For many families, Ameritas Life Insurance is one of those quietly reliable companies that rarely makes headlines but consistently earns the respect of industry professionals. It may not have the name recognition of State Farm or Northwestern Mutual, and its modest marketing presence sometimes leads people to overlook it altogether. Yet behind that understated image is a 137-year-old mutual company built on financial strength, policyholder ownership, and a long-standing commitment to customer satisfaction.
Over the decades, Ameritas has grown to serve more than 4 million customers nationwide, offering a wide range of life insurance, annuities, and financial services. As a mutual insurer, it operates for the benefit of its policyholders rather than outside shareholders—an approach that often results in stable dividends, personalized service, and a focus on long-term value over short-term gains.
Our analysis takes a closer look at where Ameritas stands out—and where it may not be the right fit. The company excels in service, stability, and traditional coverage options, but its lack of no-exam policies and agent-only distribution may not suit families seeking fast, online-based life insurance solutions.
Bottom Line
Ameritas offers excellent customer service and comprehensive traditional life insurance products as a mutual company, but lacks modern conveniences like no-exam coverage and direct online purchasing that many consumers expect today.
What Is Ameritas Life Insurance Company?
Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation traces its origins to 1887 when it was founded as “Old Line Bankers Life Insurance Company of Nebraska” in Lincoln, where the company maintains its headquarters today. For its first century of operation, Ameritas remained primarily a regional insurer serving the Midwest, but strategic expansion beginning in 1999 transformed it into a nationwide provider with comprehensive financial services offerings.
The company’s transformation from a small regional insurer to a significant national presence occurred through a series of carefully executed mergers and acquisitions that expanded both geographic reach and product capabilities. Today, Ameritas operates in all 50 states, with New York business handled through its affiliate, Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York.
Ameritas Company Profile
| Company Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1887 (137+ years of operation) |
| Original Name | Old Line Bankers Life Insurance Company of Nebraska |
| Headquarters | Lincoln, Nebraska |
| Company Structure | Mutual insurance company (policyholder-owned) |
| Customers Served | Over 4 million |
| Corporate Assets | Nearly $30 billion (as of 2019) |
| Life Insurance in Force | Nearly $100 billion |
| Geographic Availability | All 50 states (NY through affiliate) |
Key insight: Ameritas’ mutual company structure means policyholders own the company rather than outside shareholders, potentially leading to more customer-focused decision making and more stable dividend distributions compared to stock insurers focused on quarterly earnings.
The company’s conservative investment approach, with approximately 75% of assets held in low-risk fixed-maturity securities, reflects the mutual insurance philosophy of prioritizing long-term stability over aggressive growth strategies that might benefit shareholders at policyholder expense.
“Ameritas demonstrates how mutual insurance companies can build sustainable growth through customer focus rather than shareholder pressure, creating alignment between company success and policyholder interests.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
How Financially Strong Is Ameritas?
Ameritas maintains solid financial strength ratings that place the company well above industry averages, though not in the uppermost tier of insurance industry giants. The company’s ratings reflect a conservative management approach and steady growth trajectory that has characterized the organization throughout its expansion period.
With nearly $30 billion in corporate assets and annual revenue approaching $2.5 billion, Ameritas operates as a substantial regional-to-national insurer rather than a small mutual company, providing the scale necessary to offer competitive products while maintaining the customer-focused approach of mutual ownership.
Ameritas Financial Strength Ratings
| Rating Agency | Rating | Meaning | Industry Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| A.M. Best | A (Excellent) | Excellent ability to meet obligations | Above average |
| Standard & Poor’s | A+ (Strong) | Strong financial security | Strong performance |
| Moody’s | Not Rated | No evaluation provided | N/A |
| Fitch | Not Rated | No evaluation provided | N/A |
| Comdex Score | 83 out of 100 | Composite industry ranking | Upper middle tier |
Ameritas’ A rating from A.M. Best and A+ from S&P indicate strong financial performance and claims-paying ability, though these scores place the company in the solid middle tier rather than the elite group of insurers with A+ or AA ratings across all agencies. For most policyholders, these ratings provide adequate security for long-term coverage needs.
Most importantly: While Ameritas doesn’t rank among the absolute strongest insurers financially, the company’s conservative asset allocation (75% in low-risk securities) and steady growth pattern suggest minimal risk for policyholders, particularly for those seeking traditional life insurance rather than complex investment-linked products.
Key Takeaways
- A rating from A.M. Best indicates excellent ability to meet obligations
- A+ rating from S&P demonstrates strong financial security
- Comdex score of 83 places company in upper middle tier of all insurers
- Nearly $30 billion in assets provides substantial financial backing
- Conservative investment strategy emphasizes stability over aggressive growth
- Ratings sufficient for traditional life insurance needs but not elite tier
What Makes Ameritas’ Customer Service Special?
Customer service represents Ameritas’ strongest competitive advantage, with the company earning industry recognition for claims handling excellence and maintaining consistently high ratings from consumer protection organizations. This service focus reflects the mutual company philosophy of prioritizing policyholder satisfaction over shareholder returns.
The company’s dedication to service quality has earned multiple industry awards, particularly for claims processing efficiency and call center responsiveness, setting Ameritas apart from many larger competitors who may prioritize cost reduction over service excellence.
Ameritas Customer Service Excellence
Recognition and Ratings
- Better Business Bureau: A+ rating maintained since 1983 (41+ years)
- Industry Awards: Multiple recognitions for customer service in claims handling
- Call Center Excellence: High marks for responsiveness and problem resolution
- Long-term Consistency: Decades of maintaining top service ratings
Service Philosophy and Approach
- Mutual Company Focus: Policyholder interests prioritized over shareholder returns
- Claims Processing: Award-winning efficiency in benefit payments
- Professional Support: Experienced agents and customer service representatives
- Problem Resolution: Commitment to addressing customer concerns effectively
Service Delivery Methods
- Agent Network: Comprehensive support through nationwide agent network
- Call Center Support: High-quality telephone assistance and guidance
- Claims Assistance: Professional guidance through benefit claim processes
- Policy Management: Ongoing support for policy changes and questions
Key insight: Ameritas’ service excellence stems from their mutual company structure, which aligns management incentives with policyholder satisfaction rather than short-term profit maximization, allowing for investment in service quality that publicly traded insurers might consider unnecessarily expensive.
The company’s 41-year track record of maintaining A+ BBB ratings demonstrates consistency in service delivery that extends well beyond typical corporate initiatives, suggesting a fundamental commitment to customer satisfaction embedded in the company’s operating philosophy.
“Ameritas’ service excellence demonstrates how mutual companies can differentiate themselves through genuine customer focus rather than marketing campaigns, creating lasting value for policyholders.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
What Are the Benefits of Mutual Ownership?
Ameritas’ mutual company structure provides several distinct advantages that differentiate it from publicly traded insurers, particularly in terms of dividend stability, long-term decision making, and alignment of company interests with policyholder needs. Understanding these benefits helps explain the company’s service focus and conservative management approach.
Mutual Company Advantages
Policyholder Ownership Benefits
- Dividend Eligibility: Participating policies may receive annual dividend payments
- Aligned Interests: Company success directly benefits policyholders, not external shareholders
- Long-term Focus: Management decisions based on long-term policyholder value
- Stable Governance: Less pressure for quarterly earnings or short-term profit maximization
Financial and Operational Advantages
- Dividend Consistency: Strong track record of annual dividend payments
- Conservative Management: Focus on stability rather than aggressive growth
- Surplus Distribution: Excess profits returned to policyholders rather than shareholders
- Customer Service Investment: Resources allocated to service quality over profit margins
Dividend Utilization Options
- Cash Payments: Receive dividends as direct cash distributions
- Premium Reduction: Apply dividends to reduce future premium payments
- Cash Value Growth: Reinvest dividends to increase policy cash value
- Additional Coverage: Purchase paid-up additional insurance with dividends
Ameritas’ strong dividend payment history reflects the mutual company advantage of returning surplus earnings to policyholders rather than distributing profits to shareholders. While dividends are never guaranteed, mutual companies typically prioritize consistent payments because dividend performance becomes a key competitive advantage in marketing permanent life insurance.
The mutual structure also enables Ameritas to make long-term strategic decisions without quarterly earnings pressure, allowing for investments in customer service, product development, and conservative asset management that might not satisfy shareholder demands for immediate returns.
Bottom Line
Mutual ownership aligns Ameritas’ interests with policyholder success, potentially resulting in more stable dividends, better customer service, and conservative management focused on long-term policy performance rather than quarterly profits.
What Coverage Options Does Ameritas Offer?
Ameritas provides a comprehensive portfolio of life insurance products designed to serve diverse financial planning needs, from basic term coverage for temporary protection to sophisticated universal life policies for estate planning and retirement funding. The company’s product range reflects traditional insurance company strengths without modern simplified issue innovations.
Ameritas Product Portfolio Overview
Life Insurance Products Available
- Term Life Insurance: Value Plus term with 1-30 year options
- Whole Life Insurance: Three options (Access, Growth, Value Plus)
- Universal Life Insurance: Standard UL (Value UL)
- Indexed Universal Life: Two options (Growth Index UL, Value Plus Index UL)
- Variable Universal Life: Two options (Performance II VUL, Adviser II VUL)
- Survivorship Universal Life: Second-to-die coverage for estate planning
Additional Financial Products
- Annuities: Fixed, variable, and indexed annuity options
- Retirement Plans: Administration of 401(k) and other employer plans
- College Savings: 529 plan administration and investment options
- Mutual Funds: Investment products and portfolio management
Supplemental Insurance Coverage
- Disability Insurance: Individual and group disability coverage
- Dental Insurance: Individual and group dental plans
- Vision Insurance: Eye care coverage options
- Financial Planning: Professional advisory services
Ameritas’ comprehensive product lineup positions the company as a full-service financial planning partner rather than a specialized life insurance provider, allowing customers to consolidate multiple financial needs with a single trusted company. This approach appeals to individuals seeking long-term relationships with financial service providers.
However, the company’s traditional approach means Ameritas currently doesn’t offer the simplified issue or no-exam life insurance options that many modern consumers expect, potentially limiting accessibility for individuals seeking quick approval or those with health conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive life insurance product portfolio for diverse financial needs
- Full-service approach includes annuities, retirement planning, and investments
- Traditional underwriting approach with medical exams required for most policies
- No simplified issue or guaranteed acceptance options currently available
- Supplemental insurance products provide comprehensive coverage solutions
- Focus on long-term financial planning relationships rather than transactional sales
How Does Ameritas’ Term Life Insurance Work?
Ameritas’ Value Plus term life insurance provides traditional level premium coverage with flexible term lengths designed to meet varying temporary insurance needs. The company’s approach emphasizes conversion flexibility and rider availability rather than competitive pricing or simplified underwriting.
Ameritas Term Life Insurance Features
Coverage Specifications
- Term Lengths: Flexible options from 1 to 30 years
- Premium Structure: Level premiums during initial term period
- Renewal Options: Annual renewable to age 100
- Premium Increases: Significant rate increases after initial term
Available Riders
- Accidental Death Rider: Additional coverage for qualifying accidents
- Terminal Illness Rider: Early benefit access for terminal diagnosis
- Disability Waiver: Premium waiver during extended disability
- Children’s Term Rider: Convertible coverage for minor children
Conversion Features
- Standard Conversion: Convert to permanent coverage within five years
- Extended Conversion: Available for additional cost to end of term or age 70
- Product Options: Convert to whole life or universal life products
- No Additional Underwriting: Conversion guaranteed regardless of health changes
Ameritas’ term life insurance stands out for its conversion flexibility, offering both standard five-year conversion periods and extended options that allow transformation to permanent coverage throughout most of the policy term. This feature provides valuable protection against future health changes that might prevent permanent coverage qualification.
The comprehensive rider menu allows customization for specific family needs, though these additions come at extra cost. The children’s term rider provides particular value by offering convertible coverage that can grow with children into adulthood without requiring new underwriting.
Bottom Line
Ameritas’ term life insurance emphasizes conversion flexibility and comprehensive rider options over competitive pricing or simplified underwriting, making it suitable for families planning potential future permanent coverage needs.
What Whole Life Options Are Available?
Ameritas offers three distinct whole life insurance products designed to serve different customer priorities and financial objectives, from basic permanent coverage to dividend-focused cash value growth. These products emphasize the traditional mutual company strengths of dividend payments and guaranteed cash value accumulation.
Ameritas Whole Life Product Options
Access Whole Life
- Primary Feature: Care4Life accelerated benefit rider included
- Living Benefits: Terminal, chronic, and critical illness protection
- Optional Rider: Flexible Paid-Up additional coverage option
- Target Market: Individuals prioritizing living benefit access
Growth Whole Life
- Primary Focus: Dividend growth and cash value accumulation
- Participating Policy: Eligible for annual dividend payments
- Available Riders: Comprehensive menu of optional coverage enhancements
- Target Market: Cash value growth and dividend income seekers
Value Plus Whole Life
- Primary Focus: Affordable permanent coverage with basic benefits
- Cost Efficiency: Lower premium structure for budget-conscious buyers
- Rider Options: Full menu of optional enhancements available
- Target Market: Basic permanent coverage at competitive rates
Available Riders for Growth and Value Plus
- Flexible Paid-Up: Additional coverage purchases without underwriting
- Guaranteed Insurability: Future coverage increases at specified dates
- Accidental Death: Supplemental coverage for qualifying accidents
- Children’s Insurance: Up to $25,000 term coverage for minor children
- Level Term: Supplemental term coverage for temporary additional needs
Ameritas’ whole life products showcase the mutual company advantage through participating policies eligible for dividend payments, providing potential returns to policyholders beyond guaranteed cash value growth. The company’s strong dividend payment history makes these products particularly attractive for long-term cash accumulation strategies.
The Care4Life accelerated benefit rider included with Access Whole Life provides significant value by allowing access to death benefits during terminal, chronic, or critical illness situations. This feature addresses modern needs for living benefits that traditional whole life policies often require additional riders to provide.
“Ameritas’ whole life products demonstrate the enduring value of mutual company dividends and traditional permanent coverage, though they compete in a market increasingly focused on more flexible universal life alternatives.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
What Universal Life Products Does Ameritas Offer?
Ameritas provides a comprehensive range of universal life insurance options designed to serve different risk tolerances and growth objectives, from conservative guaranteed interest accumulation to market-linked variable investment strategies. These products emphasize flexibility and growth potential while maintaining the service quality associated with mutual company management.
Ameritas Universal Life Product Suite
Value UL (Standard Universal Life)
- Interest Crediting: Based on market conditions and company investment performance
- Guaranteed Minimum: Minimum annual interest rate protection
- Premium Flexibility: Adjust payments within policy guidelines
- Cash Value Access: Policy loans and withdrawal options
Indexed Universal Life Options
- Growth Index UL: Emphasizes long-term cash value accumulation
- Value Plus Index UL: Balances growth potential with cost efficiency
- Index Options: S&P 500, Russell 2000, MSCI EAFE, BNP Paribas Multi-Asset
- Fixed Account Option: 2% fixed rate alternative to index crediting
- Protection Features: Index floor prevents negative returns
- Lookback Guarantee: Minimum 3% average growth first 10 years
Variable Universal Life Options
- Performance II VUL: Wide investment variety, cash value growth focus
- Adviser II VUL: More limited options, balanced approach
- Investment Selection: Menu of mutual fund-style investment options
- Risk Management: Policyholder controls investment allocation
Universal Life Features
- Care4Life Rider: Accelerated benefits included in all UL products
- Annuitization Option: Convert cash value to retirement income
- Optional Riders: Accidental death, children’s term, guaranteed insurability
- Survivorship UL: Second-to-die coverage for estate planning needs
Ameritas’ indexed universal life products stand out for their protective features, including index floors that prevent negative returns and lookback guarantees that ensure minimum growth performance during the critical early policy years. These safeguards address common concerns about market volatility affecting policy performance.
The inclusion of Care4Life accelerated benefits riders across all universal life products provides significant additional value, allowing policyholders to access death benefits during terminal, chronic, or critical illness situations without requiring expensive additional riders.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive universal life options serve different risk tolerances and objectives
- Indexed UL products include protective features like floors and lookback guarantees
- Variable UL options provide investment control for sophisticated investors
- Care4Life accelerated benefits included across all universal life products
- Flexible premium structure accommodates changing financial circumstances
- Survivorship options available for estate planning strategies
How Does Ameritas’ Dividend Performance Compare?
As a mutual insurance company, Ameritas’ dividend performance represents a key competitive advantage and demonstrates the company’s ability to generate surplus earnings for policyholder benefit. While dividends are never guaranteed, mutual companies typically prioritize consistent payments as a fundamental value proposition for permanent life insurance.
Ameritas has maintained a strong track record of annual dividend payments, reflecting both the company’s financial performance and management commitment to returning surplus earnings to participating policyholders rather than external shareholders.
Ameritas Dividend Performance and Options
Dividend Track Record
- Consistency: Strong history of annual dividend payments
- Mutual Company Advantage: Surplus earnings returned to policyholders
- Financial Performance: Dividends reflect company’s conservative management success
- Competitive Position: Dividend rates competitive with other mutual insurers
Dividend Utilization Options
- Cash Payments: Receive dividends as annual cash distributions
- Premium Reduction: Apply dividends to reduce future premium payments
- Accumulate at Interest: Leave dividends with company to earn interest
- Paid-Up Additional Insurance: Purchase additional coverage without underwriting
- Enhanced Cash Value: Reinvest dividends to accelerate policy growth
Strategic Dividend Planning
- Tax Advantages: Dividend treatment typically favorable for tax purposes
- Flexibility: Change dividend options as financial needs evolve
- Compound Growth: Reinvested dividends can significantly enhance policy performance
- Estate Planning: Dividend-funded additional coverage for wealth transfer
The mutual company structure positions Ameritas to provide more consistent dividend performance than stock insurers who must balance policyholder returns against shareholder demands. This alignment creates incentive for management to maintain competitive dividend rates as a key differentiating factor.
Dividend flexibility allows policyholders to adapt their coverage strategy over time, whether using dividends for premium relief during financial challenges or reinvesting for enhanced growth during wealth accumulation phases. This adaptability adds significant long-term value to participating whole life policies.
Bottom Line
Ameritas’ mutual company structure and strong dividend history provide significant value for participating whole life policyholders, though dividend performance should be compared against other mutual insurers for optimal selection.
What Are Ameritas’ Key Advantages?
Ameritas’ competitive advantages stem from their mutual company structure, exceptional customer service focus, and comprehensive product portfolio designed for long-term financial planning relationships. These strengths create compelling value for families seeking traditional insurance solutions with superior service quality.
Ameritas’ Primary Advantages
Exceptional Customer Service Excellence
- 41-Year BBB A+ Rating: Consistent excellence since 1983
- Industry Awards: Multiple recognitions for claims handling and call center service
- Mutual Company Focus: Policyholder interests prioritized over shareholder returns
- Professional Support: Experienced agents and customer service teams
Mutual Company Structure Benefits
- Policyholder Ownership: Company owned by policyholders, not external shareholders
- Dividend Eligibility: Participating policies receive annual dividend payments
- Long-term Stability: Management focused on sustainable growth rather than quarterly profits
- Aligned Interests: Company success directly benefits policyholders
Comprehensive Product Portfolio
- Full Life Insurance Suite: Term, whole life, and all universal life variations
- Financial Planning Integration: Annuities, retirement plans, and investment services
- Supplemental Coverage: Disability, dental, and vision insurance options
- Care4Life Benefits: Accelerated benefits included across multiple products
Financial Stability and Growth
- Solid Financial Ratings: A from A.M. Best, A+ from S&P
- Substantial Assets: Nearly $30 billion in corporate assets
- Conservative Management: 75% of assets in low-risk fixed-maturity securities
- Consistent Growth: Steady expansion from less than $1 billion to $30 billion in assets
- National Presence: All 50 states with over 4 million customers served
“Ameritas demonstrates how mutual companies can create lasting competitive advantages through genuine customer focus, financial stability, and alignment of company interests with policyholder success.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
These advantages make Ameritas particularly appealing for families who value exceptional customer service, dividend-paying permanent coverage, and comprehensive financial planning relationships with companies that prioritize long-term policyholder interests over short-term profit maximization.
What Are the Important Limitations?
While Ameritas offers significant advantages in customer service and traditional insurance products, several important limitations may make other insurers more suitable for families with specific coverage needs or preferences for modern insurance conveniences. These constraints reflect the company’s traditional approach and mutual company philosophy.
Most importantly: Ameritas’ lack of simplified issue or no-exam options and requirement for agent-mediated sales may not align with modern consumer expectations for convenience and accessibility in life insurance purchasing.
Critical Limitations to Consider
Modern Convenience Limitations
- No Simplified Issue Options: No no-exam or accelerated underwriting currently available
- Agent-Only Distribution: Cannot purchase policies directly online
- Traditional Underwriting: Medical exams required for most applicants
- Limited Digital Experience: Website provides quotes but not comprehensive self-service
Financial Rating Considerations
- Comdex Score: 83 ranking places company in upper middle rather than top tier
- Limited Rating Coverage: Not rated by Moody’s or Fitch
- Size Constraints: Smaller than industry giants with maximum financial resources
Market Position Challenges
- Limited Brand Recognition: Less familiar name than major national insurers
- Regional Heritage: Nebraska-based company may lack national presence perception
- Conservative Approach: May miss opportunities for innovative product features
- Traditional Focus: Less emphasis on modern insurance trends and simplifications
Competitive Disadvantages
- Accessibility Barriers: Medical exams and agent requirements may deter some applicants
- Speed Limitations: Traditional underwriting takes longer than accelerated processes
- Health Requirements: Limited options for individuals with health conditions
- Service Dependency: Customer experience varies by individual agent quality
Bottom Line
Ameritas’ limitations center on traditional approaches that may not meet modern consumer expectations for convenience, speed, and simplified access to life insurance coverage.
For families seeking the convenience of simplified issue coverage, direct online purchasing, or rapid approval processes, these limitations may outweigh Ameritas’ service advantages, requiring consideration of more modern insurance providers with streamlined approaches.
How to Determine If Ameritas Is Right for You?
Determining whether Ameritas represents the optimal choice for your life insurance needs requires weighing the company’s exceptional customer service and mutual company benefits against limitations in modern convenience features and simplified access options. The decision should be based on your priorities regarding service quality versus purchasing convenience.
Based on our analysis of insurance market trends, Ameritas tends to be most suitable for individuals who prioritize long-term relationships with service-oriented companies and don’t require simplified issue or no-exam coverage options for qualification purposes.
Ameritas May Be Ideal If You:
- Prioritize exceptional customer service and long-term insurer relationships
- Value mutual company benefits like dividend payments and policyholder ownership
- Seek comprehensive financial planning beyond just life insurance coverage
- Prefer working with agents for professional guidance and ongoing support
- Want participating whole life coverage with strong dividend history
- Can qualify through traditional underwriting with medical examinations
- Need comprehensive product options including term, whole life, and universal life
- Value financial stability over cutting-edge product innovations
Consider Other Options If You:
- Need no-exam or simplified issue coverage for health or convenience reasons
- Prefer direct online purchasing without agent interaction requirements
- Want the strongest possible financial ratings (A++ or AA across all agencies)
- Seek rapid approval processes with accelerated underwriting options
- Have health conditions requiring specialized underwriting approaches
- Prioritize brand recognition and household name insurers
- Want cutting-edge product features and innovation over traditional approaches
- Need guaranteed issue coverage without health questions
“Ameritas provides exceptional value for families who prioritize service quality, mutual company benefits, and traditional approaches to life insurance, though modern consumers may find their traditional methods less convenient than simplified alternatives.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Our approach at Insurance Brokers USA involves evaluating your unique circumstances against policies from dozens of top-rated insurers, including Ameritas when their service focus and traditional strengths align with your priorities. We help families identify optimal solutions that balance service quality, product features, and accessibility rather than limiting choices to single-company offerings.
Key Takeaways
- Ameritas excels at customer service and mutual company benefits like dividends
- Comprehensive product portfolio serves diverse financial planning needs
- Traditional approach lacks modern conveniences like no-exam coverage
- Agent-only distribution provides guidance but limits direct purchase options
- Financial ratings solid but not in elite tier of strongest insurers
- Best choice requires comparing service priorities against convenience preferences
Frequently Asked Questions About Ameritas Life Insurance
Is Ameritas a reputable life insurance company?
Yes, Ameritas is highly reputable with 137+ years of operation, A ratings from A.M. Best and S&P, and exceptional customer service recognition, including 41 consecutive years of A+ BBB ratings. As a mutual company, Ameritas prioritizes policyholder interests over shareholder returns.
Does Ameritas offer no-exam life insurance policies?
No, Ameritas does not currently offer no-exam or simplified issue life insurance. The company uses traditional underwriting requiring medical examinations for most applicants, which may limit accessibility but ensures thorough risk assessment for competitive pricing.
Can I buy Ameritas life insurance directly online?
No, Ameritas requires working through their network of licensed agents. While their website provides quote estimates, all applications and policy purchases must be completed through independent agents or financial advisors who represent the company.
What are the benefits of Ameritas being a mutual company?
Mutual ownership means policyholders own the company rather than external shareholders, creating alignment between company success and policyholder interests. Benefits include dividend eligibility on participating policies, long-term stability focus, and customer service prioritization over profit maximization.
How does Ameritas’ customer service compare to other insurers?
Ameritas is widely recognized for exceptional customer service with industry awards for claims handling and call center excellence, plus 41 consecutive years of A+ BBB ratings. Their mutual company structure enables service investment that shareholder-focused companies might consider too expensive.
Does Ameritas pay dividends on whole life policies?
Yes, Ameritas has a strong track record of paying annual dividends on participating whole life policies. While dividends are never guaranteed, the company’s mutual structure creates incentive to maintain competitive dividend payments as surplus earnings are returned to policyholders rather than external shareholders.
Should I choose Ameritas or compare multiple companies?
Always compare multiple insurance companies before deciding. While Ameritas provides excellent customer service and mutual company benefits, other insurers may offer better rates, more modern conveniences like no-exam options, or stronger financial ratings. Working with an independent agent provides access to multiple top-rated companies.
About the Insurance Brokers USA Team
The Insurance Brokers USA Team consists of licensed insurance professionals with extensive experience helping clients with complex health conditions find appropriate coverage. Our agents have worked with hundreds of families seeking both traditional insurance approaches and modern simplified options, specializing in comprehensive market analysis to identify optimal solutions that balance service quality with accessibility and convenience.
