Best Life Insurance Companies In Illinois For 2024
Based on my findings, MassMutual stands out as the best life insurance company in Illinois.
Just like anyone else, Illinois residents want to save time and money when shopping for life insurance. My mission is to do the legwork for you, making it easy to find the best policy quickly and effectively.
From my research, MassMutual stands out as the best life insurance company in Illinois, not due to market share, but because of its great coverage and affordable pricing, a solid combo.
Other top picks include Mutual of Omaha for seniors, Transamerica for younger buyers, State Farm for superior customer service, and Nationwide as a solid choice for smokers. MassMutual also offers the lowest prices in Illinois.
Best Life Insurance Companies In Illinois, 2024
Compare The Best Life Insurance Companies In Illinois
Check out our table featuring the top life insurance providers in Illinois, selected for their standout qualities.
Overall Rating | Best For | A.M. Best Rating | Online Experience | J.D. Power Rating | Get A Quote | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MassMutual |
|
Overall |
A++ |
9.7 |
780 |
Instant Quote |
Mutual of Omaha |
|
Seniors |
A+ |
9.7 |
801 |
Instant Quote |
State Farm |
|
Customer Service |
A++ |
9.5 |
839 |
Instant Quote |
Transamerica |
|
Young Adults |
A |
9.8 |
740 |
Instant Quote |
MassMutual |
|
Cheapest Life Insurance |
A++ |
9.7 |
780 |
Instant Quote |
Nationwide |
|
Smokers |
A+ |
9.6 |
791 |
Instant Quote |
6 Best Life Insurance Companies In Illinois
Best Overall
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅MassMutual earned the title of Best Overall because of its extensive product offerings. They offer term, whole, and universal life insurance at competitive prices, with various riders to accommodate different customer needs.
The company’s “career agents” are well-trained in MassMutual’s products, providing customers with expert guidance.
MassMutual’s financial strength played a crucial role in this ranking, boasting an A++ Superior rating from AM Best, which underscores its solid financial position and reliability in paying claims.
Despite not having the same level of brand recognition in Illinois as some other competitors, MassMutual’s commitment to a wide product selection and well-trained agents earned it respect.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Excellent financial standings
- Wide array of products with numerous options.
- Lowest prices in Louisiana ✓
- Online purchases don't include whole life insurance products.
- Receives a lower J.D. Power score compared to leading competitors.
- You can purchase exclusively from MassMutual agents. ✘
Best For Seniors
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Mutual of Omaha’s dedication to serving seniors has established it as a trusted name. Its popular show “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom” and the specialized training of its agents to cater to seniors’ needs have strengthened its reputation.
The company is known for its senior life insurance options, which include two products for those with health issues. The guaranteed-issue policy, requiring no medical exam or health questions, is ideal for seniors with severe health conditions like cancer or heart disease.
The simplified-issue policy asks only basic health questions, making it a great choice for those with manageable conditions like high blood pressure who prefer not to undergo a medical exam.
Because life insurance costs more for seniors, many turn to Mutual of Omaha for coverage, trusting the brand that has been a part of their lives for decades.
Its successful direct mail campaigns targeting seniors and its team of knowledgeable agents have made Mutual of Omaha a respected provider of senior insurance products.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Affordable pricing for elderly residents in Illinois
- Ensures elderly individuals feel secure with competent agents.
- The company is in a very strong financial position. ✓
- More complaints relative to certain rivals.
- There are less insurance agents in Illinois compared to numerous other large insurers. ✘
Best For Young Adults
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Transamerica focuses on offering affordable life insurance tailored for young adults. The company recognizes that younger individuals often prioritize budgeting, especially when it comes to life insurance, so they’ve priced their policies competitively to make sure coverage remains within reach.
To appeal to a younger audience, Transamerica has made its website easy to use, informative, and simple to navigate. Their goal is to make life insurance accessible, no matter the customer’s age or financial constraints.
Convincing younger people to buy life insurance can be challenging, as many don’t see the need until later in life. However, Transamerica targets this group because their lower risk of death leads to higher profitability.
Transamerica received the lowest rating in customer service among the companies we evaluated, possibly due to their use of independent agents, who might not always provide top-tier service.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Purchase term life insurance through the internet.
- Coverage amounts can reach up to $10 million.
- No health check required for eligible applicants seeking coverage up to $2 million. ✓
- The smallest coverage amount for term life insurance starts at $25,000.
- Scores lower in customer service satisfaction compared to its rivals. ✘
Best For Cheapest Life Insurance
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅In Illinois, MassMutual is acclaimed as a premier life insurance provider, noted for its highly competitive rates. Despite the availability of several low-cost term insurance companies in the state, MassMutual offers some of the most attractive pricing. It’s crucial not to rely solely on cost when purchasing life insurance, but price remains a significant consideration for many consumers.
MassMutual delivers the best rates for those in search of life insurance in Illinois, even though the brand is more commonly associated with professionalism than with affordability. Still, MassMutual is determined to grow its market share in Maryland, employing aggressive pricing tactics to reach this goal.
Pricing is particularly important when choosing life insurance today. MassMutual is a solid choice, providing affordable premiums and substantial coverage amounts. While their whole and universal life policies may not be as competitively priced, the company generally offers generous term life insurance coverage, especially since permanent policies tend to be more expensive.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Large team of qualified agents promoting MassMutual insurance products.
- Presents a full spectrum of life insurance plans.
- Based on our review, the most budget-friendly life insurance option in Illinois ✓
- Online applications for life insurance products are not available.
- Restricted to acquiring products via a MassMutual agent. ✘
Best For Smokers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Nationwide is a highly regarded company, known for its numerous local offices that provide sales and service. Their well-known slogan, “Nationwide is on your side,” rings true for smokers in Illinois who are shopping for life insurance. While their rates for smokers tend to be a bit higher than those of other leading companies, we’ve found that Nationwide is the top option for smokers thanks to its competitive pricing, convenient agent access, and superior customer support.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Wide-reaching team of educated agents promoting Nationwide insurance products.
- Offers a comprehensive array of life insurance plans.
- Several locations across Illinois. ✓
- Online applications for life insurance products are not available.
- Only allowed to make purchases via a Nationwide agent. ✘
Best For Customer Service
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅J.D. Powers consistently ranks State Farm as a leading life insurance provider, highlighting its high customer satisfaction ratings. This showcases the company’s commitment to superior service for its policyholders. With the largest number of agents nationwide, State Farm stands out among its peers.
Its strong reputation for excellent customer service is greatly valued by clients. The unique approach of having numerous local offices enables policyholders to connect with their agents directly for any sales or policy-related questions. Additionally, State Farm is known for its rapid claims processing—an essential factor in the life insurance field, particularly when families are in need of compassionate and timely assistance during their grief.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Keeps customer complaints well below the industry standard.
- Achieves top financial ratings for paying claims promptly.
- The highest count of agents offering service among insurers. ✓
- Purchasing policies is restricted to State Farm agents.
- A small number of riders are accessible. ✘
Average Cost Of Life Insurance In Illinois For Smokers
Company | Average Monthly Cost |
Prudential | $51 |
GEICO | $52 |
Nationwide | $69 |
State Farm | $86 |
Mutual of Omaha | $67 |
*Rates based on $632,000 of 20-year term life for a 30-year-old male smoker
Average Cost Of Life Insurance For Seniors In Illinois
Company | Monthly Cost |
GEICO | $55 |
Nationwide | $62 |
State Farm | $61 |
Mutual of Omaha | $69 |
Prudential | $58 |
*Based on $75,000 of coverage for a 60-year-old male non-smoker buying a 10-year term life contract.
Average Life Insurance Rates For Young Adults In Illinois
Company | Monthly Cost |
GEICO | $9 |
Nationwide | $12 |
State Farm | $13 |
Mutual of Omaha | $11 |
Prudential | $12 |
*Rates are for a 25-year-old male nonsmoker that purchases a $250,000 20-year term life policy.
Average Cost Of Life Insurance In Illinois For Females
Company | Rates For $250,000 Coverage | Rates For $632,000 Coverage |
GEICO | $11 | $17 |
Mutual of Omaha | $13 | $18 |
Nationwide | $12 | $16 |
Transamerica | $10 | $19 |
State Farm | $17 | $35 |
*Rates based on a 10-year term life policy for a 30-year-old female nonsmoker.
Average Cost Of Life Insurance In Illinois For Males
Company | Rates For $250,000 Coverage | Rates For $632,000 Coverage |
MassMutual | $11 | $23 |
Nationwide | $13 | $26 |
Mutual of Omaha | $14 | $26 |
Transamerica | $13 | $27 |
State Farm | $25 | $48 |
**Rates based on a 10-year term life policy for a 30-year-old male nonsmoker.
Factors That Impact The Cost Of Your Life Insurance In Illinois
Several factors influence the cost of life insurance in Illinois:
- The company you choose
- Your age
- Your gender
- Your health condition
- Smoking status
- Your credit score
- Additional policy options
Typically, men tend to pay more than women for premiums because they generally have shorter lifespans. Smokers also see increased rates due to lower life expectancy. Insurers may also factor in your credit score when determining premiums in Illinois.
Additionally, including features such as disability waivers or child riders can result in a higher overall cost for your insurance policy.
Largest Life Insurance Companies In Illinois
Illinois hosts several life insurance providers. Here are the top five, rated by their market presence.
Company | Market Share |
New York Life | 5% |
State Farm | 4% |
Northwestern Mutual | 11% |
Primerica | 3% |
Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance | 3% |
How To Find The Best Life Insurance Company For You
When seeking life insurance in Illinois, it's important to understand that not every plan will meet your needs. That's why we review various insurers and acknowledge their strengths across different categories. To find the right life insurance for your individual situation, consider these three steps:
Calculate the necessary insurance coverage. Many insurers offer online tools known as “life insurance calculators” to aid in determining the suitable coverage amount.
Pick three companies to evaluate. When comparing insurance providers, it’s prudent to look at more than just their premiums and also consider their financial reliability. While lower rates are important, they mean little if your insurer doesn’t deliver on claims.
Seek insurance coverage promptly. Many potential life insurance buyers abandon the purchase process. It’s crucial to act swiftly when securing life insurance to safeguard your family’s financial future.
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need In Illinois?
Your life insurance needs are determined by your specific situation. Homeowners generally require more coverage than renters do. If you have dependents, like children, you’ll likely need a higher level of protection.
Insurance agents often advise getting coverage that’s 10 to 20 times your annual salary to provide adequate security for your family. For example, if you earn $75,000 per year, you might need coverage from $750,000 to $1.5 million.
Illinois Life Insurance Laws To Know
Planning to buy life insurance in Illinois? Knowing the state’s regulations is key to safeguarding your policy. Here’s what you need to understand:
Grace Period For Missed Payments
If you fail to make a payment in Illinois, there’s a 30-day grace period. You can use this time to make the payment and maintain your coverage without interruptions.
Contestable Period
Under Illinois law, life insurance providers can reject claims if they uncover false details in the application within the first two years of the policy’s start date. After this period, discrepancies do not influence claim outcomes.
Free Look Period
Upon receiving your life insurance policy, you have a 10-day grace period to review it. If you decide within this timeframe that the policy isn’t suitable for you, you can return it without any fees and receive a full refund of your premiums.
Time Allowable To Settle A Claim
To receive benefits, beneficiaries must file a claim with their insurer. Illinois law stipulates that life insurance companies must resolve claims within 30 days of submission.
Our Methodology
Our method for choosing the best life insurance companies involved a thorough assessment. We evaluated customer service, product variety, pricing, and online user experience. Drawing from my experience in selling life insurance and working with other agents, I gained valuable insights into their offerings. Our selection criteria did not prioritize price alone, except in the "Best for Cheapest Life Insurance" category. We believe each company excels in its niche, advocating that price shouldn't be the sole deciding factor in selecting life insurance.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
FAQs
Is life insurance more expensive in Illinois?
Illinois life insurance rates are comparable to those found elsewhere. Insurers may raise premiums if they exceed expected claim payouts.
How much per month is a million-dollar life insurance policy in Illinois?
Our investigation shows that MassMutual offers the most competitive rate in Illinois for a $1 million, 10-year term life insurance plan, with a monthly premium of $29.
What is the average monthly cost of life insurance in Illinois?
In Illinois, a 30-year-old man can expect to pay about $10 each month for a $250,000 life insurance plan. Similarly, a woman of the same age might pay as little as $11 monthly.
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