Best Life Insurance Companies in Philadelphia, PA For May, 2024

I would recommend Northwestern Mutual as the best life insurance company in Philadelphia.

min read
Updated: 19 March 2024
Written by
Bob Phillips
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Choosing the right life insurance policy is critical for securing the future of your loved ones and ensuring they live in the manner to which they’re accustomed in the event of your death. In Philadelphia, I highly recommend Northwestern Mutual as the best option overall.

You’ll find that their prices aren’t among the lowest of top-tier life insurance companies, but their products are top-notch and supported by the largest life insurance providers in the US.

In this review, I will delve into the different types of life insurance policies, such as whole, term, and guaranteed issue life insurance. I’ll also explore the average cost of life insurance in Philadelphia for several different categories, which will help you find the best policy to meet your individual needs. I believe it’s crucial for you to choose the right company and policy to avoid long-term financial difficulties for your loved ones.

I have prior experience as a career agent and possess extensive knowledge about the companies we will be discussing in this review. While each of these insurers caters to a distinct demographic, they all exhibit financial stability and offer exceptional customer service.

Best Life Insurance In Philadelphia, PA 2024

Best Life Insurance, Philadelphia 2024

Compare The Best Life Insurance In Philadelphia, PA

To help you evaluate the best life insurance companies in Philadelphia, we’ve provided a table that displays our preferred companies based on specific criteria.

Overall Rating Best For A.M. Best Rating J.D. Power Rating (Best 1000) Online Experience (Best 10.0) Get A Quote
Northwestern Mutual
4.9

Best Overall

A++

794

9.5

Instant Quote
Penn Mutual
4.8

Best Overall Runner-Up

A+

Not Rated

9.6

Instant Quote
MassMutual
4.7

Best For Seniors

A++

780

9.5

Instant Quote
Transamerica
4.5

Best For Young Adults

A+

740

9.4

Instant Quote
Nationwide
4.8

Best For Cheapest Life Insurance

A+

791

9.6

Instant Quote
USAA
4.6

Families

A++

Not rated

9.8

Instant Quote
Scroll to see comparisons

Our Methodology

We use various factors such as customer service ratings, product offerings, pricing, and quality of online experience in our methodology. Additionally, my experience selling life insurance and interactions with agents from other life insurers have shaped my opinions and given me valuable insights into their products and services.

53

Quotes Analyzed

15+

Years Of Industry Experience

15

Brands Reviewed

25+

Research Hours

The Best Life Insurance Companies In Philadelphia, PA


Best Overall

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

8/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Northwestern Mutual is the largest seller of life insurance in the United States, offering both term and permanent life insurance policies. One of the unique benefits of their term life insurance is that it can be converted to permanent coverage without the need for a medical exam.

In Philadelphia, Northwestern Mutual has established itself as the leader in the life insurance market, holding the largest market share among major insurers. This is not due to excessive advertising, but rather their commitment to educating people on the importance of life insurance and helping them select a policy that meets their specific needs.

The company’s agents tend to stay with them for extended periods, resulting in a high policy retention rate and financial stability. This makes Northwestern Mutual one of the most secure companies in the insurance industry. In 2023, the company is projected to pay $6.8 billion in dividends to qualifying policyholders.

Northwestern Mutual was selected best overall because of its diverse product line and, even though its premiums are higher than most other premier life insurance companies in America, the fact that you can confidently keep a Northwestern Mutual life insurance policy in force for your entire life.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Low number of complaints filed with state regulators
  • Diverse product portfolio
  • Exceptional claims-paying ability
Drawbacks
  • Rates are higher than most competitors
  • Products are only sold through company agents
  • Can’t get quotes or apply online

Best Overall Runner-Up

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claims
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Headquartered just outside of Philadelphia in Horsham, Pennsylvania, Penn Mutual is one of the top ten most popular life insurance companies in Philadelphia by market share. Penn Mutual is a historic life insurer with a strong dividend-paying history. It has solid financial ratings, high coverage no-exam life insurance, and affordable term life policies.

Penn Mutual is in the top 15% of all life insurance companies in terms of low numbers of complaints, based on data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Only two customer complaints were filed against the company in 2022 and only ten in 2021. This is impressive, considering Penn Mutual is one of the country’s largest insurance companies.

Some Penn Mutual policies can be issued without a medical exam, including larger policies with face amounts up to $7.5 million, and coverage may be approved the same day. This is the highest amount we’ve seen for no medical exam life insurance.

We selected Penn Mutual as runner-up for Best Overall because it is a high-quality company with headquarters in The Keystone State and because of its strong dividend-paying history. The company has paid dividends to policyholders for the past 174 years. New York Life comes in a close second with 169 straight years of life insurance dividend payments.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Term and permanent policy options
  • Very few customer complaints
  • Strong dividend-paying history
Drawbacks
  • Limited website information is available
  • No online quotes given
  • Must buy from an agent

Best For Seniors

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

MassMutual, founded in 1851, offers a variety of life insurance products, including term, whole, and universal life. Their variable universal life insurance allows for flexible premiums and investment opportunities.

MassMutual is a well-known and trusted name among seniors due to its consistent advertising and reputation for financial stability. Seniors often worry about smaller or unfamiliar insurance companies being unable to pay death benefits, but this is not a concern with MassMutual.

Additionally, MassMutual’s premiums for policyholders are among the most competitive in the Philadelphia market, particularly for seniors. While not typically known for having cheap life insurance premiums, MassMutual has been very aggressive with pricing for seniors in Philadelphia.

We selected MassMutual as the best life insurance provider for seniors not only for its low rates but also for the security it provides seniors. Older adults want their loved ones to be financially protected by a life insurer with top third-party ratings, and MassMutual has those. It has an A++ (Superior) rating from AM Best, the highest financial strength rating possible, and scores well above average for overall customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study.

Seniors also need MassMutual’s low rates because the cost for seniors buying life insurance gets higher every year they get older. Seniors who are retirees living on fixed incomes appreciate MassMutual.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Lowest for seniors in Philadelphia
  • The company is very sound financially
  • Committed to the senior market
Drawbacks
  • Only sold through MassMutual agents
  • No guaranteed issue policy for seniors
  • Can’t be purchased online

Best For Young Adults

Overall Rating
4.5

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
7/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Transamerica is a leading life insurance provider in Philadelphia, with a vast network of independent agents who offer their policies. The company’s standout offering is its term life insurance, which is highly affordable, especially for young adults.

Transamerica also provides a seamless online experience for those purchasing life insurance. The company recognizes that many young adults prefer to buy insurance products online, so it has made it simple to get a quote through its website.

For those who prefer a more personalized experience, Transamerica offers a “Locate an Agent” button on its website. This feature helps customers find a local agent who can assist them in choosing the right policy for their needs.

Overall, Transamerica’s dedication to affordability and user-friendliness make it a top choice for anyone looking to buy life insurance in Philadelphia.

Transamerica meets a need that young people in Philadelphian and the Northeast need: affordability. Providing affordable life insurance to young adults helps protect many young families, and the company does that with its low-priced, high face amount term life insurance products.

Fortunately, younger people can obtain lower rates because they pose less of a risk to life insurance companies when it comes to paying death claims.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • You can buy term life insurance online
  • Policy face amounts go as high as $10 million
  • No medical exam for up to $2 million for qualifying applicants
Drawbacks
  • $25,000 is the minimum term life insurance face amount available
  • Final Expense Policy is not guaranteed issue
  • Low J.D. Power customer satisfaction score

Best Life Insurance Companies For Young People In Philadelphia, PA

(Male, average age of 25, average weight of 165, average coverage need of $310,000)

Company Monthly Rates for $310,000 Coverage
Transamerica $15
Mutual of Omaha $12
MassMutual $11
AAA $18
Prudential $20

Best For Families

Overall Rating
4.6

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Though USAA advertises that it only sells insurance products to military families, it makes an exception with life insurance. USAA now sells life insurance to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You don’t need a military connection. Instead, the ability to get a policy from the company is based on things like age, health, lifestyle, and the results of a medical exam in some cases.

USAA has received an impressive A+ rating from A.M. Best, demonstrating its outstanding financial strength and ability to pay claims. Although USAA’s life insurance is accessible to all U.S. citizens or permanent residents, irrespective of military affiliations, all its other products are only available to military families, which can be inconvenient for non-military life insurance customers who want to keep all their insurance policies with one company.

USAA has a committed team called “Survivor Relations” that helps the beneficiaries of deceased policyholders resolve their claims across all their USAA accounts and life insurance policies. USAA also provides a guaranteed issue life insurance policy issued by Mutual of Omaha, which is available in Philadelphia and doesn’t necessitate a medical exam.

We chose USAA as Best for Families because it’s now available to all U.S. families at affordable rates. Additionally, its commitment to serving families who have lost a loved one is much needed in the life insurance industry.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Life insurance is available to non-military citizens and permanent residents
  • Complete line of life insurance products, including term, whole, and universal life
  • No exam is required for some term life insurance policies
Drawbacks
  • Not as many term life plans as competitors
  • Auto insurance and home insurance not available to non-military families
  • Essential Term only available to consumers ages 21 to 35

Best For Cheapest Life Insurance

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims
9/10 Coverage lLvel

Why We Like Them

Looking for affordable life insurance in Philly? Nationwide has got you covered. They are known for offering the lowest rates compared to other life insurers in the area. Their life insurance products include term and permanent policies such as whole life, universal life, and variable universal life insurance. Nationwide also has a no-exam life insurance plan if you’re looking for a hassle-free option.

Nationwide has a team of highly skilled career and independent agents who can provide you with accurate pricing and excellent service. With numerous neighborhood offices in Philadelphia, finding a local agent is easy. You can also call the home office to connect with an agent who can assist you with your needs.

Nationwide has earned superior financial ratings and high customer satisfaction levels, making it one of the best life insurance companies in the industry. Quality protection at an affordable price has made Nationwide a household name in America.

We selected Nationwide as the Best for Cheap Life Insurance because its premiums rank lowest in Philadelphia. This is an important category, not because the cheapest is always the best, but because a high-quality company like Nationwide is the winner. With Nationwide, you’re not sacrificing quality for low rates; you’re getting the best of both worlds. In addition, if you want to save even further, you can bundle up life insurance, car insurance, and home insurance to get a better deal.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • An extensive network of trained agents sells Nationwide policies
  • Offers a full complement of life insurance products
  • Has the best rates in Philadelphia
Drawbacks
  • Term life applicants must be 70 or younger
  • No online quotes or applications for permanent products

How To Find The Best Life Insurance Policy For You

When searching for insurance companies, it’s important to remember that each company offers policies that can cater to your specific needs. However, depending on your circumstances, one company may be more beneficial for you than others.

For example, if you’re 25 years old and looking for $250,000 of whole life insurance policy, Transamerica might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you’re 65 years old, MassMutual may be a more suitable choice for a life insurance policy.

Moreover, if you prefer buying life insurance online, companies like Haven Life could be more fitting than those that only provide policies through agents. To determine the most appropriate life insurance insurance policy for you, ask yourself these five questions:

  1. What are the financial ratings of the company?
  2. Does the company offer the type of policy I need?
  3. Do I prefer assistance from a local agent or searching for policies online?
  4. Are the company’s rates competitive for my age group?
  5. Are most online reviews of the company positive?

Remember that everyone’s needs are unique, and yours may differ from those of your friends, neighbors, or coworkers.

Largest Life Insurance Companies In Philadelphia, PA

There are dozens of life insurance companies doing business in Philadelphia. These are the five largest as measured by market share:

Company Market Share
Northwestern Mutual 7.49%
Prudential 6.61%
Metropolitan 6.32%
New York Life 6.31
MassMutual 6.29%

Average Cost Of Life Insurance In Philadelphia, PA

Average Cost Of Life Insurance In Philadelphia For Females

Company Rates for $250,000 Coverage Rates for $926,000 Coverage (Recommended)
Nationwide $12 $17
Mutual of Omaha $13 $18
MassMutual $11 $18
Transamerica $11 $19
AAA $16 $30

Average Cost Of Cheap Life Insurance In Philadelphia For Males

Company Rates for $250,000 Coverage Rates for $926,000 Coverage (Recommended)
Nationwide $11 $17
MassMutual $10 $17
Mutual of Omaha $11 $19
Transamerica $15 $28
State Farm $18 $36

Average Cost Of Life Insurance For Young People In Philadelphia, PA

(Male, average age of 25, average weight of 158, average coverage need of $280,00,000)

Company Rates for $280,000 Coverage
Mutual of Omaha $17
MassMutual $18
AAA $21
Prudential $21
State Farm $21

Average Cost Of Life Insurance For Seniors In Philadelphia, PA

(Average age 60, average weight of 186, average coverage need of $85,000)

Company Rates for $85,000 Coverage
MassMutual $38
Mutual of Omaha $44
Nationwide $41
AAA $50
State Farm $51

Factors That Impact The Cost Of Life Insurance In Philadelphia

Many factors affect the cost of life insurance in Philly, including the following.

  • The insurance company: When it comes to life insurance, different companies charge different rates.
  • Gender: Men typically pay more than women due to a shorter life expectancy. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, your insurance rates may be higher.
  • Smoker or Nonsmoker: Smokers pay more since they tend to have shorter lifespans.
  • Credit Score: In Philadelphia, insurers can use your credit score to calculate your rate.
  • Riders: Adding riders, such as a disability waiver of premium or child rider, can also increase the cost of your policy.

Pennsylvania Life Insurance Laws To Know

In Pennsylvania, life insurance companies are required to follow state regulations that safeguard policyholders and outline the rules for insurers.

Contestable Period

In Pennsylvania, life insurance policies have a contestability period of two years from their effective date. During this period, if the insurance provider discovers that the policyholder provided inaccurate, misleading, or false information on their application, they can reject any claims made.

Free Look Period

Individuals who receive their life insurance policy from a company or agent are entitled to return the policy within ten days and receive a full refund of any premiums paid to the issuing insurance company.

Surrender Penalties

When purchasing an insurance product, the seller must provide clear disclosure and description of any surrender charges and other deductible fees within the contract.

In The News

According to WHTM News in Pennsylvania on September 29, 2022, State officials are reminding people about the importance of life insurance.

“Speaking from personal experience, the death of a family member can present some difficult and unexpected challenges that can be both mentally and emotionally disorienting. At such a time, life insurance provides a welcome level of financial stability,” Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania Presidents and CEO Johnathan Greer.

Information About Philadelphia

Philadelphia, also known as the City of Brotherly Love, is a vibrant metropolis in the northeastern United States. With a rich history dating back to the colonial era, it played a crucial role in the American Revolution and served as the nation’s capital for a period. Today, Philadelphia is renowned for its iconic landmarks, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The city boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, world-class museums like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and a passionate sports culture, with teams like the Eagles and Phillies.

Philadelphia is a city known for its diverse culinary scene, from famous cheesesteaks to innovative restaurants. It is also home to prestigious universities like the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, contributing to its reputation as an educational hub. Philadelphia’s vibrant neighborhoods, such as Old City and Rittenhouse Square, offer a unique blend of history, modernity, and charm.

FAQs

Is life insurance more expensive in Philadelphia?

The cost of life insurance in Philly is similar compared to other places. Life insurance prices are determined by factors such as age, health history, height, weight, and smoking habits.

How much per month is a million dollar life insurance policy in Philadelphia?

Depending on your gender, you can buy a million dollar life insurance policy in Philadelphia for about $18 per month.

What is the average monthly cost of life insurance in Philadelphia?

On average, the cost of life insurance in Philly is about $16 for a 10-year term life policy.

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