Principal Financial Life Insurance Review

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

Profile photo of Georgia Rose
Written by Georgia Rose
Lead Writer
Profile photo of Katia Iervasi
Edited by Katia Iervasi
Assistant Assigning Editor
 
Fact Checked

Founded in 1879, Principal Financial no longer sells life insurance products to most individuals. Instead, the company focuses on businesses, offering individual policies to business owners and group life insurance coverage.

» MORE: Compare life insurance quotes

Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure the content on our site is accurate and fair so you can make financial decisions with confidence and choose the products that work best for you. Here is a list of our partners, and here’s how we make money.

Principal Financial life insurance ranking

Principal provides group life insurance plans through employers, along with other types of coverage including critical illness, dental, disability and vision insurance.

Principal Financial ranked No. 17 out of 22 companies in J.D. Power's 2023 U.S. Life Insurance Study for overall customer satisfaction

J.D. Power. J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study. Accessed Jan 22, 2024.
View all sources
.

» MORE: What is supplemental life insurance?

More about Principal Financial insurance

Principal Financial Group also offers individual disability insurance as well as annuities, retirement plans and estate planning services.

Learn about top-rated life insurance companies

Check out NerdWallet’s top picks across these categories:

Life insurance buying guide

Before you start comparing companies, choose the type of life insurance you want, such as term or whole life. Decide which life insurance riders, if any, you want the policy to include. Calculate how much life insurance you need and how long you want the coverage to last. Check that the insurers you’re considering offer the coverage you’re looking for.

When comparing rates, be sure the quotes are for the same amount of coverage over the same period of time. It’s also important to make sure the policy’s medical requirements match your needs. For example, if you want to skip the life insurance medical exam but don’t mind answering health questions, confirm that the application process for each policy you're comparing aligns with that.

Price may not be the biggest driver behind your decision to buy. Look at the number of consumer complaints each company receives, as high numbers can be a red flag about the quality of service.

For more guidance, see our life insurance buying guide.

In This Review . . .

    DIVE EVEN DEEPER IN INSURANCE

    Explore INSURANCE

    Get more smart money moves – straight to your inbox
    Sign up and we’ll send you Nerdy articles about the money topics that matter most to you along with other ways to help you get more from your money.
    Sign up