Burial Insurance
Who is Americo Life?
Americo was founded in 1946 and has provided life insurance and annuity products to individuals and families for over a century. The company has a long history of stability and financial strength, allowing it to provide quality coverage at a competitive price.
Today, Americo has over $8 billion in assets, demonstrating its financial strength and earning the company an “A” rating from A.M. Best.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Founded | 1946 |
Address | PO BOX 410288 Kansas City, MO 64141-0288 |
[email protected] | |
Phone | (800) 231-0801 |
Website | https://www.americo.com/ |
BBB Rating | A- |
A.M. Best Rating | A (Excellent) |
In this review, we will cover the following Americo final expense life insurance products:
- Americo Eagle Premier
- Americo Eagle Guaranteed
Plan Name | Premier | Guaranteed |
---|---|---|
Issue Ages | Non-Smoker: 40-85 Smoker: 40-80 | 50-80 |
Coverage Amount | $5,000-$10,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
Death Benefit | Immediate Coverage | 2-Year Waiting Period |
Riders | Accidental Death Benefit, Accelerated Benefit Payment, Child and Grandchild Term Insurance | Accidental Death Benefit |
Americo Premier Brochure
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Americo Eagle Premier Overview
Americo’s Eagle Premier plan provides a fixed death benefit, flat rates that do not increase, and an array of riders. It is designed for individuals in average to good health.
It has a simplified application process that can be completed without physical exams and lab tests. Additionally, the Americo accidental death rider is included in this plan, and it can provide financial protection to your loved ones in the event of a terminal illness.
State Eligibility
Residents of all states except New York can purchase this policy, but note that Americo does not sell this policy to consumers directly; it must be purchased through an independent life insurance agent.
Age Eligibility
Americo’s final expense product is available to individuals aged 40-85 if they are non-smokers and 40-80 if they are smokers.
Coverage Amounts
Americo’s Eagle Premier plan offers coverage ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 for smokers and non-smokers.
This is a fairly typical coverage range for a burial insurance product. The only notable difference is the somewhat high minimum coverage amount. Those looking to fund a direct cremation may find this too much coverage for their needs.
Age | Coverage Amount |
---|---|
40-85 (Non-Smoker) | $5,000 – $50,000 |
40-80 (Smoker) | $5,000 – $50,000 |
Death Benefit Terms
The Eagle Premier plan from Americo provides a full death benefit starting on Day 1. There is no waiting period, and your coverage cannot be reduced at any point for any reason (e.g., changes to your health).
Individuals choose their coverage amount at the time of purchase, and this cannot be changed in the future.
Finally, note that The death benefit is paid in a lump sum to the policyholder’s beneficiary or beneficiaries.
Burial Insurance
Cash Value
Americo’s final expense policies build cash value over time. Said another way, a portion of your premium Americo life insurance payments goes to a savings account (called a cash value account) built into your policy.
Policyholders can access their policy’s cash value at any time in case of an emergency or for other financial needs.
Policyholders can take a loan out against their policy’s cash value and make monthly payments of interest only while the loan is outstanding.
This provides policyholders with life insurance security and access to cash when needed.
Available Riders
Americo offers a variety of riders to enhance their Eagle Premier policy, as shown in the table above.
Americo Eagle Guaranteed Overview
Americo Eagle Guaranteed is designed for individuals aged 50 to 80 looking for guaranteed acceptance. The policy offers guaranteed level premiums for the life of the policy.
State Eligibility
Americo Eagle Guaranteed is available in all states except for New York.
Age Eligibility
Americo guaranteed issue final expense product is available to individuals between 50 and 80.
Unlike the Eagle Premier product, there is no difference in age eligibility between smokers and non-smokers.
Coverage Amounts
Americo’s Eagle Guaranteed policy offers coverage amounts ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $10,000.
This plan has a narrow coverage range and a low maximum coverage amount compared to other burial insurance carriers. Compared to Americo carriers, companies like Gerber Life, AIG, and Great Western sell guaranteed issue policies with face amounts up to $25,000. Great Western has the widest coverage range, selling policies as small as $1,000.
Age | Coverage Amount |
---|---|
50-80 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
Death Benefit Terms
Your policy’s death benefit is the amount paid to your beneficiaries upon passing.
Americo’s Eagle Guaranteed policies have a 3-year graded death benefit period, as described below:
- If you pass in year 1, Americo will refund your premiums to your beneficiaries, with 5% interest.
- After Year 3, your beneficiaries will receive 100% of the face amount.
Note that the above applies only to deaths from natural causes (illnesses). If your death is accidental (e.g., a car accident, slip and fall, etc.), your policy will pay out 100% no matter when you pass.
Cash Value
Americo Eagle Guaranteed policies build cash value. As described earlier, a percentage of your premium payments are put into a “cash value” account when you purchase a policy. This money grows tax-free and can be accessed anytime, for any reason. This joint insurance-savings aspect often provides customers peace of mind.
Available Riders
Eagle Guaranteed does not offer riders.
Americo Insurance Application Process
The Americo application for final expense is straightforward and similar to those of other carriers.
As discussed above, Americo does not sell this policy directly to consumers or has captive insurance agents; it must be purchased through an independent life insurance agent over the phone.
You can reach Americo customer service through the following phone number: (800) 231 0801
Americo Eagle Application
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How Americo Will Decide On Your Approval
Americo Insurance reviews applications and makes an approval decision based on your answers to the application’s health questions, height and weight, MIB report, and prescription drug history.
There are three ways your application can be denied:
- If any of the health questions are answered “yes.”
- If your height and weight are outside of the guidelines.
- If your MIB report or prescription drug check conflicts with your answers to the health questions, then you will be offered Eagle Guaranteed coverage.
Paying Your Premiums
All Americo premiums must be paid by bank draft. Americo does not accept credit cards, debit cards, or Direct Express.
The grace period for late payments is 30 days. However, you can elect to allow for Automatic Premium Loans, loans issued against your cash value to make missed premium payments. This feature helps ensure that you do not accidentally lapse on your policy.
Finally, note that Americo allows you to choose a day of the month as your recurring payment date OR a week number and day of the week (which may be helpful to those on Social Security).
Americo Ratings & Customer Reviews
What Does The BBB Say About Americo Life?
Americo Insurance’s rating stands at A- from the Better Business Bureau.
BBB had 60 Americo life insurance complaints over the past three years and a 100% response rate to these complaints.
Americo Life A.M. Best Ratings
A.M. Best is a global rating agency focusing exclusively on the insurance industry. They have assigned Americo Financial Life & Annuity Insurance Company an “A” (Excellent)” rating.
This rating reflects the company’s strong financial standing and ensures customers that their claims will be paid promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eagle Premier Series Americo?
Americo’s Eagle Premier Series life insurance plan is a cost-effective and easy way to ensure your family is financially secure after you pass away.
The plan offers fixed rates, a set death benefit amount, and multiple riders for added coverage. It features a simplified application process which does not require physical exams or lab tests. Plus, it has an accelerated death benefit rider which provides financial protection to your family if you become terminally ill.
This policy is available to non-smokers aged 40-85, and smokers aged 40-80, living in all states except New York – but it must be purchased through a licensed life insurance agent.
Is Americo a legit life insurance company?
Yes, Americo Financial Life and Annuity Insurance Company is a legitimate life insurance company. This is evident from the highly regarded A (Excellent) financial strength rating it has been assigned by A.M. Best after a rigorous evaluation of its balance sheet strength, operating performance, and business profile.
With this high Americo life insurance rating, customers can feel assured that the company is well-positioned to provide quality life insurance services.
What is the max face amount of the Americo Eagle Premier?
The maximum face amount of the Americo Eagle Premier is up to $40,000.
With a minimum issue age of 40 and a maximum issue age of 85, this policy offers exceptional coverage for your long-term financial security.
Can I cancel Americo life insurance?
Yes, you can cancel a life policy at any time. For Americo life insurance cancellation, simply contact your agent and request it.
Article Sources
- Better Business Bureau. Business Profile Americo Life Inc
- Guide to Best's Financial Strength Ratings. AM Best
- Americo. Life Insurance
- Americo. Who We Are