Best Life Insurance Companies in New York (2026)

MoneyGeek scored the best life insurance companies in New York based on thousands of quotes and reviews to help you find your ideal policy.

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Best Life Insurance Companies in New York (2026)

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: December 29, 2025

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Key Takeaways

Protective offers the best life insurance in New York. Lincoln Financial provides the cheapest life insurance in New York based on average quotes MoneyGeek collected from major insurers.

The best life insurance companies in New York vary based on individual needs. Guardian Life ranks highest for customer experience, while Prudential offers the most coverage options.

The type of life insurance policy influences your best choice: North American for whole and universal life, Gerber Life for guaranteed acceptance and Legal & General for term.

To get the best life insurance in New York, we recommend deciding on coverage beforehand, researching costs and companies, and comparing multiple providers.

National insurers aren't your only option. New York has regional and state-focused life insurance companies that compete on price and give you more personalized attention.

What Is the Best Life Insurance in New York?

Based on MoneyGeek's analysis. Protective offers the best life insurance in New York and nationwide, earning a MoneyGeek score of 4.7 out of 5 for customer service, affordability and coverage options. While this is the best company overall, your top choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. Other MoneyGeek recommendations include Guardian Life, Lincoln Financial and Prudential.


Overall	Protective Insurance	4.7	$44 (men) $36 (women)	$532 (men) $443 (women)
Customer Experience	Guardian Life	4.6	$51 (men) $40 (women)	$612 (men) $480 (women)
Affordability	Lincoln Financial	4.5	$35 (men) $30 (women)	$417 (men) $359 (women)
Coverage Options	Prudential	4.1	$61 (men) $48 (women)	$735 (men) $578 (women)

Rates reflect average quotes for 40-year-old nonsmokers buying a 20-year term policy with $500,000 in coverage. These costs are based on MoneyGeek’s analysis and serve as general estimates. Actual premiums depend on personal factors such as age, health, lifestyle and insurer underwriting criteria. To get an accurate rate, request personalized quotes directly from insurers.

Best Overall: Protective

Protective

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

4.8/5Affordability

4.6/5Customer Experience

4.3/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$44 (men); $36 (women)
Average Annual Cost
$532 (men); $443 (women)

pros
- Policies go up to $10 million
- Choose term, whole or universal life
- Beats competitors on price without sacrificing quality
cons
- You'll need a medical exam for most plans
- Limited term options after age 60
Protective takes the top spot for life insurance in New York. The company offers some of the lowest premiums we found while still maintaining strong financial stability ratings.

You can choose from term policies (coverage for a set number of years), whole life (permanent coverage with cash value) or universal life (permanent coverage with flexible premiums). Coverage caps out at $10 million, which works for most people's needs.

The application process requires a medical exam for nearly all policies. If you're over 60 and want term coverage, your options narrow considerably. Protective focuses more on permanent policies for older buyers.
It does business in New York as Protective Life and Annuity Insurance Company.
- J.D. Power Rating: 653 (ninth place)
- AM Best Rating: A+
- BBB Rating: N/A
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: N/A
- Term
- Whole
- Universal
- IUL
- No-Exam

Best Customer Experience: Guardian Life

Guardian Life

MoneyGeek Rating

4.6/ 5

4.6/5Affordability

4.9/5Customer Experience

4/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$51 (men); $40 (women)
Average Annual Cost
$612 (men); $480 (women)

pros
- Ranked 2nd in J.D. Power customer satisfaction
- Excellent financial strength and reliability
- Complimentary charitable benefit rider
cons
- Medical exams required for most applicants
- Limited product innovation beyond core offerings
Guardian Life ranks as the best life insurance company in New York for customer experience, combining top-tier service, financial stability and long-term dependability. The company maintains one of the industry’s highest satisfaction ratings and an A++ AM Best financial strength score, reflecting exceptional policyholder confidence.

Guardian’s charitable benefit rider further sets it apart, donating 1% of the death benefit to a chosen charity at no extra cost. Its term, whole, and universal life options provide trusted, straightforward coverage for individuals seeking personal attention and dependable service.
- J.D. Power Rating: 685 (second place)
- AM Best Rating: A++
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: 0.08
- Term
- Whole
- Universal
- Variable Universal

Best for Affordability: Lincoln Financial

Lincoln Financial

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

5/5Affordability

3.6/5Customer Experience

4.5/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$35 (men); $30 (women)
Average Annual Cost
$417 (men); $359 (women)

pros
- Beats most competitors on price
- Pick any term from 10 to 30 years
- Covers up to $5 million
cons
- Bare-bones rider selection
- Weak permanent life lineup
Lincoln Financial offers some of the lowest life insurance rates in New York, with term policies priced to keep coverage affordable while maintaining financial stability. Policyholders can choose term lengths from 10 to 30 years, which works well for both temporary needs and longer coverage plans.

Coverage amounts reach up to $5 million with a medical exam, while applicants can still qualify for as much as $1 million without one. Supported by strong financial ratings and straightforward pricing, Lincoln Financial is a practical option for New Yorkers looking for dependable coverage with lower monthly premiums.
- J.D. Power Rating: 652 (10th place)
- AM Best Rating: A
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: N/A
- Term
- Universal
- No-Exam

Best Coverage Options: Prudential

Prudential

MoneyGeek Rating

4.1/ 5

4.2/5Affordability

3.4/5Customer Experience

4.8/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$61 (men); $48 (women)
Average Annual Cost
$735 (men); $578 (women)

pros
- Coverage limits over $10 million
- Term policies convert to permanent coverage without a new exam
- Strong selection of riders, including living benefits
cons
- Underwriting can be complex and varies by state
- Complaint ratio is higher than some competitors
Prudential offers a broad mix of life insurance options in New York, with term coverage up to $10 million and no-exam policies reaching $3 million for eligible applicants. Its lineup includes multiple policy types and rider options designed to fit different coverage needs.

Term policies can convert to permanent life insurance without another medical exam, which adds long-term flexibility. With several term lengths and riders like the Living Needs Benefit, Prudential works well for New Yorkers who want adaptable coverage options.
- J.D. Power Rating: 626 (17th place)
- AM Best Rating: A+
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: 10.63
- Term
- Universal
- Indexed Universal
- Variable Universal
- No-Exam

Best Life Insurance in New York by Policy Type

Your best life insurance company depends on which type of policy you need. We've picked the top insurers for each policy category so you can zero in on what works for your situation.


Whole and Universal	North American	5	Whole: $691 (men) $602 (women) Universal: $295 (men) $251 (women)	Whole: $8,287 (men) $7,221 (women) Universal: $3,535 (men) $3,016 (women)
Term	Legal & General	4.7	$44 (men) $35 (women)	$523 (men) $415 (women)
Guaranteed Acceptance	Gerber Life	4.7	$44 (men) $44 (women)	$531 (men) $529 (women)

These rates are estimates based on MoneyGeek's analysis and may not reflect your actual premium. Individual rates vary based on health, lifestyle and other underwriting factors. Contact insurers directly for personalized quotes.

Best Whole and Universal: North American

North American

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Customer Experience

5/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
Whole: $691 (men); $602 (women) Universal: $295 (men); $251 (women)
Average Annual Cost
Whole: $8,287 (men); $7,221 (women) Universal: $3,535 (men); $3,016 (women)

pros
- Offers whole, universal, and indexed universal life policies
- Coverage limits above $10 million
- Good financial strength ratings
cons
- Medical exam required for all policy types
- Fewer rider options than some competitors
North American focuses on permanent life insurance and is well suited for New Yorkers looking at whole or universal coverage. Its policies emphasize long-term protection with cash value features that allow policyholders to adjust how coverage grows over time. The company offers whole life, universal life, and indexed universal life options, giving customers flexibility in how their policies function.

With high coverage limits and strong financial backing, North American fits buyers who want permanent life insurance built for long-term planning rather than short-term needs.
- J.D. Power Rating: N/A
- AM Best Rating: A+
- BBB Rating: A+
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: N/A
- Whole
- Universal
- Indexed Universal
- Term

Best Term: Legal & General

Legal & General

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

4.7/5Affordability

4.7/5Customer Experience

4.7/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$44 (men); $35 (women)
Average Annual Cost
$523 (men); $415 (women)

pros
- Solid financial strength rating from AM Best
- Term options from 10 to 30 years
- Coverage amounts up to $10 million
cons
- Limited online customer support
- Smaller rider lineup than some insurers
Legal & General is a strong term life option in New York, offering a wide range of term lengths and high coverage limits. Policyholders can choose terms from 10 to 30 years, which makes it easier to match coverage to changing family or income needs.

Coverage amounts can reach $10 million, and term policies include a long conversion window that allows a switch to permanent coverage up to age 70 without another medical exam.

With solid financial backing and straightforward term structures, Legal & General suits New Yorkers who want flexible term coverage with room to adjust later.
- J.D. Power Rating: N/A
- AM Best Rating: A
- BBB Rating: N/A
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: 0.35
- Term
- Universal
- Indexed Universal
- Variable Universal

Best Guaranteed Acceptance: Gerber Life

Gerber

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

4.4/5Affordability

5/5Customer Experience

4.9/5Coverage Points

Average Monthly Cost
$44 (men); $44 (women)
Average Annual Cost
$531 (men); $529 (women)

pros
- Guaranteed approval for applicants ages 50 to 75
- No medical exams or health questions
- Straightforward application process
cons
- Coverage capped at $25,000
- Not available for applicants under age 50
Gerber Life offers guaranteed acceptance life insurance in New York for older adults who may have difficulty qualifying for traditional coverage. Applicants between ages 50 and 75 can apply without medical exams or health screenings, which removes common approval barriers.

Coverage amounts go up to $25,000 and are intended to help with final expenses. Policies include a two-year graded death benefit that pays premiums back with added interest for natural causes during the waiting period.

With strong financial backing, Gerber Life appeals to those who want simple, predictable coverage without underwriting hurdles.
- J.D. Power Rating: N/A
- AM Best Rating: A+
- BBB Rating: N/A
- Average NAIC Complaint Index: N/A
- Term
- Whole
- Guaranteed Acceptance

Compare Personalized Best New York Life Insurance Picks

We've built a filterable table below so you can find insurers that match your profile.

Data filtered by:


Lincoln Financial	$38	$452
North American	$43	$517
Midland National	$43	$517
Protective Insurance	$44	$532
Transamerica	$46	$551
CoreBridge	$47	$560
Principal National	$47	$564
Legal & General	$47	$566
Pacific Life	$47	$566
SBLI	$48	$579
Cincinnati Life	$49	$593
Guardian Life	$51	$612
Equitable Life	$52	$626
Columbus Life	$53	$632
Securian	$53	$634
Gerber Life (Fabric)	$53	$638
Assurity	$55	$663
AAA	$56	$671
Nationwide	$56	$677
Fidelity Life	$59	$705
Life Insurance Co of The South West	$59	$708
National Life Group	$59	$708
Ameritas	$59	$708
John Hancock	$59	$713
Prudential	$61	$735
Foresters Financial	$62	$740
Royal Neighbors of America	$108	$1,300

Rates in this table are based on a term life insurance policy for nonsmokers with average weight and health ratings. Individual costs will vary based on policy type and your profile.

How to Find the Best Life Insurance in New York

Here's a breakdown of essential tips to help you secure the ideal life insurance policy in New York.

1
Decide Coverage Beforehand
Finding out how much life insurance coverage you need is important before purchasing. This ensures you can compare prices fairly and avoid being oversold by agents.
2
Research Costs for Your Profile
Check average life insurance costs based on your coverage level and personal profile. This helps determine if you're getting a fair deal. Your location usually doesn’t impact life insurance rates, so focus more on personal factors.
3
Compare Company Reputations
While life insurance rates often don’t change by state, a company's reputation can vary. Use resources like J.D. Power, online forums and independent agents to compare life insurance companies in New York.
4
Compare Quotes Through Multiple Avenues
Compare quotes to secure the best value. Pricing can differ depending on where you acquire quotes, whether from an independent agent, an online source or a captive provider agent.

CALCULATING YOUR COVERAGE NEEDS

How much life insurance do you need in New York? Use the DIME method to calculate your needs: Debt + Income replacement + Mortgage + Education costs. A quick rule of thumb suggests 10-12 times your annual income, but New York's higher cost of living may require additional coverage for expenses like childcare and housing.

New York Life Insurance Laws and Regulations

Life insurance in New York comes with specific legal protections that work in your favor. Knowing these regulations helps you make better decisions and know your rights as a policyholder.

Free Look/Right to Return

Under New York regulations, insured individuals receive a “free-look” period of 10 to 30 days from policy delivery to cancel and obtain a full premium refund. The policy must include a “free-look” notice on the cover page.

Grace Period for Premium Payments

For scheduled premium policies (such as most term or whole life policies), life insurance companies in New York must provide a 31-day or one-month grace period after the premium due date.

For flexible premium policies, where the amount or frequency of premiums can vary (such as universal or variable universal life insurance), the law requires a 61-day grace period.

Death Benefit Interest Requirement

If payment of a death benefit is delayed, New York’s Insurance Law requires interest to accrue daily from the date of death to the date of claim, at the rate currently paid by the insurer for proceeds left under the interest settlement option.

Life Insurance Guaranty Protection (LICGC)

The Life Insurance Guaranty Corporation of New York (LICGC) protects policyholders if an insurer becomes insolvent. The guaranty covers up to $500,000 aggregate for life, annuity, and accident & health claims in most non-employer contracts.

Insurer’s Claims Investigation Conduct

The Department of Financial Services has issued a Circular Letter emphasizing that life insurance companies in New York must not withhold claim payments during the contestability period in the absence of actual misrepresentation.

Best Life Insurance in New York: Bottom Line

Protective, Lincoln Financial, Guardian Life, Prudential, North American, Gerber Life and Legal & General are the best life insurance companies in New York, according to MoneyGeek's analysis. While these are our recommendations, we encourage you to assess your coverage needs and compare quotes.

New York Life Insurance: FAQ

Below are expert answers to common questions about life insurance for residents of New York.

What is the best life insurance in New York?

In New York, Protective offers the best overall life insurance with top-rated customer service nationwide, affordable rates of $44 (men) and $36 (women) monthly, and solid term life coverage options.

How do you get the best life insurance in New York?

To secure the best life insurance in New York, start by determining your coverage needs, then thoroughly evaluate policies from reputable insurers and compare their premiums.

Do life insurance rates differ by state?

No, life insurance rates are consistent across states, but policy features and additional benefits can differ based on the location.

How does New York's free look period work?

New York law provides a minimum 10-day free look period after you receive your policy, but some insurers extend this to 30 days. During this time, you can cancel your policy for any reason and receive a full refund of premiums paid. The period begins when you physically receive your policy documents, not when you sign the application.

Do I need a medical exam for life insurance in New York?

Most traditional term and permanent life insurance policies in New York require a medical exam. The state doesn't currently permit fully underwritten no-exam term policies offered in other states. Simplified-issue and guaranteed-issue life insurance, usually small-coverage or final-expense plans, are available without an exam, though they have lower coverage limits and graded benefits.

How We Decided the Best Life Insurance in New York

Finding the right life insurance in New York shouldn't feel overwhelming, especially when you're protecting your family's financial future in one of the most expensive states. We designed our research specifically for New York residents, focusing on companies that operate in the state and offer competitive rates despite the higher cost of living.

Our Scoring Framework

We evaluated life insurance companies in New York using a three-category system, with each company earning up to five points per category.

Our affordability weighting of 55% reflects what matters most to New York families: getting adequate coverage without straining already tight budgets.
Customer experience accounts for 30% because dealing with claims shouldn't add stress during difficult times.
Coverage options represent 15% since most families need straightforward term life protection.

What We Measured

Our analysis incorporated real data from multiple sources:

Cost comparisons through direct online quotes from each insurer
Financial stability using AM Best ratings and years in business
Customer satisfaction from NAIC complaint data and J.D. Power studies
User experience including online tools and payment flexibility
Product variety across term and permanent life insurance options

Our Sample New York Customer

We used a 40-year-old nonsmoker with average health as our baseline, representing the demographic most actively shopping for family protection. We then adjusted for different ages, health ratings, tobacco use, and coverage amounts to capture how rates vary across New York's diverse population.

This approach gives you apples-to-apples comparisons based on what actually drives your life insurance costs in New York.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

Read Full Bio »

sources

Department of Financial Services. "Circular Letter No. 1 (2017)." Accessed October 11, 2025.
Department of Financial Services. "Life Insurance: FAQ." Accessed October 11, 2025.
Department of Financial Services. "Policyholder Protection and the LICGC in New York." Accessed October 11, 2025.