Is Colonial Penn Right for You?
Colonial Penn may be a good fit if you’re looking for $50,000 or less in life insurance to cover final expenses like funeral costs, or if you are between the ages of 50 and 85 and won’t need to access full death benefits for at least two years (in most states). It may also be a good fit if you’re looking for a life insurance policy that doesn’t require a medical exam.
Where Is Colonial Penn Offered?
Colonial Penn is available in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, plan features and restrictions may differ by state. For instance, in New York, Colonial Penn is underwritten by Bankers Conseco Life Insurance Company. Additionally, its renewable term life insurance plan is not offered in Montana, New York, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Pros and Cons of Colonial Penn Insurance
Colonial Penn Pros Explained
No medical exam required: While many life insurance plans ask health questions or require medical exams, the Guaranteed Acceptance whole life insurance option doesn’t—and Colonial Penn guarantees you’ll be approved. Potential ability to borrow against cash value: Some Colonial Penn insurance plans may allow you to borrow money from your life insurance policy. This includes both term and whole life insurance policies. Guaranteed rate: For the Guaranteed Acceptance plan, your monthly premium stays the same over the policy life.
Colonial Penn Cons Explained
$50,000 maximum insurance payout: The maximum insurance death benefit is $50,000, and some policies have lower or varying maximums. Typically, these lower payouts are only sufficient for limited final expenses.Two-year limited benefit period: For the Guaranteed Acceptance whole life insurance plan, you must wait at least two years before you can make a claim for full benefits for non-accidental deaths. A percentage of the plan’s face value may be paid for non-accidental deaths, with the full face amount paid for accidental deaths. This may vary by state.
Colonial Penn Products and Notable Offerings
Colonial Penn specializes in life insurance, but not all types are available in all states. It offers coverage starting at just $9.95 per month, which may be more affordable than other insurance plans, although it’s always smart to compare.
Guaranteed Acceptance life insurance: Age to apply varies by state.Permanent whole life insurance: Must be between 50 and 75 years of age to apply.Renewable term life insurance: Must be between 18 and 75 years of age to apply for up to $50,000 of coverage, renewable until age 90, and premium rates increase with age.LifeChoice whole life insurance: Exclusive to New York residents, must be between 50 and 75 years of age to apply.Living insurance rider: For an additional premium, you can add one rider per health issue type to a term or whole life insurance policy, so you have the option to collect up to 50% of your death benefit upon diagnosis of cancer, chronic disease, stroke or heart attack, or terminal illness.
What Discounts Are Offered?
Colonial Penn discloses very few discounts on its website. However, it does offer a prepay discount on some of its insurance plans. Simply pay annually and save up to one month’s worth on your premium.
Colonial Penn Insurance Ratings and Reviews
Colonial Penn Life Insurance was given a Financial Strength Rating of “A- (Excellent)” by AM Best. It is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and more than 140 complaints have been filed with the BBB.
The Bottom Line
Colonial Penn has a strong financial strength rating, has been around for over 60 years, and offers life insurance with no medical exam for people up to age 75. If you’re shopping for insurance, you may get a lower price if you’re younger, in good health, or can pass a medical exam. Whenever you’re looking to compare life insurance options, consider the help of a licensed life insurance broker or agent to help you review policies and quotes.
