It's crucial that you choose a life insurance company that's financially strong. Some companies have engaged in high-risk investment strategies that have threatened their solvency and the safety of their policy-holder's benefits.

One indicator of financial strength is its rating from a major rating company.

Here are five major insurance rating companies that grade insurers on their financial health and ability to pay claims: A.M. Best, Standard & Poors, Moody's Investor Service, Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Company, and Weiss Research. You should check two or three of these services to get a good look at the company's condition.

A few years ago, you would go to your local library to find a life insurance rating. Now ratings can be found online. For example, check Insure.com's ratings section. They offer free ratings from Standard & Poor's and Duff & Phelps.

The answer on this page was edited based on source material from the Washington State Office of the Ins. Commissioner. These pages are no longer being updated. --Webmaster

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