Independent reviews
Insurance Company Reviews & Comparison
Plain-language reviews of the carriers people ask us about most — what they sell, how they underwrite, and where each one tends to fit.
These are reviews written by Call For Life Quotes. We are not any of the companies reviewed here and have no affiliation with them.
Life insurance companies are not interchangeable. One will accept applicants no one else will touch and charge accordingly. Another writes large policies cheaply but expects you to pass underwriting to get them. A third is not an insurance company at all, but an agency placing your application with someone else.
These reviews explain those differences without a sales pitch attached. We have no relationship with any of the companies below and earn nothing if you buy from them.
Ethos Life Insurance
A technology-driven agency selling no-exam coverage issued by partner carriers.
- Founded:
- 2016
- Headquarters:
- San Francisco, California
American Amicable Life Insurance
A long-established Texas insurer built around simplified-issue final expense coverage.
- Founded:
- 1910
- Headquarters:
- Waco, Texas
American General Life Insurance
A large national insurer, now marketed under the Corebridge Financial brand.
- Issuing company:
- American General Life Insurance Company
- Consumer brand:
- Corebridge Financial
Ameritas Life Insurance
A policyholder-owned mutual insurer operating since 1887.
- Founded:
- 1887
- Headquarters:
- Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance
A final expense specialist built around one product: the Funeral Advantage plan.
- Headquarters:
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Specialty:
- Final expense whole life
Compare these companies side by side
A summary of how the five companies differ. Figures are drawn from publicly available sources in August 2026 and vary by state and product — confirm current details with the carrier.
| Company | Type | AM Best | Focus | Medical exam | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethos | Agency — policies issued by partner carriers | Not rated (not an insurer); the issuing carrier is rated | Online application, no-exam coverage | Not required for many applicants | Varies by partner carrier and product |
| American Amicable | Insurance carrier | A (Excellent) | Final expense whole life | Not required; health questions apply | Up to about $35,000, lower at older ages |
| American General | Insurance carrier | A (Excellent) | Full product shelf incl. guaranteed issue | Not required on guaranteed issue | $5,000 to $25,000 guaranteed issue |
| Ameritas | Insurance carrier (mutual) | A (Excellent) | Term, participating whole life, IUL | Usually required — standard underwriting | Varies by product |
| Lincoln Heritage | Insurance carrier | A- (Excellent) — confirm current rating | Final expense, single product line | Not required; health questions apply | Up to about $35,000; less above age 80 |
Company names are the property of their respective owners and appear here only to identify the company being reviewed. This table is not an offer of coverage, a quote, or a recommendation.
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