- Sustainable values
- 5-minute initial online application process
- Easy to adjust down coverage
- Coverage in all 50 states and D.C.
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Updated February 26, 2024
In a nutshell
Ladder life insurance focuses on helping customers in all 50 states scale their coverage up or down as life situations change.
- This innovative approach may work for younger adults who value digital tools, low premium prices, and longer term lengths.
- Various reputable insurers hold each policy, all with stellar financial credibility.
- However, Ladder life insurance cuts off coverage at age 70, and those 60 or over need not apply, making it a no-go for older adults and seniors.
Ladder Life Insurance
Ladder Life Insurance
Coverage max
$8 million
Term
Up to 30 years
Eligible ages
Under the age 60
Pros:
Cons:
- No whole life or riders offered
- No applicants over 60 accepted
- Customer service varies by insurer
- Short term lengths for older adults
Ladder life insurance overview
Ladder life insurance is a 100% online insurance company that offers term life insurance policies for adults under the age of 60. Founded in 2015, it is a California company that sells policies for major insurers like Fidelity and Allianz so that it can reach all 50 states with its plans. It offers no additional riders.
For those seeking just term life with no frills or hassle, Ladder’s online application process may be seamless. It also represents some of the best insurers in the industry with excellent ratings. Just be aware that its service largely depends on the companies it sells for, with the best deals and plan lengths available to the youngest of applicants.
Ladder life insurance coverage options
Ladder life insurance represents a few insurers but focuses on just one life insurance product: term life. With policies of up to $8 million in coverage and up to 30-year terms, it’s a flexible company with affordable options for a variety of financial and lifestyle needs.
Note that where you live, and your personal situation will determine what's available when you complete your application. California residents, for example, have a $3 million policy limit, and those over 40 won't have access to the longest 30-year term plans. (Ladder’s policy is to not issue a policy length that, when added to your age, exceeds age 70.) Ladder also only takes applications from those aged 60 and younger.
Ladder's term life plans are not convertible, meaning you can't turn them into whole life policies at some point. It's not permanent life insurance coverage, so you'll need to make plans for other coverage if your policy is set to run out at age 60.
Most adults in good health can apply completely online, with no in-person medical exam necessary. In the case that your answers do trigger a medical exam, Ladder’s reps will schedule one in your home or workplace.
Ladder prides itself on making it easy to "ladder" up or down as your life situation changes the amount of coverage you need. If you need less coverage, you can seamlessly choose a lower-price plan with a lower benefit. If you need more, it's also easy, but you'll actually be completing a new application to make this happen. (Ladder saves your information to make the already quick application process just that more convenient.)
Ladder life insurance riders
Unlike some other online life insurance brands, Ladder does not offer additional coverage riders. It claims that it does this to avoid making life insurance unnecessarily complicated or expensive.
Ladder life insurance rates
Ladder life insurance offers coverage to all 50 states, but that requires it to use policies from several insurers. Pricing, therefore, can vary, but it’s generally an affordable pick for those under 60.
A sample price for a 25-year-old female non-smoker in excellent health needing $250,000 in coverage for a 20-year term is just $14.40 a month.
For a male, it’s $15.30.
This seems very reasonable, and your health can affect these prices. However, purchasing a 30-year term is still the best way to save money in the long run, and these longer terms aren’t available for older applicants. So rates, while low for younger adults, may be disproportionately high for anyone in their later years.
Ladder life insurance customer service
Because Ladder life insurance sells policies from multiple insurers, it can only be rated on customer service. Reviews about the service overwhelmingly praise the simple online application, but unhappy customers mention that it can take many weeks to complete the actual underwriting process. This isn’t unusual for a life insurer, but those expecting the 5-minute application to result in immediate approval may be surprised to learn that the application must still go to the underwriters for approval.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives Ladder an A+ rating with no customer complaints or cases filed.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioner (NAIC) has given two of the companies (Fidelity and Allianz) favorable complaint indexes of less than 1.0.
As far as each insurer is concerned, they each have their own A.M. Best financial rating :
- Allianz Life Insurance Company: A+ (Superior).
- Amica Life Insurance Company: A+ (Superior).
- S.USA Life Insurance Company: A-(Excellent).
- Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company: A(Excellent).
In short, the experience you get largely depends on the insurance issuer. Ladder's role in the process is limited to the initial application, billing, and ongoing customer service as it relates to your plan choice.
How Ladder life insurance compares with other brands
Ladder life insurance has a sleek online interface, making the process of completing an initial application hassle-free. Because it sells policies from multiple insurers, consumers in all 50 states can sign up. Not every company can promise such wide availability.
However, Ladder life insurance offers just one type of policy: term life insurance. It doesn’t allow for conversion, unlike some other companies. Policies are competitively priced for younger adults, but once you hit age 60, applying for a new plan is not possible. In fact, terms can’t last longer than when you reach age 70.
This makes Ladder out of reach for older adults, especially those who want to take advantage of the "ladder up" concept of raising coverage as life situations change. This isn't particularly unique to Ladder; most companies do require a new application for additional coverage. However, when comparing policies to see you through your entire life, not everyone will want to jump ship when they get older. It also has no riders to sell, making it impossible to diversify coverage from just this one company.
Ladder Life Insurance
Ladder Life Insurance
Coverage max
$8 million
Term
Up to 30 years
Eligible ages
Under the age 60
Methodology
Our analysis begins with customer feedback on the company under review from J.D. Power and studies from Life Happens and LIMRA. Next, we look at the following metrics:
- Cost relative to the company’s competitors
- Financial strength and ability to meet obligations
- Policy types, features, and riders
- Customer satisfaction
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Ladder life insurance legit?
Ladder life insurance is a real life insurance reseller offering term life insurance policies by reputable companies, including Fidelity, Allianz, and others. It has issued over $69 billion in coverage to customers across the U.S.
Who is Ladder life insurance backed by?
Ladder life insurance helps match customers to the policies available in their area and does not do all of its own underwriting. Underwriting insurers include Ladder Life Insurance Company of California, Allianz Life Insurance Company of New York in New York, and Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company in other states and D.C.
Does Ladder life insurance require a medical exam?
Like most online insurance companies, Ladder accepts applications and can issue insurance without the need for a medical exam in most cases, including if the policy coverage amount is $3 million or less. If there’s an indication of poor health or other relevant factors, they may require one and will send a professional to your home or work at their cost to perform it. Policies over $3 million require a medical exam, as well.
Does Ladder life insurance have a waiting period?
Ladder life insurance doesn’t mention a waiting period. However, policies are provided by individual insurers and may have their own regulations for policies.
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.