periods, unisex/uni-tobacco pricing, and fast electronic approvals.
Middle Market Champion
High customer service reputation serving budget-conscious families with straightforward products and prompt payouts. Certified Great Place To Work (2023).
Best For:
- ✓Worksite benefits through employer-sponsored group life and disability income
- ✓Disability income insurance with streamlined approvals (within 2 days for qualified applicants)
- ✓Middle-market families prioritizing ethical business practices and fast claims
- ✓Final expense coverage with simplified issue whole life ($5,000-$50,000, ages 45-85)
Real-World Example:
Client Profile:
- • Age 38, self-employed contractor
- • Needs disability income protection
- • History of anxiety (controlled)
- • Wants fast approval process
Illinois Mutual Solution:
- • Product: Simplified Issue DI
- • Monthly Benefit: $3,000
- • Approval Time: 2 business days
- • Anxiety: Covered with exclusion rider
Sources:TrustedChoice Illinois Mutual Review,Illinois Mutual About Us,SIDI Product Launch Announcement,2022 Financial One-Sheet
Cost Comparison: A+ vs A++ Carriers—Real Numbers
Let's examine the actual cost differences between mid-tier A+ carriers and premium A++ carriers for identical coverage.
The 15-30% Premium Difference:
Industry data confirms: A+ carriers consistently deliver 15-30% lower premiums for identical coverage compared to A++ giants like Northwestern Mutual, MassMutual, and New York Life.
Term Life Insurance Cost Comparison
| Carrier | Rating | Age 35, $500K, 20-Year | Annual Cost | 20-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha | A+ Superior | $28/month | $336 | $6,720 |
| Northwestern Mutual | A++ Superior | $35/month | $420 | $8,400 |
| Savings with A+ Carrier | $7/month | $84/year | $1,680 | |
Whole Life Insurance Cost Comparison
| Carrier | Rating | Age 40 Male, Preferred | 30-Year Total Paid | Cash Value (Year 30) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha | A+ Superior | $588/month | $211,680 | ~$180,000 |
| Northwestern Mutual | A++ Superior | $705/month | $253,800 | ~$200,000 |
| Net Difference | -$117/month | -$42,120 paid | -$20,000 CV | |
Key Insight: Invest the Difference
The $1,680-$42,000 you save with A+ carriers can be invested in index funds, often yielding HIGHER returns than the marginal cash value difference in whole life policies. For term life, the savings are pure—identical death benefit protection for 20-30% less.
Sources:Insurance Brokers USA Rate Analysis,U.S. News Whole Life Comparison,NerdWallet Cost Analysis
When to Choose Mid-Tier A+ Carriers: Six Key Use Cases
For 95% of families, mid-tier A+ carriers are the smarter choice. Here are the six specific scenarios where they excel:
Budget-Conscious Families Needing Maximum Coverage
Choose mid-tier when: You need $500K-$2M term coverage and want to save $500-$1,000 annually on premiums while maintaining excellent financial strength.
"Rates range from $23 with Protective to $30 with Northwestern Mutual for term coverage—A+ carriers deliver identical protection at 20-30% less."
Digital-First Buyers Avoiding Agent Hassles
Choose mid-tier when: You prefer online applications, instant quotes, and self-service portals over mandatory agent appointments.
- • Mutual of Omaha offers e-sign, online policy access, and app-based policy management
- • A++ carriers like Northwestern Mutual and New York Life require agent contact and "don't offer quotes online"
Simplified/Accelerated Underwriting Seekers
Choose mid-tier when: You want fast approval without medical exams or extensive underwriting.
- • Americo: Issues simplified policies Table 6 or better in 5 business days
- • Mutual of Omaha: Accelerated underwriting in 48-72 hours for qualified applicants
- • Illinois Mutual: Streamlined DI decisions within 2 days with proper documentation
Health-Impaired or Higher-Risk Applicants
Choose mid-tier when: You have diabetes, obesity, anxiety/depression, or other conditions that A++ carriers rate harshly or decline.
Mutual of Omaha LTC:
Accepts Type II diabetes (controlled, non-insulin) with $2,000 monthly benefit
Americo:
Accepts wide build ranges and table ratings (Standard-Table 6)
Illinois Mutual:
Offers anxiety/depression coverage with exclusion riders
Smaller Coverage Amounts ($25K-$100K)
Choose mid-tier when: You need final expense, children's insurance, or modest coverage under $100K.
- • Illinois Mutual: Simplified Issue Whole Life for $5,000-$50,000 (ages 45-85) with no exam
- • Americo: Specializes in $25,000-$400,000 simplified issue for middle-market buyers
- • Northwestern Mutual's $100,000 minimum excludes smaller coverage needs
Retirement-Focused Middle-Income Households
Choose mid-tier when: You're age 55-75 seeking affordable guaranteed universal life or indexed products for estate planning.
Mid-tier A+ carriers like Pacific Life and Principal offer 10-20% lower GUL premiums for similar coverage compared to MassMutual or Northwestern, while Mutual of Omaha IUL products feature competitive cap rates (up to 12%) and flexible premium designs.
Underwriting Advantages: Mid-Tier Carriers Approve Harder-to-Insure Customers
One of the biggest advantages of mid-tier carriers is their underwriting flexibility. If you have common health conditions, you'll have 3-5x higher approval odds with A+ carriers than A++ giants.
Mutual of Omaha's Lenient Guidelines
- • Accelerated underwriting: Ages 18-60, $100K-$2M coverage
- • Accepts controlled high blood pressure (≤140/90)
- • "Fit Program" offers up to 2-table credits for excellent health
- • Accepts controlled Type II diabetes with exclusion riders
Americo's Simplified Issue Advantages
- • Build Chart allows Table 2-6 ratings (accepts overweight/obesity)
- • Simplified issue up to $400,000 (saliva only for $250K+)
- • "It's the SUM of the parts: Table 4 weight + Table 2 medical = 4 Tables"
- • Issued Standard through Table 6 in five business days
Illinois Mutual's Streamlined DI
- • Fast electronic application with straightforward health questions
- • Unisex/uni-tobacco pricing (no tobacco penalties)
- • 70% of DI applications decided within 30 days
- • Streamlined Program delivers decisions within 2 days
A++ Carriers' Strict Underwriting:
- Northwestern Mutual: Accelerated underwriting limited to ages 18-60 and requires "no major medical conditions"—automatically excludes diabetes, anxiety/depression, heart disease, obesity
- MassMutual Preferred Requirements: "Must not take any prescription medications" except basic BP/cholesterol meds—excludes anxiety, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, sleep apnea
- New York Life: "Below industry average" for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power 2024 study
Bottom Line: If you have common health conditions (diabetes, anxiety, obesity, controlled BP), mid-tier carriers offer 3-5x higher approval odds than A++ giants.
Customer Experience: Speed, Digital Tools, and Support
Mutual of Omaha: Digital Excellence
- Industry-best policyholder app: Initiate loans, repayments, premium changes, beneficiary updates "right from the app—huge time-saver"
- STEPS Platform (2023): Innovative technology for streamlined benefits enrollment with digital tools
- #1 J.D. Power ranking: Score 707/1000, first in 6 of 8 categories
Illinois Mutual: Fast, Personalized Service
- BBB A+ rating: Torch Award for Ethics—extremely low complaint ratios
- Claims settled in 14-30 days: Industry-leading speed vs. 45+ day average
- Certified Great Place to Work (2023): Positive employee feedback translates to superior customer service
A++ Carriers: Agent-Dependent, Slower Processes
- •Northwestern Mutual: No online purchase—must work through agent. Digital transformation focused on advisor-facing platform, not direct customer self-service
- •MassMutual: Most policies require medical exam (no simplified issue options at scale). Customer service hours: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm ET only
- •New York Life: "Experiencing heavy call volumes and long wait times" per official website. Cannot get online quote—must speak with agent
Key Difference: Mid-tier carriers prioritize self-service digital tools and rapid claims processing, while A++ carriers force customers through agent-dependent, slower traditional processes.
Who SHOULD Choose A++ Carriers
To be fair and balanced: A++ carriers do make sense for specific situations. Here's when you should consider paying the premium:
1. $5M+ Permanent Policies for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Estate Planning
If you're purchasing multi-million dollar permanent life insurance for estate planning, business succession, or dynasty trusts, the extra 2-3% safety margin of A++ carriers may be worth the premium. At this level, you're not price-sensitive, and maximum financial strength matters.
2. Whole Life with Maximum Dividend History
MassMutual pays $2.5B+ in annual dividends with a long track record. If you're buying whole life specifically for dividend performance and have maxed out all other tax-advantaged accounts, A++ carriers' dividend history may justify the cost.
3. Zero Tolerance for Even Minimal Additional Risk
If you have zero tolerance for even 2-3% additional impairment risk over 30+ years, and the 15-30% premium difference doesn't impact your budget, A++ carriers provide maximum peace of mind.
For 95% of Buyers:
"The difference between A+ and A++ is negligible—focus on competitive pricing, strong customer service, and financial stability, not the extra '+' symbol." Mid-tier carriers deliver exceptional value without sacrificing security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an A+ AM Best rating mean?
An A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best indicates a life insurance company has superior ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations. This rating reflects excellent balance sheet strength, operating performance, business profile, and enterprise risk management. Companies with A+ ratings have impairment rates below 2% over 10 years, meaning they're extremely unlikely to fail or be unable to pay claims.
Is Mutual of Omaha financially stable?
Yes, Mutual of Omaha is exceptionally financially stable with an A+ (Superior) AM Best rating, $51.8 billion in total assets (Q1 2025), and $4.7 billion in capital surplus. The company has maintained its A+ rating continuously and was ranked #1 in J.D. Power's 2025 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study with a score of 707/1000. Mutual of Omaha has been in business for 116 years (founded 1909) and has never failed to pay a claim.
How much cheaper is A+ insurance vs A++?
A+ rated carriers like Mutual of Omaha typically cost 15-30% less than A++ carriers like Northwestern Mutual for identical coverage. For example, a 35-year-old purchasing $500,000 in 30-year term coverage pays approximately $28-31/month with A+ carriers versus $35/month with Northwestern Mutual—saving $48-84 annually. For whole life, the savings are even more dramatic: Mutual of Omaha's comparable coverage runs $588-650/month versus Northwestern Mutual's $705-708/month (15-20% savings).
Should I pay more for A++ financial strength?
For most families, no. The difference between A+ and A++ is negligible—both signify superior ability to pay claims. Industry experts agree: 'The difference between A+ and A++ is negligible. Both signify superior ability to pay. I would not rank this highly in my decision making.' The 2-3% additional impairment risk over 30 years doesn't justify paying 15-30% higher premiums. However, A++ carriers make sense for $5M+ permanent policies, ultra-high-net-worth estate planning, or if you have zero tolerance for even minimal additional risk.
What happens if my insurance company's rating drops?
If your insurer's rating drops, your existing policy remains in force and your death benefit is protected. State guaranty associations provide backup protection (typically $300,000-$500,000 per policy) if an insurer fails. However, a rating downgrade may indicate financial stress. You should monitor the situation and consider converting to a different carrier if the rating falls below A-. Most policies include conversion options that allow you to switch carriers without a new medical exam within the first 10-15 years.
Does AM Best rating affect my death benefit?
No, your death benefit amount is guaranteed in your policy contract regardless of the insurer's AM Best rating. However, the rating indicates the company's ability to actually pay that death benefit when the time comes. An A+ or A++ rated company has superior financial strength to honor its obligations. Even if a company fails, state guaranty associations protect policyholders up to $300,000-$500,000 per policy in most states.
Can I get approved with pre-existing conditions at A+ carriers?
Yes, A+ carriers like Mutual of Omaha, Americo, and Illinois Mutual often have MORE flexible underwriting than A++ carriers. Mutual of Omaha accepts controlled Type II diabetes with exclusion riders, Americo's simplified issue accepts Table 2-6 ratings (including obesity cases A++ carriers decline), and Illinois Mutual offers anxiety/depression coverage with exclusions. A++ carriers like Northwestern Mutual and MassMutual have stricter underwriting that automatically excludes many common health conditions.
Which carrier has the fastest claims processing?
Illinois Mutual leads with claims settled in 14-30 days (versus industry average 45+ days), earning a BBB A+ rating and Torch Award for Ethics. Mutual of Omaha also has excellent claims processing with its #1 J.D. Power ranking for customer satisfaction. Americo has mixed reviews—some agents report claim payouts within 1 week for approved cases, but BBB shows recurring complaints about delayed payouts in 2025.
How do I know which carrier is right for me?
The right carrier depends on your specific situation: Choose Mutual of Omaha for #1 customer satisfaction, accelerated underwriting (48-72 hours), and industry-best digital tools. Choose Americo for simplified issue up to $400K with no exam, fast approvals (5 days), and acceptance of wider health profiles. Choose Illinois Mutual for worksite benefits, streamlined disability income, exceptional service (BBB A+), and middle-market affordability. For personalized recommendations, schedule a free consultation to compare quotes from all three carriers based on your age, health, coverage needs, and budget.
Get Personalized Carrier Recommendations
Ready to see how much you can save with A+ carriers? I'll compare quotes from all three of my appointed carriers and show you exactly which one fits your situation best.
Why Work With Me:
- I'm directly appointed with all three recommended carriers—I can shop them simultaneously for your best rate
- Licensed in 6 states: Florida, Arizona, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and Michigan (FL License W347851)
- No obligation consultations—I'll explain your options in plain English, not insurance jargon
- I specialize in getting approvals for clients with health conditions other brokers give up on
- All three carriers operate nationwide—consistent coverage quality regardless of which state you're in
Contact Options:
Serving: FL | AZ | GA | TX | NC | MI
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📚 Sources & References
This comprehensive guide is built on authoritative 2025 insurance industry research and financial data. All claims are supported by the following sources:
Financial Strength & Rating Analysis
- AM Best Rating Guide (Official)
- NAIC: Impairment Rate Analysis by Rating Category
- MarketWatch: Life Insurance Financial Strength Ratings Guide
- Bogleheads Forum: State Guaranty Association Protection
Mutual of Omaha Research
- Mutual of Omaha: Financial Strength & Ratings Page
- J.D. Power #1 Ranking Announcement (2025)
- AM Best Affirms A+ Rating (2025)
- Q1 2025 Investor Presentation
- 2025 LTC Insurance Review #1 Ranking
Americo Financial Life Research
- Annuity.org: Americo Company Review
- AM Best Rating Disclosure (A Excellent)
- BBB Customer Reviews & Complaint Data
- Americo Term Life Underwriting Guide
Illinois Mutual Research
- TrustedChoice: Illinois Mutual Company Review
- Illinois Mutual: About Us & Company History
- Simplified Issue DI Product Launch (2025)
- 2022 Financial One-Sheet
Cost Comparison & Market Analysis
- Insurance Brokers USA: Rate Comparison Analysis
- U.S. News: Best Whole Life Insurance Comparison
- NerdWallet: Cheap Life Insurance Cost Analysis
- Reddit r/LifeInsurance: Expert Discussion on Rating Importance
Industry Expert Analysis
- Forbes Advisor: Best Life Insurance Companies
- Money.com: Best Life Insurance Analysis
- Choice Life Quote: Top-Rated Companies
Methodology Note: All premium quotes and cost comparisons reflect national averages for healthy, non-smoking individuals as of October 2025. Individual rates vary based on age, health status, state of residence, and carrier underwriting. Financial strength ratings are current as of publication date and subject to change. Readers should verify current ratings and rates with carriers or licensed brokers.
Zach Bradford
Licensed FL Insurance Broker W347851
Zach has helped over 1,000 families across Florida, Arizona, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, and Michigan find the right life insurance coverage since 2016. With 8+ years of experience and direct appointments with Mutual of Omaha, Americo, and Illinois Mutual, he specializes in helping families understand financial strength ratings and make informed decisions about their protection. Learn more about our advisory process or our story.