EquiTrust Life carrier profile

Who EquiTrust Life is in the annuity market

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company writes indexed and guaranteed annuities from West Des Moines, Iowa, through independent distribution. Its contracts frequently compete on crediting terms, and its financial strength rating sits a category below the largest issuers — a trade-off that should be understood rather than ignored.

• —Competitive declared crediting terms on indexed contracts
• —Multi-year guaranteed contracts at declared rates
• —B++ rating, in the secure range but below the A categories
• —Independent distribution across most states

Where the rating sits on the scale

A.M. Best classifies B++ and B+ as Good and places them in the secure range. Ratings of B and below are classified as vulnerable. B++ is therefore neither a top-tier rating nor a distressed one.

The practical consequence is that carrier strength stops being a background assumption and becomes something to weigh alongside contract terms and guaranty association limits.

Guaranty association limits become material

Every state maintains a guaranty association that provides a statutory level of protection if a member insurer fails. Limits differ by state and typically apply per contract owner per company.

For any contract, and particularly one with a lower-rated issuer, knowing your state's limit is part of an honest review. Concentration above the limit with a single carrier is a position worth being deliberate about.

What to check on a EquiTrust Life contract

• —Your state's guaranty association limit and your total exposure to one carrier
• —Current declared caps and participation rates against the original terms
• —Remaining surrender years and any market value adjustment
• —Whether the rating has changed since the contract was issued

Questions owners ask

What is EquiTrust's A.M. Best rating?

EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is recorded in the AnnuityScore carrier network with an A.M. Best financial strength rating of B++ (Good), which is in the secure range of the scale but below the A categories.

Is a B++ rated annuity safe?

B++ is classified as secure by A.M. Best, one grouping below Excellent. A complete answer also weighs your state guaranty association limits and how much of your total assets sit with one carrier.