Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation, headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a well-established mutual insurance company that has been providing financial services since its founding in 1887.
The company offers a comprehensive range of insurance products and financial services, including life insurance, annuities, dental and vision insurance, disability income insurance, and retirement planning services.
Overview and History
Ameritas has a rich history that reflects its stability and growth over the years. Initially founded as Old Line Bankers Life Insurance Company of Nebraska, it rebranded to Ameritas in 1988. The company underwent significant changes, including mergers and expansions, to enhance its service offerings and reach. A notable merger was with Acacia Life Insurance Company and Union Central Life, forming the UNIFI Companies, which later rebranded as Ameritas Mutual Holding Company in 2010 .
Insurance Products
Ameritas provides a variety of life insurance products tailored to meet different financial needs and life stages:
Term Life Insurance: Ameritas offers several term life policies, such as the Ameritas Value Plus Term and FLX Term, which provide coverage for a specific period, typically at a lower cost compared to permanent life insurance. These policies can be converted to permanent life insurance during the initial term without additional underwriting .
Whole Life Insurance: This product includes options like Ameritas Access Whole Life and Ameritas Growth Whole Life, offering lifetime coverage with guaranteed premiums and death benefits. Whole life policies also build cash value over time, which policyholders can borrow against if needed .
Universal Life Insurance: Ameritas’ Value Plus Universal Life (UL) policy provides flexible premiums and adjustable death benefits. These policies accumulate cash value based on current interest rates, making them a versatile option for long-term financial planning .
Variable Universal Life Insurance: These policies, such as the Performance II VUL and Advisor II VUL, allow policyholders to invest the cash value in various sub-accounts, similar to mutual funds, giving them the potential for higher returns based on market performance .
Indexed Universal Life Insurance: Ameritas offers indexed universal life insurance, including the Value Plus Survivor IUL, which links the policy’s cash value growth to a stock market index, offering a balance between potential growth and downside protection.
Financial Strength and Customer Service
Ameritas is recognized for its strong financial stability. It holds an A (Excellent) rating from AM Best, indicating its robust ability to meet ongoing insurance obligations. This financial strength is a crucial factor for policyholders when selecting a life insurance provider, ensuring that the company can fulfill its promises even during economic downturns .
Additional Services
Beyond life insurance, Ameritas offers a suite of additional financial products:
Annuities: These products help individuals plan for retirement by providing a steady income stream.
Dental and Vision Insurance: These are popular employer-sponsored benefits.
Disability Income Insurance: This provides income replacement in case the policyholder is unable to work due to a disability.
Retirement Planning and Investment Services: Ameritas offers financial planning and asset management services, assisting individuals and businesses in achieving their financial goals.
Customer Satisfaction
Ameritas is known for its customer-centric approach. It consistently receives fewer complaints than the industry average according to data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), reflecting its commitment to customer satisfaction and reliable service .
Conclusion
Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation stands out as a reliable provider with a broad range of insurance products and financial services tailored to meet diverse needs. Its long-standing history, strong financial ratings, and focus on customer satisfaction make it a solid choice for individuals seeking comprehensive life insurance and financial planning solutions. Whether you are looking for basic term life insurance or more complex products like variable universal life insurance, Ameritas offers options that can be customized to fit your specific needs and financial goals.