National Association Of Life Underwriters

Updated: 11 May 2026

What Does National Association Of Life Underwriters Mean?

The National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU) was founded in 1890 in Boston with the goal of improving the standards of underwriting and other roles within the insurance industry.

On September 29, 1999, following a vote by delegates at a national council, the NALU changed its name to the National Association of Life Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA).

Insuranceopedia Explains National Association Of Life Underwriters

Since its inception, the National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU) has worked to enhance the work of agents and underwriters through seminars, conferences, and other educational programs. It has offices across the United States. The agents and underwriters trained through this organization are the ones consumers typically deal with when comparing the best life insurance companies and deciding how to choose the right policy for their family.

With its name change, the NALU expanded its mission. It now focuses not only on improving the insurance industry but also on addressing healthcare issues through community initiatives and creating programs to tackle social problems such as drug addiction and homelessness.

In 1956, the NALU’s headquarters were relocated from Boston to Washington, D.C.