Assurity Life Insurance Company occupies a unique space in the life insurance world — a long-established mutual company that flies under the radar with consumers but is well-respected among industry professionals. Founded in 1890 and based in Nebraska, Assurity has earned a reputation for saying “yes” where many insurers say “no,” often approving applicants with specialized occupations or hobbies such as semi-professional athletes, pilots, or other higher-risk profiles.
While larger carriers focus on national advertising, Assurity channels its efforts into developing flexible underwriting guidelines and creative policy features that meet real-world needs. This approach makes them a standout choice for individuals who’ve been declined elsewhere or need coverage tailored to their lifestyle.
Rather than competing on name recognition, Assurity succeeds by focusing on expertise, mutual ownership values, and customer-first underwriting. For those with unique circumstances or past application challenges, their approach can open doors that traditional insurers might leave closed.
About the Author
The Insurance Brokers USA Team consists of licensed insurance professionals with extensive experience helping clients navigate complex coverage decisions. Our agents have worked with hundreds of individuals evaluating Assurity Life Insurance Company, specializing in matching clients with carriers that accommodate unique occupations, hobbies, and health conditions. We maintain direct relationships with Assurity and over 50 other carriers to provide unbiased comparative analysis.
What Makes Assurity Life Insurance Unique?
Founded in 1890 as Woodmen Accident and Life Company, Assurity has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, and multiple economic crises by maintaining focus on sustainable growth and conservative investments. Their Lincoln, Nebraska headquarters might seem remote from major financial centers, but this Midwest presence reflects their commitment to fiscal responsibility and community-based values.
“Assurity is the carrier we turn to when clients have been declined elsewhere for non-medical reasons. Their underwriters actually read the details instead of auto-declining based on occupation codes or hobby lists.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
What Market Strategy Does Assurity Follow?
Key insight: Assurity deliberately targets market segments larger carriers consider too small or complex to serve profitably. Rather than competing for the standard preferred-plus nonsmoker, they’ve built expertise in evaluating private pilots, scuba divers, rock climbers, and individuals with complicated but stable health conditions.
Their distribution primarily flows through independent agents and brokers who understand these niche capabilities. Assurity doesn’t advertise to consumers directly, instead building relationships with professionals who recognize when a client needs their specialized underwriting. This approach keeps acquisition costs low while ensuring applicants receive guidance from knowledgeable agents.
Bottom Line
Assurity specializes in approving applicants other carriers decline, particularly those with high-risk hobbies, unique occupations, or specific health conditions that trigger automatic rejections elsewhere.
How Financially Stable Is Assurity?
Assurity’s financial strength reflects their conservative Midwest approach to business – solid if not spectacular ratings that demonstrate consistent stability over aggressive growth. Their mutual company structure provides additional protection, as they’re not subject to shareholder demands for risky investments to boost quarterly returns.
Assurity Financial Strength Ratings
| Rating Agency | Current Rating | Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| A.M. Best | A- | Stable |
| Standard & Poor’s | Not Rated | N/A |
| Total Assets | $2.7 Billion | |
| Surplus Ratio | 118% (Well above requirements) | |
What Does Assurity’s A- Rating Mean?
An A- rating from A.M. Best indicates “Excellent” financial strength, placing Assurity in the upper tier of insurance companies though below the giants with A++ ratings. This rating suggests strong ability to meet policyholder obligations even during economic stress, supported by their 135-year operating history through multiple financial crises.
Assurity maintains capital reserves approximately 18% above state requirements, providing an extra cushion for unexpected claims or market downturns. Their investment portfolio leans heavily toward investment-grade bonds and commercial mortgages, avoiding the complex derivatives that challenged some insurers during the 2008 financial crisis.
“Don’t let the lack of S&P rating concern you – many successful mutual companies skip the expense of multiple ratings. Assurity’s A- from A.M. Best, combined with their long history and conservative approach, provides adequate security for most policyholders.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
What Types of Policies Does Assurity Offer?
Assurity’s product lineup reflects their niche focus – fewer options than major carriers but with unique features and riders that address specific planning needs. Their willingness to customize policies for unusual situations sets them apart from carriers offering only standardized products.
What Term Life Options Are Available?
Assurity offers 10, 15, 20, and 30-year term policies with coverage amounts from $50,000 to $10 million for qualified applicants. Their term products include standard features like convertibility to permanent coverage, but stand out with their disability income rider availability – rare among term life policies.
The company’s LifeScape term series allows for decreasing coverage amounts to match mortgage balances, potentially reducing premiums for those primarily concerned with debt protection. They also offer return of premium riders, though the cost often makes traditional investing more attractive for most clients.
What Permanent Life Insurance Is Available?
Assurity provides both traditional whole life and indexed universal life (IUL) options. Their whole life products build guaranteed cash value with potential dividends, though as a smaller mutual company, their dividend history doesn’t match industry leaders. The indexed universal life products link cash value growth to market indices while providing downside protection.
Key Takeaways – Policy Features
- Term policies available from 10-30 years with amounts up to $10 million
- Unique disability income rider available on both term and permanent policies
- Indexed universal life offers market participation with downside protection
- Simplified issue whole life available for seniors up to age 80
- All policies include terminal illness acceleration at no extra charge
Does Assurity Offer No-Exam Options?
Assurity provides simplified issue whole life policies for applicants aged 50-80 seeking coverage up to $50,000. These products require no medical exam but involve health questions and database checks. While premiums run higher than fully underwritten policies, approval typically occurs within 48 hours.
For younger, healthier applicants, Assurity offers accelerated underwriting on term policies up to $500,000. This process uses data analytics and phone interviews to potentially skip the medical exam while maintaining competitive pricing for qualified applicants.
What Are Assurity’s Underwriting Specialties?
Assurity’s underwriting department has developed expertise in evaluating risks that trigger automatic declines or severe rating increases elsewhere. Their willingness to individually assess cases rather than rely solely on automated systems creates opportunities for applicants with complex profiles.
Which Occupations Does Assurity Accept?
Key insight: Assurity regularly approves coverage for occupations many carriers automatically decline or heavily surcharge. Their underwriters evaluate the specific duties and safety protocols rather than making blanket decisions based on job titles.
Occupations Assurity Commonly Approves
| Occupation Category | Typical Carrier Response | Assurity Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Private Pilots | Decline/Heavy surcharge | Standard to Table 2 |
| Offshore Workers | Decline | Table 2-4 |
| Professional Athletes | Case by case | Individual assessment |
| Truck Drivers (Long-haul) | Table ratings | Often standard |
How Does Assurity Handle High-Risk Hobbies?
Assurity evaluates adventure sports and high-risk hobbies based on experience level, safety certifications, and frequency rather than blanket exclusions. A certified scuba diver with 100+ dives might receive standard rates, while a beginner faces modest surcharges rather than outright decline.
Rock climbing, motorcycle racing, skydiving, and other extreme sports receive individual consideration. Assurity often offers coverage with exclusion riders for the specific activity rather than declining coverage entirely, allowing clients to obtain life insurance even if death during certain activities isn’t covered.
Bottom Line
Assurity’s manual underwriting process and willingness to assess individual risk factors makes them the go-to carrier for applicants with occupations or hobbies that trigger automatic declines elsewhere.
What Health Conditions Does Assurity Specialize In?
While Assurity doesn’t advertise specific health condition specialties, their underwriters show particular flexibility with mental health conditions, sleep apnea, and certain autoimmune disorders. They evaluate the complete picture – treatment compliance, stability, and lifestyle factors – rather than declining based solely on diagnosis codes.
For individuals managing depression or anxiety with stable treatment, Assurity often provides standard or low table ratings where other carriers impose heavy surcharges. Their approach to sleep apnea considers CPAP compliance and absence of related complications, potentially offering better rates than carriers using BMI-based pricing models.
How Competitive Is Assurity’s Pricing?
Assurity’s pricing strategy reflects their niche positioning – rarely the cheapest for standard risks but often highly competitive for cases involving complications. Understanding when their pricing shines helps identify situations where Assurity represents the best value.
Sample Monthly Premiums – $500,000 20-Year Term
| Profile | Assurity | Industry Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40-yr Male, Preferred Plus | $47 | $42 | +12% |
| 40-yr Male, Private Pilot | $58 | $95* | -39% |
| 45-yr Female, Anxiety | $52 | $68 | -24% |
| 50-yr Male, Rock Climber | $125 | Declined | Available |
*When available. Many carriers decline private pilots entirely.
When Does Assurity Offer the Best Value?
Assurity’s pricing becomes highly competitive for applicants facing table ratings or declines from standard carriers. Their willingness to look beyond surface-level risk factors often results in better health classifications, translating to significant premium savings over a policy’s lifetime.
Consider this real scenario: A 42-year-old emergency room physician who flies helicopters recreationally received quotes ranging from $280-$450 monthly from carriers willing to offer coverage, with several outright declines. Assurity approved him at $165 monthly by evaluating his extensive flight training and safety record rather than applying blanket aviation surcharges.
“For standard risks, Assurity won’t win on price. But for that client who’s been declined three times or quoted astronomical rates due to their weekend rock climbing hobby, Assurity often provides the only affordable option.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
What Makes Their Disability Income Rider Special?
Assurity’s Disability Income Rider (DIR) represents one of their most distinctive features, providing monthly income if you become disabled and cannot work. Unlike most carriers who only offer waiver of premium riders, Assurity’s DIR actually pays you a monthly benefit separate from the death benefit.
How Does the Disability Income Rider Work?
The rider pays a monthly benefit if you become totally disabled and unable to work in your own occupation for the first 24 months, then any occupation thereafter. Benefits begin after a 90-day elimination period and can continue until age 65 or retirement, providing crucial income replacement during disability.
Key insight: The monthly benefit amount can equal up to $5,000 or 60% of your gross monthly income, whichever is less. This benefit is paid in addition to your life insurance coverage remaining in force, with premiums waived during disability. The combination provides both income replacement and maintained life insurance protection.
Why Is This Rider Valuable?
For professionals unable to obtain standalone disability insurance due to occupation or health issues, Assurity’s DIR provides critical income protection otherwise unavailable. The rider costs approximately 20-40% of the base life insurance premium but provides coverage many applicants cannot obtain elsewhere.
Self-employed individuals particularly benefit since they lack employer-provided disability coverage. A graphic designer with carpal tunnel syndrome might struggle to obtain traditional disability insurance, but could secure Assurity life insurance with the DIR, protecting both income and family.
Key Takeaways – Disability Income Rider
- Provides monthly income during disability, not just premium waiver
- Benefits up to $5,000 monthly or 60% of income
- Available on both term and permanent policies
- Own occupation definition for first 24 months
- Often the only disability coverage available for high-risk occupations
What Do Policyholders Report?
Customer feedback on Assurity reveals experiences heavily influenced by agent expertise and understanding of the company’s niche positioning. Those working with knowledgeable brokers report high satisfaction, while direct applicants sometimes struggle with the application process.
What Positive Experiences Stand Out?
Policyholders consistently praise Assurity’s willingness to provide coverage when others wouldn’t. Stories of approvals after multiple declines elsewhere appear frequently, with particular appreciation for underwriters who took time to understand unique situations rather than issuing automatic denials.
The claims process receives positive marks for straightforward cases, with beneficiaries reporting payment within 2-3 weeks when documentation is complete. The company’s mutual structure shows in their customer service approach – representatives seem less focused on sales metrics and more on solving problems.
What Challenges Do Customers Face?
The most common frustration involves the lengthy underwriting process for complex cases. While Assurity’s manual review provides better outcomes, it can take 6-8 weeks for final decisions on complicated applications. This timeline frustrates applicants accustomed to instant or accelerated decisions from other carriers.
Some policyholders report confusion about rider benefits and limitations, particularly regarding the disability income rider’s occupational definitions and benefit periods. The company’s smaller size also means fewer local agents, potentially limiting in-person service options.
“Set proper expectations upfront – Assurity isn’t the carrier for someone who needs approval tomorrow. They’re for the client who needs approval period, when everyone else has said no.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
What Are the Advantages and Drawbacks?
Advantages of Choosing Assurity
- Niche underwriting expertise: Approves occupations and hobbies others decline
- Unique disability income rider: Provides actual income during disability
- Manual underwriting: Individual assessment rather than automated declines
- Mutual company structure: Policyholder-owned with long-term focus
- Flexible with mental health: Better rates for anxiety and depression
- Strong financial ratings: A- from A.M. Best indicates excellent stability
- 135-year history: Proven track record through multiple crises
Limitations to Consider
- Slower underwriting: Complex cases can take 6-8 weeks
- Limited brand recognition: Unknown to most consumers
- Fewer product options: Smaller lineup than major carriers
- Higher prices for standard risks: Not competitive for healthy applicants
- Limited distribution: Fewer agents familiar with their products
- Smaller customer service network: Less infrastructure than giants
Bottom Line
Choose Assurity when you have complications that trigger declines or excessive rates elsewhere. Skip them if you’re a standard risk seeking the lowest premium or fastest approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Assurity approve me if I’ve been declined elsewhere?
Direct answer: Maybe – Assurity specializes in cases other carriers decline, particularly for occupation or hobby-related reasons.
Assurity’s manual underwriting process evaluates factors automated systems miss. If you were declined for being a private pilot, offshore worker, or having certain mental health conditions, Assurity might approve you. However, declines for serious medical conditions like recent cancer or heart disease likely result in similar decisions from Assurity. Working with an experienced broker who understands Assurity’s guidelines significantly improves approval chances. For complex medical situations, review our guide to life insurance with pre-existing conditions.
How long does Assurity’s underwriting take?
Direct answer: Simple cases take 2-3 weeks, while complex situations requiring manual review can take 6-8 weeks.
The timeline depends heavily on case complexity. Standard applicants with no complications might receive decisions within two weeks. Cases involving high-risk occupations, adventure sports, or multiple health conditions undergo manual review by senior underwriters, extending the timeline. Assurity prioritizes thorough evaluation over speed, which often results in better outcomes but requires patience. Having all medical records and documentation ready can expedite the process.
Does Assurity require a medical exam?
Direct answer: Usually yes for fully underwritten policies over $100,000, but they offer no-exam options up to $500,000 for qualified applicants.
Assurity’s accelerated underwriting program allows some applicants to skip the medical exam for coverage up to $500,000. Qualification depends on age, health history, and coverage amount. Their simplified issue products for seniors never require exams but carry higher premiums. For the best no-exam life insurance companies, Assurity competes well in specific niches but isn’t the cheapest for healthy applicants.
Is Assurity’s disability rider worth the extra cost?
Direct answer: Yes, if you cannot obtain standalone disability insurance or want to supplement existing coverage.
The disability income rider typically costs 20-40% of the base premium but provides monthly income many applicants cannot obtain through traditional disability insurance. For a $2,000 monthly benefit, you might pay an extra $30-50 monthly – reasonable for income protection. The rider particularly benefits self-employed individuals, those in high-risk occupations, or anyone with health conditions preventing standalone disability coverage. Compare the total cost against attempting to purchase separate disability insurance to determine value.
How does Assurity handle dangerous hobbies?
Direct answer: Assurity evaluates experience, training, and safety practices rather than issuing blanket declines for adventure sports.
Unlike carriers that automatically decline rock climbers or skydivers, Assurity assesses individual risk. A certified scuba instructor might receive standard rates, while a beginner faces modest surcharges. They may offer exclusion riders for specific activities – your beneficiaries receive the death benefit unless death occurs while participating in the excluded activity. This approach allows coverage when other carriers offer nothing.
What occupations does Assurity specialize in covering?
Direct answer: Assurity excels at covering pilots, offshore workers, law enforcement, contractors, and professional athletes.
Their underwriters have developed expertise in occupations that challenge other carriers. Private pilots might receive standard to Table 2 rates versus declines elsewhere. Offshore oil rig workers, commercial fishermen, and logging professionals find coverage when others won’t even quote. Law enforcement and military contractors also receive favorable consideration. The key is Assurity evaluates specific job duties and safety measures rather than declining based on occupation codes.
How financially stable is Assurity compared to major carriers?
Direct answer: Assurity’s A- rating indicates excellent financial strength, though below the A+ or A++ ratings of industry giants.
Their 135-year operating history and mutual company structure provide additional stability beyond what ratings alone suggest. Assurity maintains capital reserves 18% above state requirements and invests conservatively. While companies from our top 10 best life insurance companies list may have higher ratings, Assurity’s financial position remains solid for long-term policyholder security.
Can I convert Assurity term life to permanent coverage?
Direct answer: Yes, Assurity term policies include conversion privileges allowing change to permanent coverage without medical underwriting.
Conversion must typically occur before age 70 or within the first 10 years of the policy, whichever comes first. You can convert to any permanent product Assurity offers at the time of conversion, with premiums based on your attained age. This feature proves valuable if health deteriorates, ensuring continued coverage regardless of medical changes. The conversion privilege includes the disability income rider if it was part of your original term policy.
Final Assessment: Is Assurity Right for Your Situation?
Assurity Life Insurance Company fills a crucial gap in the life insurance market – providing coverage for individuals whose occupations, hobbies, or health conditions trigger rejections from mainstream carriers. Their manual underwriting philosophy and niche expertise make them invaluable for specific situations, though unnecessary for standard risks.
The company shines brightest for applicants who’ve exhausted traditional options. If you’re a private pilot, extreme sports enthusiast, or work in a high-risk occupation, Assurity might be your path to affordable coverage. Their unique disability income rider adds another dimension, providing income protection many applicants cannot obtain elsewhere.
Consider Assurity if you’ve been declined or heavily rated by other carriers, have a high-risk occupation or hobby, need disability income protection but can’t qualify elsewhere, or value working with a mutual company focused on policyholder benefit. The trade-off of longer underwriting times for better outcomes makes sense when the alternative is no coverage or unaffordable premiums.
Bottom Line
Assurity excels at solving complex underwriting puzzles other carriers won’t touch. They’re not for everyone, but for those who need their expertise, they’re often the difference between coverage and rejection.
Need Help Navigating Complex Underwriting?
Determining whether Assurity suits your unique situation requires understanding their specialized underwriting guidelines and how they evaluate your specific circumstances. Our experienced brokers know exactly when Assurity represents your best option and when other carriers might serve you better.
Call us at 888-211-6171 to discuss your situation with a specialist who understands Assurity’s niche capabilities and can guide you toward the most appropriate coverage solution.
Disclaimer: This review reflects our professional analysis based on publicly available information and client experiences as of October 2025. Insurance products, underwriting guidelines, and availability vary by state and individual circumstances. Assurity’s willingness to consider unique cases doesn’t guarantee approval. Always verify current details directly with the carrier or a licensed agent before making coverage decisions. For seniors comparing final expense options, explore our best final expense insurance companies guide. Remember that accidental death vs life insurance provides very different protection levels – ensure you understand what you’re purchasing.
