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AAA Life Insurance Review 2024
Lead Writer | Life insurance, auto insurance, insurance data
Andrew Marder is a former lead writer for NerdWallet focusing on insurance and data analysis. He has over a decade of experience in finance, with previous roles at Barclays, The Motley Fool and Gartner. His work has appeared in The Week, The Washington Post and other national news outlets. He has presented his work at the Gartner Marketing Symposium/Xpo and Accountex.
Assistant Assigning Editor | Life insurance, disability insurance, health care
Katia Iervasi is an assistant assigning editor at NerdWallet. An insurance authority, she previously spent over six years covering insurance topics as a writer, where she loved untangling complicated topics and answering readers’ burning money questions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communication and has studied writing, fact-checking and editing with Poynter. Her writing and analysis has been featured in The Washington Post, Forbes, Yahoo, Entrepreneur, Best Company and FT Advisor. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Katia currently lives in New York City.
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.
AAA
3.0
on Nerdwallet
Financial strength ratingThese ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.
Online purchaseThis indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Policies offeredTerm policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.
Pros
- Large term life coverage amounts are available with a medical exam.
- Potential discounts for AAA members.
Cons
- Low coverage amount on whole life, making it function more as a final expense policy.
on Nerdwallet
AAA
3.0
Financial strength ratingThese ratings indicate an insurer’s ability to pay future claims.
Online purchaseThis indicates whether the company offers a way to apply for and purchase policies entirely online.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Policies offeredTerm policies last a set number of years, while permanent policies typically last a lifetime. No-exam policies don’t require a medical exam.
Pros
- Large term life coverage amounts are available with a medical exam.
- Potential discounts for AAA members.
Cons
- Low coverage amount on whole life, making it function more as a final expense policy.
In our life insurance reviews, our editorial team considers the customer and the insurer. These are some of the factors we take into account:
Policies offered. There are many types of life insurance on the market, and they fall into three key categories:
Term life insurance offers temporary coverage and a guaranteed payout if the policyholder dies during the term.
Permanent life insurance typically lasts a lifetime and builds cash value that can be borrowed against in the future.
No-exam life insurance issues coverage without the need for a medical exam.
Financial strength. We use AM Best ratings to confirm an insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims. For life insurance, NerdWallet typically recommends considering insurers with ratings of A- or higher. Here’s the breakdown:
Exceptional: A+, A++.
Strong: A-, A.
Moderate: B, B+.
Complaints. These ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The best life insurance companies have fewer than the expected number of complaints.
Buy online. This indicates whether an insurer allows you to apply for and buy a policy completely online.
Dive deeper: Ratings methodology for life insurance
AAA Life Insurance Company was founded in 1969 by AAA, the group of motor clubs best known for emergency roadside assistance and travel services. The company offers term, whole and universal life insurance. You don’t have to be an AAA member to buy life insurance from the company, but there are some discounts for those who are.
» MORE: Compare life insurance quotes
AAA life insurance rating
3.0
NerdWallet ratingAAA Life Insurance Company earned 3 stars out of 5 for overall performance. NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer experience, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and financial strength ratings.
» MORE: Best life insurance companies
AAA life insurance policies
Term life insurance. AAA offers two types of term life insurance, both of which are available in 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-year terms. Members save 10% on premiums.
Traditional term life insurance. You’ll need to answer health questions and agree to a possible life insurance medical exam to qualify for this policy. Coverage amounts range from $50,000 to more than $5 million depending on your age, and you can add a return of premium rider. AAA members may be able to get discounts on their home or auto insurance by bundling with traditional term life.
Instant life insurance. ExpressTerm offers life insurance with no medical exam in most cases. You can choose $25,000 to $500,000 in coverage and apply for and buy this policy online after answering questions about your health. Coverage goes into effect right away if you’re approved.
Whole life insurance. These whole life insurance policies provide lifelong coverage and build cash value over time.
Traditional whole life insurance. You’ll need to work with an agent to apply for this policy. Coverage ranges from $5,000 to $75,000, though you may need to take a medical exam if you want $30,000 or more. An AAA membership will get you 10% off the base rate.
Guaranteed issue life insurance. AAA offers $3,000 to $25,000 of guaranteed issue life insurance, which doesn’t require a questionnaire or medical exam. Applicants ages 45 to 85 can qualify automatically, but if the insured dies during the first two years, AAA won’t pay out the full policy amount, unless the death is accidental. AAA members and their spouses are eligible for a $60 annual discount.
Universal life insurance. Coverage amounts range from $100,000 to more than $5 million. AAA offers two types of universal life insurance: LifeTime and Accumulator. The Accumulator product is geared toward people who may want to use the cash value later to supplement retirement or cover other expenses, such as their children’s college education. The LifeTime product features more guarantees, like fixed premiums.
AAA life insurance rates
Below are monthly rates for a 20-year, $500,000 term life insurance policy from AAA. These are sample rates for a nonsmoking man and woman in excellent health — the final quote you’re offered will depend on factors like your age, health, lifestyle, occupation and driving record.
AAA non-member rates
Age | Monthly rate - man | Monthly rate - woman |
|---|---|---|
20 | $28.16 | $24.20 |
30 | $29.04 | $25.08 |
40 | $38.28 | $32.56 |
50 | $100.32 | $74.80 |
60 | $267.52 | $185.24 |
Source: Quotacy. Rates reflect the super preferred class and were generated on 7/5/23. | ||
AAA member rates
Age | Monthly rate - man | Monthly rate - woman |
|---|---|---|
20 | $25.34 | $21.78 |
30 | $26.13 | $22.57 |
40 | $34.45 | $29.30 |
50 | $90.29 | $67.32 |
60 | $240.77 | $166.71 |
Source: Quotacy. Rates reflect the super preferred class and were generated on 7/5/23. | ||
AAA customer complaints and satisfaction
Over three years, AAA has drawn more than the expected number of complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size, according to a NerdWallet analysis of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
What Reddit users say about AAA life insurance
Reddit is an online forum where users share their thoughts in “threads” on various topics. The popular site includes plenty of discussion on financial subjects like life insurance, so we sifted through Reddit forums to get a pulse check on how users feel about insurers. People post anonymously, so we cannot confirm their individual experiences or circumstances.
Reddit users tend to discuss AAA auto insurance a lot more than AAA life insurance, but overall, the reviews on life insurance policies are mixed. Some Reddit users complained that they’ve received life insurance marketing materials from AAA disguised as a bill. Other users report that they were confused by the language in AAA’s quotes or policy documents.
Questions from Reddit: Our experts answer
When I applied for AAA life insurance, the agent told me I probably wouldn’t need a physical because of my age, but now they’re saying I need a medical exam. What gives?
Many carriers offer something called simplified issue life insurance, which offers an expedited application process that bypasses the standard life insurance medical exam. Approval is typically based on a questionnaire about your health and lifestyle, as well as third-party reports like your prescription drug history and driving records.
However, you may not qualify for simplified issue life insurance if you have certain health issues. In that case, you may need to go through the typical underwriting process, which often includes an exam.
A life insurance medical exam typically takes less than an hour. A paramedical professional will often come to your home and measure your blood pressure, height and weight, and also take a blood and urine sample for lab testing.
Though a life insurance medical exam can be stressful, it may help you save money on premiums. Policies that don’t require a medical exam usually cost more and provide less coverage because insurers tend to assume that you’re a riskier applicant.
I got a letter from AAA saying I could apply for life insurance. Is life insurance worth it if I’m healthy and single with no kids?
You may not need life insurance if you don’t have anyone who depends on you financially, i.e., children, a spouse who relies on your income or a relative you care for. But even if you don’t have financial dependents, buying life insurance could make sense in some circumstances:
You don’t want your survivors to pay for your final expenses. If you’re worried your loved ones would struggle to pay for your funeral and other end-of-life expenses, life insurance can provide peace of mind.
Someone else is legally responsible for your debt. Surviving loved ones typically aren’t responsible for your debt when you die, but there are a few exceptions. For example, if your parent co-signed a private student loan, they could be on the hook if you die owing money. Obtaining a policy with a death benefit large enough to cover the debt can provide financial protection to your loved ones.
You want to have a family someday. If you expect to eventually have a family, you may want to lock in coverage while you’re relatively young. Life insurance rates tend to increase with age, as does your risk of developing health problems that could make it tough to qualify for affordable coverage. Securing a policy now could help you lock in lower rates.
More about AAA
AAA Life Insurance Company also sells accident insurance to AAA members only, and the amount of coverage you can get depends on how long you’ve been a member. The policy covers injuries and death caused by accidents such as falling off a roof. It doesn’t cover accidents caused by extreme sports, acts of war or self-inflicted injuries like suicide or drunk driving.
AAA offers three annuity options, two with $3,000 minimum deposits and one requiring $10,000 upfront. If you’re considering an annuity, you should talk to a fee-only financial advisor to find the right option for your retirement needs.
Other AAA products include:
Boat insurance.
Flood insurance.
Motorcycle insurance.
RV insurance.
How to contact AAA
AAA’s life insurance department can be reached by:
Phone: If you have a policy with AAA, you can call 855-598-0890 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. Otherwise, call 888-422-7020 Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.
Email: Send a message to [email protected]. For questions about filing a claim, contact [email protected].
Live chat: Chat with a customer service representative on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET.
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.
Methodology
Life insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s life insurance ratings are based on consumer experience, complaint index scores from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for individual life insurance, and weighted averages of financial strength ratings, which indicate a company’s ability to pay future claims. Within the consumer experience category, we consider ease of communication and website transparency, which looks at the depth of policy details available online. To calculate each insurer’s rating, we adjusted the scores to a curved 5-point scale.
These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2020-2022. To assess how insurers compare with one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
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