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TIAA Life Insurance Overview
TIAA stands for Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, which leads many to believe that membership is limited to teachers. That is not the case, as TIAA is one of the most versatile companies for life insurance. Though the company has ceased accepting new applications, they are a well-respected and highly ranked life insurance company that delivers excellent service at an affordable cost.
The company’s finances are strong, ensuring timely payments, and its customer service offering includes multiple ways to get in touch or find an answer to a question on your own.
The Life Insurance Factors we Analyzed
Customer Experience
TIAA continues to offer a superior customer experience, beginning with a simple application process and continuing with top-tier customer service. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) registers just a single complaint to federal regulators.
TIAA was not included in 2019’s J.D. Power customer satisfaction rankings, but customer reviews say it loud and clear – TIAA offers solid customer service.
Coverage and Rider Information
TIAA offers some of the most affordable life insurance that we have come across for all demographics. Policies begin at $100,000 and last 10 to 30 years in length. While many companies require you to buy additional coverage, TIAA includes an accelerated death benefit rider for free. However, TIAA life insurance does not offer whole life insurance, nor are there are any exemptions for medical exams.
TIAA is all about flexibility, and it shows in its conversion policies. It offers term-to-permanent conversion that applies to all policies at any time, without exception. This is rarely seen today, as most companies have strict requirements for conversion, if allowed at all.
Life Insurance Coverage Features
TIAA Life Insurance Overview: Financial Strength, Availability and History
TIAA has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which is another factor in support of TIAA’s generally positive reputation. In 2020, TIAA will cease to accept new policies for life insurance, although new policies will be accepted on the annuities side. Existing life insurance policies will still be honored, with no public plans to alter insurance coverage, but it signifies a huge shift in life insurance going forward.
- In business since: 1918
- S&P Financial Strength Rating: AA+
- Moody’s Financial Strength Rating: Aa1
- A.M. Best Financial Strength Rating: A++
- States served (availability): 50 states and Washington, D.C.
The Competition
*All information accurate as of Dec. 15, 2019.
The Bottom Line
TIAA has consistently proven to be a good option for those looking for long-term, permanent coverage. It is very affordable, impressively so, but it does not work for everyone. TIAA did not offer policies designed for wealth accumulation, so it was not the best choice for growing your portfolio. Still, its conversion options are impressive, creating a program designed to grow with you as you age.
TIAA offers great coverage, even better pricing, and excellent customer service. It will be a shame to see it wind down its life insurance offerings.
TIAA Life Insurance FAQ
About the Authors
Lena Borrelli is a freelance writer for Reviews.com. Over the last year, she has covered insurance, finance, and more. She has been featured in TIME with NextAdvisor, Bankrate, The Simple Dollar, MYMOVE, Million Mile Secrets, Coverage.com and more. My favorite article is “How to Invest in Real Estate During COVID?” on Reviews.com.
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